Enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia with a lazy day of tubing down scenic rivers and seeing beautiful views! Have fun with friends and family, or relax on a solo trip. But there are a few things to know first.
Before a tubing adventure around Ellijay, GA, it’s important to find a well-known tubing company to rent the necessary tubes or purchase your own equipment. This ensures a safe adventure. You should also be familiar with safety and potential hazards especially when tubing near faster rapids.
If you want to learn more about how to have a safe and fun time tubing near Ellijay, GA, then this simple guide is for you!
Where Can I Go Tubing Near Ellijay, Georgia?
The closest rivers to downtown Ellijay are the Cartecay, Ellijay, and Coosawattee Rivers. There are plenty of gorgeous places to go tubing near the city of Ellijay all year round. Rivers range from gently flowing ones to faster rapids allowing visitors to have a unique adventure.
Here are a few of the most popular rivers.
Ellijay River
The Ellijay River flows from the Chattahoochee National Forest for 15 miles. The beautiful waters of the Ellijay River run through downtown and join up with the Cartecay River.
Cartecay River
This river is great for people with previous tubing experience. There are a few small rapids which are class II and III.
The river is surrounded by the beautiful North Georgia Mountains and their dazzling views.
Coosawattee River
As the Cartecay and Ellijay Rivers meet downtown, their confluence forms the Coosawattee River. This river then flows for almost 50 miles throughout North Georgia.
Toccoa River
The scenic Toccoa River is known for its calm waters. This premier river is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains and is surrounded by lush green forest canopies.
Along the river is the Toccoa Valley Campground which is a great place to bring the whole family together. This river is perfect for tubing with families and children.
Ocoee River
For more adventurous people, the Ocoee River provides thrilling whitewater rapids to tube and raft in. The river has a wide range of rapids ranging from class I to IV.
Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River has slow waters where people can have a relaxing day soaking in the forest and wildlife. This long river slowly twists and bends into deep water levels along its course and is known for its cool temperatures year-round.
Chestatee River
The Chestatee River runs through North Georgia and is especially popular among those near Dahlonega and Gainesville, Georgia.
Staying Safe While Tubing
While tubing can be a fun way to relax, it’s important to stay safe. Here are a few tips to ensure the entire family stays safe while having a fun day of tubing.
- Children and those who don’t know how to swim should wear a life vest while in the water. For families, an adult should always be present to make sure all children are safe.
- Water shoes are recommended during tubing trips to protect your feet from sharp rocks and glass on the riverbed. Many riverbeds have slippery rocks, so wearing water shoes can help you have a better grip.
- Always check the weather the day of your adventure to avoid unwanted storms and dangerous conditions such as water releases.
- Lastly, leave all valuables in the car because it is very easy to lose them in the river’s fast currents and rapids. Check to see if the tubing company has a key-saver service for your convenience too.
Tubing Companies Near Ellijay, GA
Cartecay River Experience
Located in downtown Ellijay, the Cartecay River Experience is the closest tubing spot for those in Ellijay, GA. It provides a fun atmosphere where families can choose between the Adventure River or the Lazy River trips along the Cartecay River.
Tube rentals are $13 each. The Lazy River Experience has gentle waters and is 1.5 miles long.
The Adventure River Experience is 3 miles long and has faster rapids.
Location Link: 2400 GA-52, Ellijay, GA 30536
Distance from Downtown Ellijay: 2.5 miles / 4-minute drive
Ellijay River Outfitters
Whether you want to tube or take a kayak trip, Ellijay River Outfitters has you covered! It is only a 13-minute drive from downtown Ellijay. And if you decide to bring your own tubes or equipment, there is a shuttle ride available for a small fee.
Pets are allowed if they can sit on your lap. Also, there are picnic areas and group rates available if you schedule them in advance.
Location Link: 88 Holt Bridge Rd, Ellijay, GA 30536
Distance from Downtown Ellijay: 8.1 miles / 13-minute drive
Coosawattee River Tubing Company
The Coosawattee River Tubing Company is another great choice! It’s a convenient 15-minute drive from the downtown of Ellijay and is at the entrance of the Coosawattee River Resort.
After the tube float trips, a shuttle will be waiting for your convenience! Please note that pets are not allowed on the tubes here.
Location Link: 25 Eagle Mountain Drive, Ellijay, GA 30540
​Website Link
Distance from Downtown Ellijay: 8.3 miles / 15-minute drive
Toccoa River Tubing Company
The Toccoa River Tubing Company is perfect for families looking for an easy summer adventure along the beautiful Toccoa River. With its affordable inner tubes at only $11 each to rent, it’s perfect for large groups wanting to experience Toccoa wilderness tubing.
The 1.5 miles journey is a 1.5-hour trip which gives families ample time to plan out the rest of their day.
Location Link: 340 Toccoa Ave, McCaysville, GA 30555
Distance from Downtown Ellijay: 26.9 miles / 32-minute drive
Rolling Thunder River Company
The Rolling Thunder River Company is great for visitors who want to experience both the Toccoa and Ocoee Rivers with their outdoor adventures. Tube rentals are only $12 each.
For the Toccoa River, they offer a short 1-mile trip perfect for beginners.
For the Ocoee River, they offer thrilling whitewater rafting ranging from 5 to 10 miles in length. Each group has a certified guide. For more intense legendary rapids, the Ocoee Adventure Center offers more thrilling adventures!
Location Link: 20 Hughes St, McCaysville, GA 30555
Distance from Downtown Ellijay: 27 miles / 33-minute drive
Blue Ridge Tubing
Blue Ridge Tubing is a great local outfitter for tubes located along the Toccoa River. Tube rentals are $12 per tube. River trips are 1.5 miles long.
The company also has a cafe to grab a bite after tubing. If you are feeling lucky, then you can try mining for precious gems at the Aska Mining Company or even visit downtown Blue Ridge for the evening. Tubing is just the start of your summer adventures!
Location Link: 8436 Aska Rd, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Distance from Downtown Ellijay: 24.9 miles / 31-minute drive
Cool River Tubing
Cool River Tubing is located in Helen, Georgia, and is a bit further away than the above. However, if you’re up for the drive, you can tube and then explore the city of Helen!
Location Link: 590 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Distance from Downtown Ellijay: 69.7 miles / 1 hour and 25-minute drive
Helen Tubing & Waterpark
While exploring the city of Helen, you can also check out this place! Tubing is available seven days a week.
And if you want more adventures in the water, they have a waterpark with slides
Location Link: 222 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545
Distance from Downtown Ellijay: 69.3 miles / 1 hour and 25-minute drive
Where Will My Adventure Begin and End?
The first step to start your tubing adventure is to choose the river location and tubing company you want to use. A simple guide has been included above!
Afterwards, you need to purchase your tickets and your own tube rentals from the company. Then, you need to lock away your valuables in your car or in a provided locker.
You will be required to watch a safety demonstration and attain safety equipment such as life jackets and more.
Once you have changed into your swim attire, you will head up-river in a shuttle service along with your tubes. You’ll then begin your journey down the river from one of the various starting points.
Depending on your trip, you will either end your adventure near to where you parked, or you might have to take an extra shuttle back to the parking lot.
And if you’re already in the Ellijay area, you should check out the local dining scene. This article talks about some of the best restaurants in Ellijay!
Great Products for Tubing
â— Tubes: Intex River Run I Sport Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 53″ Diameter
â— Life Jackets: Stearns Adult Watersport Classic Series Vest
â— Water Shoes: UBFEN Water Shoes Quick Dry
In a Nutshell…
Tubing near Ellijay, GA can be a fun way to relax, beat the heat, and slow down to appreciate nature. So, take some time to unplug from your busy life and get ready to float!
Be sure to read our articles on Zip Lining in the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can take a zipline canopy tour and The Best Amusement Parks in Georgia for more summer fun in Georgia!
