Enjoy Tubing On The Chattahoochee River

Tubing in the Chattahoochee River in the Atlanta area is a fun way to relax on a hot summer day. The 48 mile section of river from below Buford Dam on Lake Lanier to Peachtree Creek in metro Atlanta has been designated as the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area. A number of parks along the river provide places to launch personal canoes, kayaks, and tubes. For those who do not own their equipment, there are a couple of outfitters on the river who rent everything you need and provide shuttle service back to your vehicle.

$10 River Tubing is an outfitter located at 4349 Abbotts Bridge Road in Duluth, Georgia. They are open seven days a week in summer beginning at 10am. Two hour tube rentals are $10. Tubes with a solid bottom are an additional $2. The last launch time is 4:45pm. Patrons are welcome to bring coolers, and tubes can be linked so that groups can stay together. Reservations are not necessary.

A little farther down river in Roswell, Georgia, the Chattahoochee Outfitters (Shoot the Hooch.com) rents tubes, canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Their main rental location is in Azalea Park at 203 Azalea Drive. From Memorial Day through Labor Day they are open seven days a week from 10am-7pm. The last rental is at 6pm. After Labor Day Chattahoochee Outfitters is open as long as weather permits. Reservations are recommended. River trips range from 1.5 to 3 miles, and can begin and end at several points along the river. Patrons may park free at Azalea Park, but those who park at the National Recreational Area parks must pay a $3 daily use fee. Tube rental fees are $25 for a regular tube and $30 for tubes with a bottom. The shuttle ride is included in the price. Canoes and kayaks are rented hourly, and the shuttle bus is extra. Two person canoes rent for $20 per hour from Azalea Park, and three person canoes rent for $30 per hour. Single kayaks rent for $25, and double kayaks are $40 per hour. Large rental rafts are also available.

Companies that rent tubes and other equipment monitor the times of water releases from Buford Dam, and do not let people launch if the water levels are expected to suddenly rise. Water releases can produce strong currents. The water temperature in the Chattahoochee River remains about 50 degrees year round, so swimmers and tubers should guard against hypothermia. Water shoes are strongly recommended, and tubers should watch for tree snags and submerged rocks. People should be able to observe some wildlife during their float down the river. Fish, turtles, ducks, herons, and Canada geese are common sights. Occasionally floaters may be lucky enough to spot deer, beavers, and river otters. A few hours spent on the river is a nice escape from the heat and bustle of Atlanta.

By: Ajay Sethi

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Ajay Sethi, the General Manager at the Sheraton Perimeter hotel. From the moment you enter this Perimeter hotel’s warm and stylish lobby until you rest your head on The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, you’ll feel at ease and at home. Experience all that Atlanta has to offer while escaping the rush of the city at the new Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter hotel. For more information visit: www.ATLANTAPERIMETERHOTEL.com