When the summer sun warms the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the call of the river becomes too tempting to ignore, there’s only one thing to do—grab a tube, your favorite people, and float your cares away! Below is our ultimate guide to tubing the Toccoa, Coosawattee, and Cartecay Rivers, the most popular river tubing adventures in the North Georgia Mountains!
Tubing in the Mountains of Georgia is one of the most iconic and relaxing ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re looking for family fun activities, kid-friendly adventures, or simply a peaceful escape on the water, tubing delivers it all.
From the tranquil Toccoa River in Blue Ridge to the winding Coosawattee and Cartecay Rivers near Ellijay, this guide highlights the top tubing outfitters, tips for planning your float, and the best places to stay—like a luxury cabin rental with Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals, many of which are located right on the water for tubing access from your backyard!
Why Tubing is the Perfect Summer Fun Activity in the Georgia Mountains
Few things are more refreshing during a hot summer day in the North Georgia Mountains than a lazy river float under the shade of mountain laurels and hardwoods. Tubing is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure—no paddles, no boats, no experience necessary. It’s simple, affordable, and endlessly fun.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with the kids, a couple’s retreat, or a group gathering with friends, tubing offers an unforgettable way to explore the area. Plus, many of the rivers are gentle and shallow, making them ideal for all ages.
Top Tubing Outfitters in Blue Ridge and Ellijay
1. Toccoa River Tubing Company – Blue Ridge, GA
Location: 340 Toccoa Ave, McCaysville, GA
River: Toccoa River
Just a short drive from downtown Blue Ridge, Toccoa River Tubing Company offers a fun, relaxing float trip that takes about 1.5 hours to complete. The Toccoa River is wide, scenic, and perfect for first-time tubers or families with small children. The outfitter provides everything you need—tubes, life vests, and a shuttle back to your car.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Ask for a “bottomed tube” to help little ones feel more secure.
2. Blue Ridge Tubing – Blue Ridge, GA
Location: 8436 Aska Rd, Blue Ridge, GA
River: Upper Toccoa River
Blue Ridge Tubing offers longer float trips along the upper Toccoa, with peaceful waters that showcase the serenity of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Their 3-mile float takes about 2-3 hours and includes a relaxing shuttle ride to the put-in spot.
Pro Tip: Pack a waterproof dry bag for snacks, sunscreen, and phones.
3. Coosawattee River Tubing Company – Ellijay, GA
Location: 25 Eagle Mountain Dr, Ellijay, GA
River: Coosawattee River
Perfect for a scenic float through shaded valleys and gentle bends, the Coosawattee River Tubing Company offers a 1.5-mile float within the Coosawattee River Resort. You can expect about a 1.5–2 hour journey, depending on water flow.
Nearby Option: Morning Breeze offers several luxury cabin rentals in Ellijay near the Coosawattee, making it easy to go tubing right from your backyard!
4. Cartecay River Experience – Ellijay, GA
Location: 2400 GA-52, Ellijay, GA
River: Cartecay River
This is one of Ellijay’s favorite tubing spots. The Cartecay River Experience caters to all levels of river-goers, from calm floats to spots with light rapids for the more adventurous. This outfitter offers both tubing and kayaking options and allows you to enjoy the river’s natural beauty in a more interactive way.
Eco Note: The Cartecay River is a certified Georgia Scenic River, so you’ll see plenty of wildlife and unspoiled forest along the way.
5. Rolling Thunder River Company – McCaysville, GA
Location: 20 Hughes St, McCaysville, GA
River: Toccoa River
Serving the Blue Ridge and McCaysville areas, Rolling Thunder offers a tubing experience with a strong emphasis on customer service and river safety. With over 40 years in business, they’re a trusted outfitter for those looking for a smooth, family-friendly experience on the beautiful Toccoa River.
Family Fun Activities: They also offer rafting trips and have a gift shop where you can grab a souvenir or two.
Cabin Rentals in North Georgia with Tubing Access Nearby
One of the best parts of tubing in North Georgia is staying in a cabin rental that gives you direct access to the river or is just minutes away from your outfitter.
Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals specializes in luxury accommodations that are both pet-friendly and packed with amenities like hot tubs, firepits, mountain views, and yes—even tubing right from your backyard at select riverfront properties!
Imagine waking up in a cozy cabin, sipping coffee on a screened porch, and then walking just a few steps to hop in your tube and float downstream. No driving is required—just pure mountain bliss.
Why Stay with Morning Breeze Cabin Rentals:
- Properties located near the Toccoa, Cartecay, and Coosawattee Rivers
- Spacious family-friendly cabins with multiple bedrooms
- Fully stocked kitchens and large decks for entertaining
- Close to downtown Blue Ridge and Ellijay, tubing outfitters, wineries, and hiking trails
- Excellent customer service and easy online booking
Tips for Tubing in North Georgia
To make the most of your tubing adventure in the Georgia Mountains, keep these tips in mind:
- Wear water shoes – Many rivers have rocky bottoms.
- Use sunscreen – Even shaded floats can lead to sunburn.
- Bring a waterproof phone case – Capture those floating memories!
- Tie tubes together for families – Especially with younger kids.
- Respect nature – Don’t litter, and avoid glass bottles on the river.
- Call ahead – Water levels can affect tubing hours and availability.
Other Summer Fun Activities in the Georgia Mountains
While tubing is a summer staple, the Blue Ridge and Ellijay areas are filled with other kid-friendly activities and family fun options, such as:
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – A must-do adventure with scenic views and open-air cars.
- Mercier Orchards – Great for U-pick fruit, fried pies, and hard cider tastings.
- Amicalola Falls State Park – Hike to Georgia’s tallest waterfall.
- Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee – For thrill-seekers looking to level up.
- Downtown Blue Ridge & Ellijay – Explore boutiques, antique shops, and mountain eateries.
Plan Your Summer Tubing Adventure Today
Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic weekend, or looking to unwind with a group of friends, tubing is one of the best things to do in the summer in North Georgia. With rivers that offer both relaxation and adventure, professional tubing outfitters, and easy access to charming mountain towns, it’s no wonder so many return year after year.
Add to that the comfort of staying in a luxury cabin rental with Morning Breeze, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable summer getaway.
So grab your tube, pick your river—Toccoa, Coosawattee, or Cartecay—and float into the best summer yet!
