THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Float 6 miles of scenic river near Asheville on your own tube. Fun for families and beginners, the Tubing Shuttle provides easy river access and refreshing water thrills.
Float 6 miles of scenic river near Asheville on your own tube. Fun for families and beginners, the Tubing Shuttle provides easy river access and refreshing water thrills.
Book with French Broad Outfitters
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by French Broad Outfitters · Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the vibrant outdoor playground of Asheville, North Carolina, the Tubing Shuttle offers an exhilarating 6-mile river tubing journey that seamlessly blends relaxation with adrenaline. Departing from 704 Riverside Drive, this adventure invites participants aged 6 and up to bring their own tubes and set off on a leisurely float through striking scenery along the river. The region surrounding Asheville is well-known for its lush river valleys carved by clear streams that twist beneath rich forest canopies, creating an ever-changing backdrop of verdant flora and occasional wildlife glimpses such as herons and kingfishers.
The tubing route follows gentle currents that make the trip accessible to families and novice adventurers, while still providing enough natural twists, turns, and small rapids to keep the pace exciting. distinctive river rock formations and pockets of cool mountain water punctuate the float, offering rest stops for quick dips or picnics. This easy yet engaging water activity beautifully complements Asheville’s reputation as a destination for both nature appreciation and outdoor activity.
The Tubing Shuttle stands apart as a local favorite because it focuses on community-friendly river access and encourages self-sufficient fun, requiring participants to bring their own tubes. Its location on Riverside Drive places it close to Asheville’s vibrant downtown where visitors can access amenities before or after their adventure.
For visitors seeking a refreshing escape from the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains’ hiking trails or urban bustle, this tubing experience delivers a straightforward but deeply enjoyable connection with the Appalachian foothills’ water landscapes. It’s a unique summertime highlight that perfectly captures Asheville’s mix of laid-back charm and outdoor vitality.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for light to moderate fitness; mostly floating with minimal physical exertion
Yes, the tubing trip is recommended for individuals aged 6 and older, making it family-friendly.
No, participants must bring their own tubes and gear for the trip.
Always wear water shoes and a flotation device if you’re not a confident swimmer.
The entire 6-mile float typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours depending on current speed and breaks.
Yes, the shuttle operates primarily in the warmer months when the river conditions are safe.
Meetups are held at 704 Riverside Drive in Asheville, where you launch into the river.
The rivers near Asheville have long supported local Cherokee communities and later became parts of Appalachian waterway routes.
Participants are encouraged to respect the river’s ecosystem by packing out all trash and using environmentally safe products.
French Broad Outfitters operates in Asheville, North Carolina, providing guided river trips, equipment rentals, and event support for paddleboarding, tubing, biking, and other outdoor activities. Based near the French Broad River and the Hominy Creek outpost, the company offers a range of rentals and scheduled experiences for visitors and locals seeking water and bike adventures. Offerings include stand-up paddleboard (SUP) classes and races, multi-day water sport rentals, electric bike and cruiser bike rentals, and seasonal river tubing. Specific options listed by the outfitter include 2-, 4- and 6-hour electric bike rentals, 2-, 4- and 6-hour five-speed cruiser bike rentals, five-day water sport rentals, Asheville tubing on a six-mile float, and SUP Yoga classes. The business also hosts SUP Fest at the Hominy outpost, a downriver race from Bent Creek to Hominy with live music and an awards party. Equipment provided comes with safety gear and maps where noted; cruiser bike rentals include helmets and complimentary route maps for greenway exploration through Carrier Park and the River Arts District. Rental age minimums for electric bikes are specified at 16 and up. Many experiences run from Hominy Creek or FBO Hominy Outpost, with options for returns at Hominy Creek after rides. French Broad Outfitters appears on The Adventure Collective listings and focuses on accessible outdoor recreation in Asheville. The business emphasizes safety, clear rental details, and event programming for paddlers and bikers seeking guided experiences and self-guided adventures. Staff provide local route knowledge, equipment care, and clear pre-trip instructions for safe, enjoyable outings.
Book with French Broad Outfitters