Want to make a “splash” this summer?
Tubing is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the Helen area of northern Georgia. There are many excellent tubing companies right here in the heart of the Alpine village that will offer a day of blissful relaxation, but what if you’re a bit more of a thrill-seeker? For our visitors who enjoy getting their adrenaline pumping and trying something new and different, we often recommend taking a short trip north to McCaysville, GA in order to enjoy swift water tubing down the Toccoa River. Toccoa River Adventures offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience that you and your group will remember for a lifetime.
Toccoa River Adventures | 340 Toccoa Road (McCaysville)
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Tubing Overview
Tubing on the Toccoa River is an experience like no other. The early Cherokee peoples of northern Georgia named the expansive body of water “Toccoa River” which translates to “Beautiful River”, and it really is. The sparkling waters are lined with grassy banks, gorgeous trees, rolling hills, and clear blue skies. As you float down the river, you’ll want to be on the lookout for some of the various animals that call the Toccoa home. If you’re lucky you might spot a river otter playfully splashing in the water, a beaver constructing a dam, or a deer approaching the shore to enjoy a drink. You may also notice some of the original stone fish traps that were build by the Cherokee so many years ago. This makes for a very relaxing experience on the river – for those who choose to come for normal tubing during the earlier hours of the day.
For those who are craving a fun and exciting adventure, the afternoon is the best time to arrive at Toccoa River Adventures. During the later part of the day, the Blue Ridge Dam is opened up, releasing its waters into the river and causing the current to speed up rapidly. The swift water excursion will take you on a wild journey down the river in nearly half the time that it would take to do a regular float. Your blood will be pumping and your heart will be racing as you experience tubing in a whole new way.
Family Friendliness
Toccoa River Adventures offers a whole lot of fun for the entire family. For those who have younger children who might be frightened of a swift water tubing adventure, it’s possible to enjoy a relaxing tube ride in the first half of the day. Here, you’ll be able to float lazily along with your group and admire the spectacular scenery all around you while remaining cool and refreshed in the waters of the Toccoa River. 
For parents who like to keep their kids close at hand, there are two-person tubes available (of course, this is also a nice way to cozy up with your best girl or guy). Families with older kids, seasoned tubers, or adventure seekers will definitely want to come out in the afternoon when the waters of the Blue Ridge Dam have been released and the water speeds up. Paddles are provided on this excursion to help you maintain control of where you’re going and stay safe. No matter which adventure you choose to embark upon, keep in mind that minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Planning Ahead
Tubing on the Toccoa River begins at 10am each day during the summer (weather permitting). The swift water experience doesn’t occur until later in the day after the Blue Ridge Dam has been opened and the water has been released. Keep this in mind as you’re planning out your day, depending on which experience you prefer. You’ll have a couple different options in terms of your tubing adventure. For a single rider tube, the cost is $6 for a 1.5 mile trip, $12 for a 3 mile trip, and $16 for a 6.4 mile trip. If you’re doubling up in order to ride with your little ones or your sweet heart, a double tube is $12 for a 1.5 mile trip. The admission price includes your tube, a certified life jacket, and a shuttle to and from headquarters. Be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen to protect you and your family from the sun, and you might consider wearing water shoes as well. And if you want to get throughout he line more quickly and out onto the water, be sure to visit the Toccoa River Aventures website before you go, print off the lease agreement, and fill it out prior to your visit. Happy tubing!
Would you like to know more about Toccoa River Adventures and the various water sports that are available? Feel free to ask your questions in the comments section, and we’ll help connect you with the answers.
