Tubing Down the Chattahoochee in Helen,Ga
If you’re looking for an easy, fun-filled summer morning or afternoon that checks all the boxes—charming town, cold water, and big laughs—you’ll want to head to Helen, Georgia. It’s one of our favorite places to visit when we need a change of pace and a little mountain air. And come summertime? There’s nothing better than tubing down the Chattahoochee in Helen, Ga.
That’s right—get one with nature along with some family, friends or just you, floating on the Chattahoochee River. It’s the simple kind of fun that brings everyone back, isn’t it?
Tubing Down the Chattahoochee in Helen,Ga
A Little Slice of Bavaria (Right Here in Northeast Georgia)
Helen is like stepping into a Hallmark movie set in the Alps. Its got a Bavarian-style vibe with cobblestone sidewalks, and flower boxes on every window. The downtown shops are full of handmade fudge, quirky souvenirs, and tons of ice cream. After several years of visiting Helen, we tend to skip the shops and opt just for tubing and lunch. Tip: visit Cowboys and Angels for an amazing lunch.
We went on a Thursday in the early afternoon and you can see it wasn’t crowded at all. I actually have never seen it like this on a summer afternoon during the week. Weekends will get crowded.
Why Tubing the Chattahoochee is a Must
The real star of summer in Helen is the Chattahoochee River. It runs right through town and makes the perfect lazy river float. Local spots like Cool River Tubing or Helen Tubing will set you up with everything you need—tubes, shuttle rides, even straps to hook your crew together if you want to float as a group. We paid $14.00 for the ‘longer ride’ which is about 2 hours. On the weekends the price goes up slightly.
Great for Families, Friends, and Just About Anyone
Whether you’re entertaining the kids, gathering a few friends or chilling with your dog, tubing is easy, affordable, and something everyone can enjoy. The water’s shallow in most places and slow-moving—ideal for first-timers and for small children (just check age rules with the tubing companies). The tubing companies have sticks you can rent for a minimal fee or you can bring your own. If the water is low, I would highly recommend a stick or you’ll have to get on and off your tube several times to do the job.
Summer goes by quick, y’all. It’s time to create those memories. Pack a towel, toss on your water shoes, and head to Helen, GA. The Chattahoochee in Helen Ga is waiting, and I promise, it’s a ride worth taking.
More to See and Do this summer
The Forbidden Caverns in Sevierville Tennessee
The Perfect Spa Getaway in Asheville North Carolina
Always hoped to take my disabled (double amputee) son up there (we live in SW GA) but every time I planned a tubing trip / get away (2-3 days max weekday trip), he would always seem to become ill, have infections, need surgery, etc etc. So for over 5 years I kept trying to get him up there and to Tenn. to visit my sister & family in the autumn for all the festivals. Unfortunately, my son got a very serious illness first of Oct 2024 and it moved swift and sudden and he passed at age 44 on 10/17/2024. I saw this post and cried, as he SO wanted to tube and go to Helen, GA !!! Looks like you have a very wonderful fun time. All the best, Dawn P. Albany, GA
This looks like the ultimate family summer adventure relaxing, fun, and full of memories. I appreciate your practical tips for first-timers and love how you captured the charm of this unique local experience.