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“Shoot the Hooch”: Tubing on the Chattahoochee River in Helen, Georgia

Alyssa has been writing about exciting travel topics for Trips to Discover since 2013. After living the big city life in Chicago, Washington, DC, and Atlanta, Alyssa sold the bulk of her possessions and became a digital nomad, living full-time in her camper and working from wherever she could find an outlet and an internet connection for her laptop. Read full bio

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Last updated on May 12, 2023

Literally, nothing beats the heat in Georgia quite like going tubing down the Chattahoochee River. One of the best places to do it is in Helen, thanks to a guide company called Cool River Tubing. The company has been around since 1990 and is open seven days a week for fun on the river.

Tubing 101

If you’ve never been tubing before, there are few good things to learn before you hit the water. This is a very wet and wild adventure, so leave everything behind (keys, phone, etc.) that you don’t want to get wet. Tubes sometimes have a mind of their own, which is why push sticks come in handy. You can buy a souvenir one from the guide company for $5 or bring your own. It is also advised to wear water shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks and because flip-flops have a way of falling off and floating away.

Tubers should also know that alcohol is not allowed on the tubes and that the Helen police department does patrol the river. However, you can bring your dog along on the tube if he enjoys the water on a hot day!

Your Day on the River

Your day begins by choosing which tubing option you like and purchasing tickets. After arriving, signing in, and changing into your bathing suit, you can rent a locker at the Chattahoochee Outpost location to keep your belongings safe. Your river adventure begins and/or ends with a ride on the iconic blue and white buses, depending on which launch point you start from.

Packages and Pricing

There are couple different options to choose from with Cool River Tubing. The cost to go tubing is $8 per person for a one-hour trip or a two-hour trip. Shorter trips are recommended when the water levels are low. Or you can get an all-day pass and go as many times as you like between 9am and 6pm. The admission cost includes your rental tube, shuttle, life jacket, tie straps, and key holding option back on land.

(Prices may change, verify with Cool River Tubing)