The Best Rivers to Go Tubing in the Mid-Atlantic

Plop your backside into an inflatable tire , make relaxed , and crack open a cold-blooded one , ‘cause it ’s summertime , and you ’re going tubing . This annual rite of passage is particularly popular in the Mid - Atlantic states , where the rivers run cool and calm from the Appalachians .

A few of these river road are essential for hot weather and languid day - drink . ( Officially , lour upon . on the side , you might not be the first someone to tow a drink alongside . ) Whether it ’s a trip on the mighty Shenandoah , the scenic Potomac , or the lazy Delaware , these are your essential tubing destination around the Mid - Atlantic region .

James River

Richmond , VirginiaNear Richmond , the James River grow into a raucous affair where party - going Tuber swim their way into Virginia ’s State Department cap . Most tubers opt to start their journey atPony Pasture Rapids Park . If the river is high-pitched , the drive will take two to four hours to pass Richmond , near Belle Isle or Brown ’s Island . There can be a few Class II rapid to watch out for , but all study , this is an easy ride into Downtown .

Delaware River

Milford , New JerseyFew tubing trip call for a pit stop at a riverbank hot dog bandstand , but that ’s exactly what you get on a misstep down the Delaware . With every renting , Delaware River Tubingserves you a " river dog " that you could rust at picnic table stationed at the Battle of Midway spot down the river . This tubing trip is about 90 arcminute from both New York City and Philadelphia , making it an easy day - trip-up name and address for metropolis indweller .

Shenandoah River

Harpers Ferry , West VirginiaNear the perimeter of Maryland , Virginia , and West Virginia sit Harpers Ferry , a genus Tuber ’s delight if you ’re looking for a relaxing river footrace near DC or Baltimore . Tubing companies dust the river;River RidersandHarpers Ferry Adventure Centerare two democratic spots . Just be trusted to wear weewee shoes or sandals because this riverbed is notoriously rocky and most air bladder trips will require them . For all your beverage need , many of the tube ship’s company will supply you with a floatable cooler that you could tie and tow to your thermionic tube . Be on the sentinel for riverbank rope swings , where you’re able to hurl yourself out and into the water .

Stonycreek River

Johnstown , PennsylvaniaThere ’s no better way to expend a summer good afternoon than with a trip down the scenic Stonycreek River , a tributary in Southwestern Pennsylvania , just a few hours from Pittsburgh . Before you go , be indisputable to ascertain the water level ; if the river is below 3 ft , the route can be cut unforesightful . The tubing trip takes about two to three hour – or even longer , for those unhurried folks who choose to set up minuscule flotillas of tubing parties . Coal Tubinis the favored lease fellowship if the water supply levels are up and running .

Potomac River

Maryland Heights , MarylandJust south of Harpers Ferry sits the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers . This is also where tubers can cruise at a pretty decent pace between the borders of Virginia and Maryland . This river is a moment more combat-ready than the Shenandoah – with Class II and III rapids – but there are also prospicient stretches for lazy relaxation in the sun .

New River

Blacksburg , VirginiaDon’t let your guard down wholly – the New River can get reasonably wild , especially around the upper portions , which are pop for whitewater rafting . But in the slower stretches by Blacksburg , the water is noticeably calmer , a perfect tubing launching detail . fountainhead to theNew River Junctionfor cheap tubing letting and a complimentary bird that gets you back to the launching . And pack a cooler : at a free grilling service in Big Falls Park , the staff provide the grill , utensils , and loose fluid – you just BYO barbecue menu .

Tubing on the river