If you’re planning a summer getaway to the North Georgia Mountains, tubing is a must-do activity. There’s something magical about drifting down a cool, winding river with the mountains rising around you, the sun sparkling on the water, and a breeze rustling through the trees. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful float or a fun family outing, tubing is the perfect way to relax and connect with nature.
The rivers around Ellijay and Blue Ridge offer prime tubing conditions and breathtaking scenery. With outfitters providing everything from tubes and shuttle service to life vests and river guidance, it’s easy to dive into this refreshing outdoor adventure. Even better, Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals features several riverfront cabins where you can tube right by your vacation home. Let’s take a look at some tips for tubing, the top outfitters in North Georgia, and the best Morning Breeze cabins for tubing access.
Tubing Tips for a Safe & Fun Day on the Water
Before heading out for a float, here are a few important reminders:
Bring Sunscreen – Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be strong. Protect your skin from sunburn while you enjoy the water.
Wear River Shoes – The riverbed can be rocky and slippery, so water shoes will protect your feet and give you better traction.
Keep Your Bottom Up – When going over shallow spots or rocks, make sure to lift your bottom inside the tube to avoid scrapes or bruises.
Don’t Stand Up in the Tube – Stay seated to prevent tipping over or injuring yourself.
Pack Snacks in a Cooler Tube – For longer floats, bring a spare tube to hold a cooler filled with drinks or a picnic lunch.
Supervise Kids Closely – Children should wear life jackets and stay with adults at all times. Some rivers allow little ones to ride safely in a parent’s lap.
Now that you’re prepped, it’s time to explore the best tubing outfitters in the North Georgia Mountains.
Toccoa Wilderness Tubing (Now Operating as Toccoa River Tubing Company)
Location: 340 Toccoa Avenue, McCaysville, GA
Rates: $14 per person for a 1.5-mile float (approximately 1.5 hours); cooler carrier tubes are available for $19
This North Georgia water adventure is ideal for families and beginners. The Toccoa River offers calm waters and scenic views, plus the company provides life jackets and shuttle service, making it a convenient and affordable option.
rollingthunderriverco.com
Cartecay River Experience – Ellijay, GA
Price: $15 cash / $18 credit card
Includes: Tube, life vest, shuttle service
Duration: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Season: Last weekend in April to the last weekend in September
Address: 2400 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA 30536
Phone: (706) 531-4746
For a more exciting tubing adventure, check out Cartecay River Experience. With stronger currents and a more adventurous course, this trip offers a mix of calm floats and fun rapids. You can also opt for kayaks if you’re seeking more control and movement.
Rolling Thunder River Company – McCaysville, GA
Price: $12 per person
Includes: Tube, life vest, shuttle service
Duration: 1.5-mile float on the Toccoa River
Address: 20 Hughes Street, McCaysville, GA 30555
Phone: (706) 492-5720
Rolling Thunder is a popular choice for families visiting Blue Ridge. Their gentle float down the Toccoa is perfect for all ages, and the setting is absolutely stunning.
Cabins Where You Can Tube Right by the Deck!
What’s better than driving to a tubing outfitter? Staying in a riverfront cabin rental where you can hop in the river just steps from your porch! Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals offers several properties with direct river access—perfect for tubing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water.
Waterwheel on the Cartecay – Ellijay, GA
This brand-new riverfront luxury cabin offers direct access to the Cartecay River. With upscale finishes, an outdoor kitchen, a large deck, and a private dock, you can fish, kayak, or float the river right from your backyard.
Camp Cartecay – Ellijay, GA
Rustic charm meets modern convenience at this cozy cabin nestled on the Cartecay River. It’s an ideal launch point for a tubing adventure. Bring your tubes and enjoy private access for a float down this scenic waterway.
Relaxing River Retreat – Ellijay, GA
As the name suggests, this cabin is all about peace and relaxation. Located on the banks of the Coosawattee River, you can drop in a tube right from the property. Enjoy a large deck, fire pit, and all the comforts of home.
Edgewater – Ellijay, GA
A guest favorite, Edgewater sits directly on the Coosawattee River and offers both charm and convenience. Bring your tubes and enjoy floating down a calm stretch of river, then relax by the firepit or soak in the hot tub.
Hunter’s Lodge – Ellijay, GA
This cabin offers a peaceful, private setting with beautiful river frontage. It’s great for families or couples looking to relax by the water, float down the river, or watch wildlife from the deck.
River Bluff Retreat – Ellijay, GA
High above the river with a winding path down to the water, River Bluff Retreat offers the best of both worlds—elevated views and private river access. Spend the day tubing and the evening enjoying the panoramic mountain scenery.
Additional Ideas for Family Outdoor Activities in North Georgia
Beyond tubing, the North Georgia Mountains are a playground for families looking for a variety of outdoor water activities in North Georgia. If you’re staying in Blue Ridge, Ellijay, or anywhere nearby, consider these fun group outdoor activities in the Georgia Mountains:
Kayaking & Canoeing: Whether you paddle down the Cartecay River or explore Lake Blue Ridge, kayaking and canoeing are terrific ways to see wildlife and enjoy peaceful coves. Many local outfitters offer guided paddling tours that are perfect for families or larger friend groups.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): SUP has become one of the fastest-growing outdoor water activities in North Georgia. Lake Blue Ridge and Lake Chatsworth provide calm waters ideal for all skill levels. Kids and teens usually pick it up quickly, making it a fun challenge for everyone.
Riverfront and Lake Fishing: Grab a rod and cast for trout in the Toccoa or Cartecay Rivers. These fish-rich streams are a favorite for family fishing outings. Children can learn to fish off the private docks at many riverfront cabin rentals, combining relaxation with a memorable catch-and-release experience.
Waterfall Hikes & Swimming Holes: Several scenic waterfalls, such as Helton Creek Falls (near Ellijay) and Long Creek Falls (near Blue Ridge), also create natural swimming holes. Kids love splashing in the shallow pools, while teens and adults can explore nearby trails for spectacular overlooks.
Whitewater Rafting & Raft Tours: For families with older children (age 12+), consider a guided whitewater rafting trip on the Ocoee River. It’s one of the premier family-friendly rafting destinations in the Southeast and adds a thrill that teens and adults will remember for years.
Ziplining Over Water: Some adventure parks in Blue Ridge and Ellijay combine ziplining with river views. Glide above river bends, enjoying panoramic mountain vistas and a rush of adrenaline. These experiences are especially great as a fun group outdoor activity in the Georgia Mountains for teens and adults.
Tubing from Your Cabin: Don’t forget that many Morning Breeze riverfront cabins are situated so you can drop in a tube literally from your back deck. It doesn’t get more convenient for family water fun. Pack a picnic cooler tube, float as a family, and then return to the cabin’s deck for a barbecue or campfire s’mores.
Adding these options to your itinerary ensures that your North Georgia vacation is filled with family outdoor activities in North Georgia—whether your group wants relaxation or adventure. You can mix a calm tubing float in the morning with an afternoon SUP session on the lake, followed by a sunset swim in a natural swimming hole—all without driving more than a few miles.
Plan Your Perfect North Georgia Mountain Getaway
There’s nothing quite like a summer vacation in the North Georgia Mountains. With charming small towns, cool mountain air, scenic hiking trails, and rivers made for floating, this is one destination that checks every box.
When you stay with Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals, you get more than just a place to sleep—you get an experience. Many of our cabins sit directly on the river, where you can walk out your back door and into a tube. Others are just a short drive from top outfitters and scenic spots along the Cartecay, Coosawattee, or Toccoa Rivers.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or total relaxation, we have a cabin for you. Enjoy luxury finishes, hot tubs, game rooms, firepits, and unbeatable views—all surrounded by the natural beauty of the North Georgia Mountains.
Book Your Riverfront Escape with Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals
Don’t miss your chance to float, fish, or relax by the river this summer. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or group retreat to the Georgia Mountains, Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals has the perfect riverfront cabin for you.
Explore our full list of properties and book your stay today at MorningBreezeCabinRentals.com. Let the river carry your stress away and enjoy one of the best tubing destinations in the Southeast
