Tubing the Chattahoochee River in North Georgia

Floating downriver without a care in the world — humming tunes, chatting with friends, and taking in the sights — there’s nothing quite like it. Along with whitewater rafting and kayaking, tubing the Chattahoochee River is a fun way to cool off and beat the summer heat of North Georgia. Plus, a river tubing trip is a refreshing experience families and friends can enjoy together on a memorable Blue Ridge Mountain getaway.

Generally offered between Memorial Day and Labor Day annually, North Georgia tubing is a barrel of family fun in the summertime. Water temps hover between 55-65 year-round on the Chattahoochee, and tubing spots are pretty laid back with the occasional class I or II rapids.

Shoot the Hooch

Since drinking alcohol while tubing is legal on parts of the river, tubing the Chattahoochee is also known as “shootin’ the Hooch” in Georgia slang. At 430 miles long, the Chattahoochee River reaches from North Georgia, touches Alabama, and eventually runs into Florida with rapids and lakes along the way.

River Tubing Companies in North Georgia

Not too far from Blue Ridge and Ellijay, GA, you can tube the Chattahoochee at a few places in Helen. You can also tube the Chattahoochee near Atlanta in Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Duluth. Paddles and life jackets are provided, and before you bring a beer on the river, remember to check local outfitter rules.

Cool River Tubing
Enjoy a leisurely float with Cool River Tubing in Helen, GA! Tubing the Chattahoochee since 1990, this family company has provided many memorable experiences over the years. To give back, their passionate staff volunteer to collect trash from the water and river banks every week in summer.

While alcohol isn’t allowed on the Chattahoochee River in Helen, you can bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated on your 1-2 hour tubing adventure. Along the river, you can also stop to zoom down water slides for added fun! Dogs are welcome to tube the Chattahoochee with you at no extra charge (if they ride in the same tube with you). And kids must be at least 3 years old and 42” tall to tube.

Individual Rate — $12 (Mon-Fri) or $16 (Sat-Sun & holidays) per person
Group Rate (20+) — $10 (Mon-Fri) or $12 (Sat-Sun) or $14 (holidays) per person
Water Slide Bracelet — $5

Before setting sail, you can leave valuables with the staff (free) or rent a locker ($3) at the Chattahoochee Outpost. Bring your own push stick or buy one ($5) as a souvenir. Tie your tube with a friend to float together or opt for a free-spirited journey flying solo down the river.

Cool River Tubing has on-site bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms. There are pavilions, grills, and picnic tables to enjoy after your river ride. And you can pick up photos of your tubing excursion, too!

Cool River Tubing
590 Edelweiss Strasse
Helen, GA 30545
1.800.896.4595

Helen Waterpark Tubing
Known for their bright pink river tubes, Helen Waterpark features water slides, a water playground for kids, and tubing on the Chattahoochee River. You can splash at the waterpark and tube or just go tubing, whatever you feel like!

In accordance with the law in Helen, you cannot bring alcohol on the river. However, since the trip is about 2½ hours, you can bring a 32-ounce water bottle. Dogs are allowed to ride with you (with an added individual charge). And kids must be 3+ years old and at least 42” tall to go tubing.

Individual Rate — $12 (Mon-Fri) or $16 (Sat-Sun & holidays) per person
Group Rate (20+) — $10 (Mon-Fri) or $12 (Sat-Sun) or $14 (holidays & holiday weekends) per person
Adult Waterpark Rate — $20 (Mon-Fri) or $25 (Sat-Sun & holidays) per person
Child Waterpark Rate — $13 (Mon-Fri) or $16 (Sat-Sun & holidays) per child under 42” tall

Forgot your water shoes? Browse the gift shop for all your tubing needs. Before hopping aboard, store precious items you don’t want to lose or get wet in a locker. You can tie your tube with your partner or friend or tube the Chattahoochee solo.

Helen Waterpark tubing provides changing rooms and restrooms. After your relaxing river expedition, enjoy a riverside meal at their picnic tables and unwind in the shade of a tent or pavilion. You can bring your own food or grab a bite from Wild Hog BBQ.

Helen Waterpark
222 Edelweiss Strasse
Helen, GA 30545
706.878.7465 (PINK)

Tubing the Chattahoochee Near Atlanta

Take a little drive further South towards Atlanta, and you’ll find a few more places with tube rentals where you can shoot the Hooch — yes, alcohol is allowed at these locations!

Shoot the Hooch | Roswell, GA
NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Outposts | Sandy Springs, GA
- Trip 1 runs from Johnson Ferry to Powers Island.
- Trip 2 runs from Powers Island to Paces Mill.
Chattahoochee River Tubing | Duluth, GA

9 River Tubing Tips

Use sunscreen, or you’ll regret it!
Wear water shoes with rubber soles for traction on the riverbed in case you tumble out of your tube.
Drink responsibly on the water. Glass and styrofoam are not allowed for the safety of wildlife and fellow tubers.
Opt for a closed-bottom inner tube when it’s cooler so you don’t freeze your tush off!
Enjoy wildlife (fish, turtles, otters, birds, etc.) from a distance — no petting.
Plan your trip around the weather as the rapids are much faster after a storm.
Wear a life vest!
Snap photos with a waterproof camera…trust us.
Tubing with your dog? Bring a towel so they don’t puncture the tube.

Cabins on the River

Can’t get enough of that gorgeous river scenery and relaxing experience? Stay at a cabin on the river with Georgia Cabins for YOU. Wake up every morning to the sound of the rushing water outside, head down to the riverside to cast a line and reel in some trout, or simply enjoy those sparkling river views.

Our North Georgia cabin rentals include fun amenities, relaxing spaces, fully equipped kitchens, complimentary Wi-Fi, and peaceful views. When you stay with Georgia Cabins for YOU, you’ll have everything you need to unwind on vacation and make memories with loved ones in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Book online or dial 1.800.580.5524 today!

Cabin Amenities