Your Guide to Floating the Green River
When the summer heat rolls into the North Carolina mountains, there’s no better way to cool off than spending a day tubing the Green River in Saluda. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing float with friends or a fun family adventure, Saluda offers several tubing outfitters that make it easy to get on the water.
Here’s a look at your tubing options.
Green River Adventures
Best for: Visitors looking for the most options.
Green River Adventures offers both 3-mile and 4.5-mile tubing trips, along with ergonomic tubes, double tubes, and inflatable kayak rentals, making it easy to choose the adventure that fits your group. Whether you’re planning a relaxing float or a longer journey down the Green River, they offer options for a variety of ages and experience levels. In addition to tubing, Green River Adventures offers stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable kayak trips, waterfall rappelling, waterfall treks, kayak instruction, and equipment rentals. If you’re planning more than one day of outdoor fun, it’s worth exploring everything they have to offer.
- Standard Tube – 3 Miles (2–3 hours): $20
- Standard Tube – 4.5 Miles (3–4 hours): $25
- Ergonomic Tube Upgrade: Add $5
- Book Online
Location:
5476 Green River Cove Road
Saluda, NC 28773
Website: www.greenriveradventures.com
Wilderness Cove Tubing
Best for: A full outdoor getaway.
Named the #1 Best River Tubing Company in the USA in the 2026 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Wilderness Cove combines an award-winning tubing experience with a campground and outdoor retreat. In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy RV and tent camping, glamping, hiking, fishing, paddling, and easy access to the Green River Gamelands, making it an ideal destination for a weekend in the mountains—not just a few hours on the river.
- 3-Hour Mini Cat Float: $25–$35
- Inflatable Kayak Upgrade: Add $15
- Book Online
Location:
3772 Green River Cove Road
Saluda, NC 28773
Website: www.outdooradventureretreats.com/wilderness-cove
Green River Cove Tubing
Best for: A simple, affordable tubing trip.
Green River Cove Tubing focuses on a straightforward 3-mile float that’s easy on the budget. It’s a great choice if you’re simply looking to grab a tube and enjoy a few hours on the Green River. (Be sure to check their operating status before your visit, as operations have been affected by Hurricane Helene.)
- 3-Mile Tube Trip (2–3 hours): $15
Location:
5200 Green River Cove Road
Saluda, NC 28773
Website: www.greenrivercovetubing.com
Important Travel Information
The Green River Cove area was significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene, and the I-26 Saluda exit switchbacks remain closed. Visitors should plan to access the river using alternate routes. Before leaving home, enter both of these destinations into your GPS:
Stop 1:
Silver Creek Baptist Church
4391 Silver Creek Road
Mill Spring, NC 28756
Stop 2:
Your tubing destination address from above
Cell service can be limited in the Green River Gorge, so download your route or enter both stops before you begin your drive. This will help you stay on the correct roads.
While the alternate route may take a little longer, the drive through the countryside offers beautiful mountain scenery and is well worth the extra time.
Tips for a Great Tubing Day
- Wear shoes that can get wet and stay securely on your feet.
- Bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
- Secure your phone and valuables in a waterproof case.
- Arrive early on weekends, as tubing is one of Saluda’s most popular summer activities.
- Always follow the river safety instructions provided by your outfitter.
Plan Your Green River Adventure
Whether you choose a leisurely float, upgrade to an inflatable kayak, or simply want to spend a few relaxing hours enjoying one of western North Carolina’s most beautiful rivers, tubing in Saluda is a summer tradition that
visitors return to year after year.
Pack your towel, gather your friends, and experience why floating the Green River is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding Saluda.