Tubing has become a yearly tradition for Ashevillians and visitors alike, especially now that the weather has warmed up. Tubing provides an all-day date, combining the relaxation of floating along the French Broad with eats and drinks from some of Asheville’s riverside favorites. What’s better than sunshine, brews, and music after a day spent lounging on the river?

The French Broad River is the 3rd oldest river in the world, six miles of which flow through Asheville. The river flows through Buncombe County receiving water from the Swannanoa River. Floaters will pass by a plethora of artist studios, breweries, and Biltmore forests.

Getting In

Asheville Outdoor Center

One of Asheville’s pioneering river companies is the Asheville Outdoor Center, an expert floating league conveniently located next to Carrier Park. The AOC offers parking and river tubing access at the Hominy Creek Park. Tubing isn’t your thing? The AOC also provides a shuttle along the French Broad River for SUP, tandem kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. The staff at AOC are super friendly and the experience is effortless.

TIP: For those leaving early, pack a picnic lunch (AOC will store it for you) and enjoy your food on the beautiful waterfront property when you return.

Asheville Outdoor Center
521 Amboy Road
Asheville, NC 28806
[email protected]
(828) 232-1970

Hours:
Everyday: 9 – 5pm

Jean Webb Park

For those wanting a short ride, Jean Webb will allow you to enjoy the fun of a quick float down the river, with rides lasting around 45 minutes. You’ll pass through New Belgium Brewing, the second largest craft brewery in the United States.

TIP: Get creative and build your best water vehicle for the French Broad River by entering the Anything That Floats Parade held July 20, 2019. Admission is free and kicks off at 9:30am. Defeat the river and get out at the annual RiverFest Music Festival is at New Belgium Brewing 1 – 8pm. Show off your best creation for the audience of people watching the floats go by from the liquid center deck.

30 Riverside Drive
Asheville, NC 28801

Carrier Park

Located on Amboy Rd. and Michigan Ave. in West Asheville, Carrier Park is the most popular point to get on the water for DIY tubers.  Your time on the river will last about an hour and a half, with get off points at Wedge Brewing, White Duck Taco, and The Bywater.  Zen Tubing and Sky Tubing offers rentals and shuttles along Carrier Park as well. 

220 Amboy Road
Asheville, NC 28806

Hominy Creek River Park

Getting on at Hominy Creek will provide you the longest time on the river, where you can expect to spend between 3-4 hours in the sunshine floating along. French Broad Outfitters has a Hominy Creek location offering tube rentals as well as live music, a covered picnic area, and food trucks.  

194 Hominy Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806

Riverkeeper Beer Series Pickup, Paddle, Party- HiWire

2019 Date TBA

The Riverkeeper Beer Series Pickup, Paddle, Party-HiWire is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day on the river and help keep it beautiful with your love. Not only will you be doing a good deed but you’ll also enjoy an afternoon of Riverkeeper Beer at the after party and the chance to win prizes for weirdest trash, most tires collected, and more. Boats and paddling gear will be provided but you’re welcome to bring your own if you like.

230 Hominy Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806

South Asheville Tubing

For a slower pace with a natural setting, Zen Tubing offers a put in a location near the NC Arboretum, with a shuttle back.  Lazy Otter Outfitters offers a two-hour float along Horse Shoe Bend starting and ending at Westfeldt Park, a stone’s throw from Sierra Nevada Brewery.

Getting Out

Wedge Brewing Company

Located in the River Arts District, Wedge Brewing is one of the most popular exiting points for tubers. The three-story building is home to a multiple of artist studios, with the first level housing the brewery, tasting room, and their large outdoor seating area. Wedge brews small batch beers including Payne’s Pale Ale, Julian Price Pilsner and their Iron Rail IPA (one of my faves!). There is no need to travel elsewhere to grab a bite, as there are a number of food trucks on site regularly to satisfy your appetite in a variety of cuisines. Food trucks include Tin Can Pizzeria, El Querubin, Root Down, and El Kimchi. Full food truck schedule and information on upcoming live entertainment can be found on their Facebook page. 

The Wedge at Wedge Studios
37 Paynes Way Suite 001
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 505 – 2792

Hours:
Everyday: 12 – 10pm

White Duck Taco

White Duck Taco River Arts is now perfectly situated directly on the river giving you quick access to land and tacos. With yummy taco selections such as Mushroom Potato with Romesco, Banh Mi Tofu, Korean Beef Bulgogi, and Lump Crab. The restaurant offers a casual experience and features a riverfront area with picnic tables and umbrellas for shade.

White Duck Taco Shop
388 Riverside Drive
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 254-1398

Hours:
Everyday: 11:30 – 9pm

All Souls Pizza

All Souls Pizza emphasizes quality, using locally sourced meats and produce when possible. Their menu includes nine wood-fired pizzas, pressed sandwiches, and several appetizers to choose from. 

All Souls Pizza
175 Clingman Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 254-0169

Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 5 – 10pm
Friday – Sunday 11:30 – 10pm

The Bywater

The Bywater is located on the banks of the French Broad River and is another local favorite for put out. Their courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a Dirty French Broad, some live music, and relax riverside. They offer a full bar, along with Sackett Street BBQ every Thursday – Sunday, Noon – 9pm or until sold out. Out of the Blue Peruvian Food Truck is also on the food menu, find them parked by the river Thursday’s 5 – 9pm, Friday’s 5 – 10pm and Sunday’s 2 – 8pm. 

The Bywater
796 Riverside Drive
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 232-6967

Hours:
Everyday: Noon – 2am

The Brew Tub

Another grand idea from Asheville extraordinaire, Stephan Pruitt of DigLocal, is launching in late Spring 2019, introducing The Brew Tub. You can sail the waves and dodge the rocks on the old French Broad River with a table for sipping beer, singing your favorite tunes and chatting with friends. Sure to be an epic adventure for Asheville couples and friends. Cruise one of the world’s oldest rivers in style – the result? Massive belly laughs!

Stay tuned for best river experience ever set in motion. The Brew Tub.