If you are looking for the perfect summer adventure, tubing in Harpers Ferry should be at the top of your list. There is no better way to relax, escape the heat, and enjoy nature than by floating down the river with friends and family. Whether it is your first time tubing or you are a seasoned tubing pro, this 2025 guide will cover everything you need to know about Harpers Ferry tubing.
Why Harpers Ferry Tubing is a Must-Do in 2025
Harpers Ferry Tubing offers a convenient tubing experience just an hour away from the Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia areas. It is close enough to be a day trip; you’ll float along the Shenandoah or Potomac River and take in mountain views, dense trees, and occasional glimpses of wildlife. It is a relaxing and scenic escape that is perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends seeking to disconnect and take in the beauty of the outdoors. This season, conditions are ideal for tubing with warm sunny days and great water levels.
The Best Tubing Company in Harpers Ferry
River & Trail Outfitters is the area’s oldest and most experienced outfitter. Family-owned and operated since 1972, they take great pride in offering high-quality guest services, providing quality equipment, and getting people outside to make lasting memories. Don’t just take our word for it, check out some of our most recent reviews.
“Always a must-do every summer! I love this company. Staff is always kind and helpful.”
-Vanessa
“Our family had a wonderful first-time river tubing the Shenandoah Mellow with River & Trail. All of their employees were very helpful and courteous. We were checked-in, given equipment and a safety briefing, transported to the starting point and in the river in little to no time. Booking online was a breeze, and I was able to call with questions. Highly recommend and can’t wait to book again!”
– Christine
“We had a great time tubing down the river. The staff are friendly and helpful. This is the trip to take on a hot day to cool off. They have buses that shuttle ya around. Extra tubes are available for rental for your beverages. I would recommend this place to my family and friends. ❤️ 💙 💜 💖”
– Kimberley
What to Bring for Tubing in Harpers Ferry
We want you to be prepared to have the best day possible, so here is a list of items that you should bring for your tubing adventure.
- Footwear that will stay securely on your feet is required. We recommend old sneakers, water shoes, or sports sandals. Bare feet, flip flops, or slides are not allowed.
- Swimwear or quick-dry clothing. We recommend arriving dressed and ready to get in the water, and we have changing rooms available at all of our outposts for after your trip.
- Hat and sunglasses with straps to prevent you from losing them. We also sell glasses straps in our stores.
- Sunscreen, we recommend waterproof and reef-safe sunscreen. Sunshirts are also a great way to prevent sunburn.
- Reusable water bottles to keep you hydrated, especially in this heat.
- A waterproof phone case if you plan on taking your phone on the river. We recommend not taking anything on the water that you do not want to lose or get wet. We also sell waterproof phone cases in our stores.
- A dry bag or cooler if you plan on taking snacks or drinks with you on the river (this is only permitted on some of our trips). We rent tubes for coolers on Shenandoah Mellow Tubing or Potomac Whitewater Tubing.
First Time Tips for Tubing in Harpers Ferry
If it is your first time tubing in Harpers Ferry, here are a few tips to help you tube like a pro:
- Make a reservation online in advance, even if it is the same day. It speeds up the check-in process and ensures availability.
- Follow the link to directions in your confirmation email! We have 4 locations in the Harpers Ferry area, and we want to ensure that you get the correct location the first time.
- Sign your waiver online before arrival to avoid filling out paper copies on site. It will save you time, and it saves paper!
- Travel light. We recommend leaving valuables at home or locking them in your car.
- We recommend using our key check. Coming back to your car to realize you lost your keys on the river and having to wait for a tow puts a damper on the day.
- Listen to our safety talk, and ask our staff if you have any questions.
What to Expect on Your Harpers Ferry Tubing Adventure
Here is how your Harpers Ferry tubing experience will flow when you book with River & Trail:
- As you make your way to us, please use the link to directions in your confirmation email. We have 4 locations in the Harpers Ferry area, and we want to ensure that you get to the correct location the first time.
- Arrive and park at one of our locations.
- Check in at the on-site store. It could be a trailer, a C container, or a physical building.
- Get your wristbands, PFDs (personal flotation devices), and cooler tubes (if reserved).
- Receive a short safety talk from River and Trail’s staff.
- Depending on the trip, either get in the river or board a bus for a quick ride to the put-in.
- Pick up your tube and enjoy your time on the river. Depending on the trip, either float back down to your car or receive a shuttle back to your car.
What Guests are Saying About Tubing with River & Trail
“Very helpful staff, enjoying experience, clean and easy to use facilities.” -Richard
“It was so fun and the staff made it easy to get checked in! Would definitely recommend and will be back! Thank you for a great time!” – Aslynn
“My group and I loved tubing with River and Trail Outfitters! The group made it so easy for us to pick up everything and be dropped off to begin our tubing adventures. Everyone we spoke to was helpful. We only wished the time tubing was longer on a longer section of river since we had so much fun!” -Serena
Are You Ready To Book Your Harpers Ferry Tubing Trip with River & Trail?
We offer 3 different tubing trips in Harpers Ferry to ensure that we have an activity for everyone! Pick from the list below:
Shenandoah Mellow Tubing: The minimum age is 4 years old. This is a great choice if you want to get out onto the water, relax, float, and spend quality time with friends and family. We rent cooler tubes on this stretch. This trip takes approximately 1-2 hours; trip time is dependent on water levels. Go multiple times at no extra cost, as long as we have availability and you are back before the last trip time.
Potomac Whitewater Tubing: The minimum age for this trip is 12 years old and 90lbs. This is an active and adventurous trip, guests will have to paddle to maneuver their tubes throughout the river and walk up a steep hill while carrying their tubes at the end. This is an unguided trip. This trip takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours; trip time is dependent on water levels. Go multiple times at no extra cost, as long as we have availability and you are back before the last trip time.
Potomac Peaceful Tubing: The minimum age for this trip is 7 years old and 50 lbs. This trip takes approximately 3-4 hours; trip time is dependent on water levels. This trip is guided, and we serve a basic snack halfway through the trip. This is a great option for folks who want to spend a longer period of time on the water. We do not rent cooler tubes for this trip, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks that will fit on your lap/in your tube with you.
If you are ready for sunshine, river time, and making memories that will last a lifetime, don’t wait, book a reservation today!
