River tubing is a time-honored tradition for the young and young-at-heart in the Smoky Mountains. There’s no better way to cool off this summer than a relaxing float down a refreshing mountain stream. Hit the water any time between June 1st and September 30th, and you’ll find the water temps are just right. To help you out, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to our favorite places to go river tubing near Maggie Valley.

Oconaluftee River

The Oconaluftee River is one of the cleanest and most beautiful rivers in the southeastern U.S. – and one of the best spots for river tubing anywhere in the Western North Carolina Smokies. There are plenty of well-marked public access points all along the river, but the fun and relaxing Oconaluftee Islands Park is one of our favorite spots to spend a summer day. In addition to excellent river tubing, there are opportunities to go swimming, have a picnic, or cast a line for a mountain trout. (FYI, there is a small fee for a fishing license.) When you’re done tubing, stroll across the park’s two scenic bridges, watch the duck and geese, and just enjoy the tranquility of the peaceful nature that surrounds you.

Cherokee Rapids

If you’re looking for guided river tubing near Maggie Valley, take a short drive down the road and you’ll find yourself at Cherokee Rapids.  This expert outfitter will take you down the Oconaluftee River on a trip you’ll never forget.

Cherokee Rapids offers direct access to the river at its delightful Little Princess location, where you’ll be able to take on both Class I and Class II rapids. Because of the whitewater along the way, children under four years of age aren’t allowed to go river tubing at this location. Open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend – weather permitting – the hours are 10:30am through 5:30pm.

Smoky Mountain Tube and Raft

Another guided river tubing option down the Oconaluftee River is Smoky Mountain Tube and Raft, WNC’s top-rated tube and raft trip with over 200 tubes in stock, which means there’s no waiting. Located in Cherokee, NC, this is the perfect outfitter to help you relax and cool off as you gently float down the river, taking breaks to dip into local swimming holes and enjoy jumping into the water from the end of a fun rope swing.

Similar to Cherokee Rapids, due to the occasional whitewater, kids must be at least five years old to participate. They are open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Tuckasegee River

The Tuckasegee River – better known by locals as “The Tuck” – is another one of our top recommendations for river tubing near Maggie Valley. Join Tuckaseegee Outfitters for an amazing day on the water. If you’re aiming for more of a relaxing, family-friendly float, they offer mild whitewater tubing. A three-mile trip takes you along the gentle currents of one of the calmer sections of the river.

Or if you’re hoping for a little more action, their extreme whitewater tubing experience is filled with adventure and thrills. This journey is packed with Class I and II rapids with waves up to three feet. So, tubers must be at least 16 years old as well as physically fit and able to get themselves back onto the tube when they inevitably get dumped into the water.

Jonathan Creek

Right in the heart of Maggie Valley, you’ll find Jonathan Creek. This clear bubbling creek has plenty of access points as it flows right through the center of town, and the Meadowlark Motel just happens to be ideally situated directly on its banks. If you’re a guest at our motel, you’ll have easy access to the water as well as our large recreation area, with family games, outdoor furniture, a firepit, plus a pavilion with live music every weekend. Grab a tube and float to your heart’s content!

After a fun-filled day of river tubing near Maggie Valley, return to your room, cottage, or cabin at the Meadowlark Motel for the perfect home base for all your outdoor adventures!