Tubing Down the Chattahoochee in East Cobb
Floating down the Chattahoochee River, known to locals as “Shooting the Hooch,” is a beloved pastime in East Cobb. With the hot Georgia sun overhead and the cool river below, it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With abundant natural beauty, wildlife sightings, and plenty of fun in the sun, an afternoon tubing down the Chattahoochee is an unforgettable journey.
The Adventure Begins
Tubing down the Chattahoochee is a quintessential East Cobb summer activity. The journey typically begins at one of the boat launches or rental outfitters located along the river’s banks in East Cobb. Participants can bring their own tube, or from April through September, participants can rent inflatable tubes and receive all necessary safety instructions before floating off on their adventure.
Wildlife
The Chattahoochee River is home to a wide variety of wildlife, providing opportunities for tubers to catch glimpses of various bird species, deer and other mammals, and occasional aquatic creatures. Birdwatchers can spot kingfishers, herons, and other fascinating winged creatures, while the more observant may encounter turtles basking in the sun along the riverbanks.
Launch Points
East Cobb offers various launch points along the Chattahoochee, detailed below, making it accessible to adventurers ages 8+ for tube rentals. Participants can choose a launch point that offers a somewhat shorter outing, or a launch point offering a longer river excursion, depending on what best suits their preferences and time constraints.
An Unforgettable Experience
Tubing down the Chattahoochee River in East Cobb is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of summer in Georgia. It is an opportunity to connect with nature, share laughter with friends and family, and enjoy the serenity and beauty of the river.
To Rent or Bring Your Own Tube
Planning a relaxing float down the Chattahoochee River in East Cobb? One of the first decisions you’ll face (besides what snacks to pack, of course) is whether to rent a tube or bring your own. Both options have their merits, so let’s dive in and explore the pros and cons to help you make a splash with your decision!
The Case for Bringing Your Own Tube: The Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re looking to save a few bucks and perhaps have a specific type of tube in mind (built-in cooler, anyone?), bringing your own tube is an excellent choice. You can find tubes in all shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to express your personal style as you float down the river. Plus, owning your tube means you can use it again and again, making it a worthwhile investment for future river adventures.
Just remember, bringing your own tube also means bringing your own transportation logistics. You’ll need a second vehicle and a designated driver to shuttle you back to your starting point. Also, be prepared to inflate your tube on-site – unless you’re lucky enough to have an air compressor handy, this can be a bit of a workout! But hey, think of it as pre-float exercise!
Pros:
- Personalization: Bringing your own tube means you get to choose one that fits your style and needs. Whether you want a classic ring or a deluxe model with built-in cup holders and backrests, the options are endless. Fancy a double tube for a romantic drift or a tube with a built-in cooler? The choice is yours!
- Cost-Effective: While a one-time tube rental is affordable, investing in your own tube can save you money in the long run, especially if you plan to float the river frequently. Plus, owning a tube can mean spontaneous trips without worrying about rental availability.
- Convenience: Having your own tube means you’re not limited to rental operation hours. You can hit the water whenever you want, avoiding the crowds and peak times.
Cons:
- Logistics: Bringing your own tube requires more planning. You’ll need a pump to inflate it, space in your car for transport, and possibly a second vehicle or someone to help shuttle you back to your starting point.
- Maintenance: Owning a tube means you’re responsible for its upkeep. From patching leaks to cleaning off river debris, it requires a bit of care.
- Setup Time: You’ll spend some time inflating and deflating your tube, which might not be ideal for those eager to jump right into the water.
The Benefits of Renting a Tube: Hassle-Free Floating
For those seeking a carefree experience, renting a tube is the way to go. Think of it as the “valet parking” of river tubing. Rental companies like Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) conveniently provide everything you need, from the tube itself to shuttle services back to your car. This eliminates the need for a second vehicle and the logistical puzzle of coordinating pick-up and drop-off. Plus, you won’t have a deflated tube taking up space in the back of your vehicle on the way home. Just show up, float, and enjoy!
However, renting does come with a slightly higher price tag compared to bringing your own tube. Think of it as the convenience fee for a truly laid-back experience.
Pros:
- Convenience: Renting a tube is the hassle-free option. Most rental companies, like Nantahala Outdoor Center, offer a package that includes a tube, a personal flotation device (PFD), and a shuttle back to your starting point.
- No Storage Worries: Rentals mean no need to find storage space at home or deal with transporting a bulky, wet tube in your vehicle.
- Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to tubing, renting is a great way to test the waters without a commitment.
Cons:
- Cost Over Time: While rentals are convenient, they can become costly if you’re a frequent floater. The expense of each rental adds up, especially during a long summer.
- Limited Selection: You might not have as much choice in tube styles or features compared to owning your own.
- Availability: During peak times, rental tubes may be scarce. You could find yourself waiting for a tube to become available or having to adjust your schedule to rental hours.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If convenience and a truly effortless experience are paramount, renting is your best bet. If you’re on a budget and enjoy a bit of DIY adventure, bringing your own tube offers a rewarding experience. Just remember, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy the ride—after all, the river’s current will take care of the rest!
Packing List:
- Shoes that will stay on your feet (although glass is not allowed on the river today, there is still plenty of pieces that were left in the past)
- Swimsuit or quick drying clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Towel
- Change of Clothing
- Snacks
- Drinking water
- Rope to tie your tubes together
Notes and Tips:
- Most tube rentals require you to be age 8 or above to rent a tube.
- No glass or styrofoam allowed on the river.
- Water temps in the river are between 55 and 65 degrees, making it great for cooling off in the summer, but a bit chilly in the spring or fall.
- Call 1-855-DAM-FLOW to check the water level.
- Parking at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is $5 per car or $40 for an annual pass.
- If you bring two cars, leave towels and dry clothes in the end point vehicle, and bring the keys to both with you.
Safety Notes:
- Be sure to check the weather before you go.
- The Chattahoochee River is colder than it seems, with water released from the bottom of Buford Dam at around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This cold water poses a risk of hypothermia even during the warmest summer months.
- If lightning strikes, get out of the water and seek low shelter away from trees.
- Don’t dive, jump, or swing into the river from high shorelines or bridges. The combo of murky water, submerged rocks, and fluctuating water levels can lead to serious injury.
- Visit the NPS river flow rate page for real-time information for river levels at various locations on the river.
- Check bacteria (E. coli) levels before you go.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD is REQUIRED TO BE WORN if you are boating, tube floating, or wading in the following river segments.
- between Buford Dam and the GA 20 bridge
- between Morgan Falls Dam and the Morgan Falls boat ramp
You must have a wearable, appropriately sized, U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD for each person on board your watercraft (i.e. canoes, kayaks, rafts, boats, float tubes, inner tubes, air mattresses). Additionally, all children under the age of 13 MUST WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD when the watercraft is underway.
Tube Rental information
Dates:
Tubes are available for rent from April through September.
Start Times:
10 am, 11 am, Noon, 1 pm, 2 pm
Trip Duration:
Approximate trip times are noted below for each segment of the river. The time spent on the water can vary depending on the water levels and how much participants choose to paddle.
Rental Requirements:
- Participants must be 8 years of age or older.
- All minors 17 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult during the activity.
- There must be one adult per four youth under the age of 11.
- The maximum weight for rental tubes is 250 lbs.
Packing List:
- Shoes that will stay on your feet
- Swimsuit or quick drying clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Bug Spray
- Towel
- Change of Clothing
- Snacks
Locations – North to South
Roswell Outpost:
A fun, relaxing float trip – this section of the Chattahoochee River is gentle and scenic offering lush greenery, wooded banks and mild currents. Roswell tubing trips take approximately 2-3 hours traveling 1.5 miles down river from Don White Memorial Park to Azalea Park.
From:
Don White Memorial Park
925(B) Riverside Rd
Roswell, GA 30075
To:
Azalea Park
203 Azalea Dr, Roswell, GA 30075
Johnson Ferry Outpost to Powers Island:
The Johnson Ferry to Powers Island section of the Chattahoochee River offers a 4-mile tubing adventure that takes approximately 2 to 4 hours, including shuttle time. As you float on this mostly flatwater trip, you’ll see the river’s colorful granite outcroppings*, wooded banks, and a cool, gentle current.
*Did you know?
The Chattahoochee River’s name comes from the Muscogee (Creek) language, spoken by the Native Americans who first settled along the river’s banks. The name is thought to come from the words cato (“rock”) and huchi (“marked”) and likely refers to these colorful granite outcroppings along the river.
From:
NOC Chattahoochee Outpost – Johnson Ferry
301 Johnson Ferry Rd SE
Marietta, GA 30068
(678) 331-5902
To:
Chattahoochee NRA–Powers Island Unit
5450 Interstate N Pkwy
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
(404) 596-7517
Powers Island to Paces Mill
One of the most popular stretches of the Chattahoochee River – this section offers lush greenery, colorful granite outcroppings, wooded banks, and mild currents along with sections of class I-II whitewater. Powers Island to Paces Mill tubing trips take approximately 1.5 to 3.5 hours, including the shuttle service.
From:
Chattahoochee NRA–Powers Island Unit
5450 Interstate N Pkwy
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
(404) 596-7517
To:
Paces Mill Boat Ramp
3444 Cobb Pkwy SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
Additional Chattahoochee River Activities and Rentals Include:
- Bike Rentals
- Guided Tours
- Sunset Guided Paddling Tours
- Youth Camps and Programs
- Teen Camp
- Adventure Camp
- Mountain Biking Camp
- Inflatable Kayak (Ducky)
- Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
- Kayak Rentals
- River Rafting Rentals
- Canoe Rentals
For more information on tube rentals or any other activities and rentals listed above, please call the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) at (866) 336-1037.
