Helen Tubing

Each year, we officially open, 7 days a week, starting the Saturday that starts Memorial Day Weekend in May and close on Monday, Labor Day in September.

The entry point to start your tube ride is located at our North Office at 9917 Hwy 75 North, Helen, GA 30545. You can park here, buy your tickets, and get straight into the water from this location. If you park here, then a bus will shuttle you back to your car at the end of the tube ride.

The exit point, where you will exit your tube and the river, is located at our South Office at 685 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545. There is a ramp and a large sign alerting you of Helen Tubing Exit, that you can clearly see at the end of your river trip. We are the last company to exit the river, so you may see the other company’s exit point first. You keep floating and our exit ramp will be seen shortly after. You may also park here, buy your tickets here, and catch a bus up to the North entry point to get straight into the water. Then, when you exit, you will be at your car.

At both locations, there are ticket booths, gift shops, changing rooms, restrooms, and lockers. You may purchase your tickets online or in person the day of. If you purchase your tickets online, please print your barcode receipt or screenshot the barcodes before you check in at the ticket office, because cell service and internet service is almost non-existent during the summer in Helen due to the extra influx of people.

The shuttle bus is free when you purchase your tubing ticket with Helen Tubing. Customers must show their armband to enter the bus.  Dogs may ride, if they are on a leash and well behaved around people.  They must also have an armband for their tube ride.

The physical trip on the bus is only about 2 miles. However, during peak times, traffic can get backed up in Helen.  Therefore, the ride could potentially take 20 mins or more.  This is outside of our control.  We ask that you be patient and kind to employees and other customers around you, as it can get crowded and hot on busy days in the summer.

Unfortunately, due to City Ordinances, coolers and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the river- therefore, to ensure our compliance, we do not allow anyone on our buses with coolers or alcoholic beverages.

Yes, we have locations for picnics at both our North and South office.

Parking is free for our customers. However, on busy days – since our spaces are limited and for customers only, we may elect to charge a fee to park and give you a voucher to redeem at the tubing office to go towards your tubing charge. That way our true customers are not paying extra for parking. You may be asked to pay when you park, but what you paid will come off your ticket price for tubing- cancelling the parking charge out.

Yes, we have changing rooms and restrooms at both our North and South locations.

Yes, we have lockers at both our North and South locations. You will self-pay at a kiosk with credit or debit card.

Our Tubing hours are 9am-5pm, 7 days a week as long as the weather is permitting. (Not thunder-storming). That means that you must have your ticket purchased and be in the river before 5pm. 5pm is the last time we let customers in the river to start their trip. However, on days such as holidays or weekends when there is a high volume of customers or when the water level of the river has dropped due to the lack of rain, we may elect to stop putting people in the river before 5pm. We have had to stop allowing people in the river at 4pm before, when the river was low and taking customers extremely long to float and get out of the river.

Wait times can vary. During the peak of the summer season, especially on the weekends, wait times may be longer. To best plan your visit and shorten wait times, purchase tickets online and arrive early, especially if you would like to visit on Saturdays, which are our busiest days.

Thank you for buying your ticket online! This helps to speed the process when you sign in at our ticketing offices. However, although you were asked to choose your specific date when you purchased your online ticket, your ticket is good all season for that year, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Please remember, when you purchase your tickets online, please print your barcode receipt or screenshot the barcodes before you check in at the ticket office, because cell service and internet service is almost non-existent during the summer in Helen due to the extra influx of people. If you don’t have service, then you can’t pull up your barcode receipt for us to scan and prove you paid.

Long lines are usually a result of everyone having to fill out the waiver before you can buy your tickets. Everyone that tubes with us, must be on a signed waiver.  Our new ticketing system offers a Fast Lane- so if you bought your tickets online and completed the online waiver for everyone in your group, you can take the fast lane.  Just look for the ticketing office at either our North or South location, find the signs pointing to the Fast Lane and jump in. You will show your barcode receipt and must have everyone in your group present with you in line, get your armbands and begin your adventure. ** If you purchase your tickets online, please print your barcode receipt or screenshot the barcodes before you check in at the ticket office, because cell service and internet service is almost non-existent during the summer in Helen due to the extra influx of people. If you don’t have service, then you can’t pull up your barcode receipt for us to scan and prove you paid.

You can make your reservation ahead of time in one of two ways:

1. Buy a ticket online, fill out the waiver. You will still need to get in the fast lane line to redeem your ticket and get an armband placed by a Helen Tubing Staff Member. Please show up with a screenshot of your barcode receipt and all people in your party to get armbands.
2. If you prefer to pay at the ticket office on the day of arrival, no problem. Fill out the waiver online. Tell us your name when you come to pay! We will pull up your waiver and you are off to the river. **If you pay at the ticketing office, you will need to get in the regular ticketing line.

Yes, we offer discounts for military and law enforcement. Please show your ID at the counter.

We don’t give refunds for weather related delays or closures. However, you can use your ticket on any day throughout the season for that year. Memorial Day through Labor Day. So, if you can only tube on a specific day, we suggest double checking the weather to make sure there aren’t any storms planned for that day before you purchase your tickets. Otherwise, unless it is storming along with dangerous river conditions, we are open.

Yes, everyone that tubes must sign a waiver. If you are under 18, an adult must sign a waiver for you. They may do so online, or you can print a bring a signed waiver with you to purchase tickets.

However, more than one person can be listed on a single waiver. All individuals in a family or large group can be listed on the same waiver.

Yes, you can download the waiver to print, sign, and bring with you for onsite sales or buy tickets online and sign the waiver during check out.

Absolutely! Dogs are always welcome. However, dogs do need their own tube to float down the river, which will be the same charge as an individual. We ask that you bring a towel to cover the dog’s tube to help provide a barrier against the pup’s nails from puncturing the tube. We also have hook-up straps to keep their tube attached to yours. *Please remember, there are a lot of people on the river during the summer and various rapids you will encounter, as well as riding a packed bus. We ask you consider this when deciding to bring your fur baby tubing. If your dog’s demeanor can handle these situations, please bring them with you!

This is a loaded question that depends on various factors. This portion of the river is the “head” or starting point of the Chattahoochee River. That means that it is much shallower and narrower than the Chattahoochee in Atlanta and further south. In general, certain areas of the river are rocky and less than a foot deep, while other areas may be calm and up to 10 feet deep. However, most areas will be knee-waist deep. This is dependent on the water level for any given day. If we have had a lot of rain, the river level is higher, and you will float faster with less hang up on rocks. Usually, as summer progresses, we have less rain, and the water lever gets lower. So, you will get caught on rocks and may have to get in and out of your tube to “unstick” yourself. There have even been times when tubers had to walk a portion of the river because it was so low during a drought. Also, unfortunately, weight can have an impact on your ride. In shallow areas, the heavier you are, the more your tube may drag against rocks- making you work to get unstuck. This could make your experience less enjoyable if you aren’t prepared.

However, we do recommend and offer push off sticks, for a fee, to help you guide your tube across rocks and shallow places and push away from the banks. We also recommend you wear water shoes or tennis shoes, not flip flops. They will float away.

On average, the tube ride takes around 2-2.5 hours on the river. Please add more time to purchase tickets and ride the shuttle bus.

However, due to varying water levels, the tube ride can take as little as 1.5 hours up to 4 hours. Please read the question above “Will my tube drag the rocks” for a more in-depth answer on the river’s water level.

Some find tubing to be easy and relaxing, while others find it to be difficult and a workout! Many factors depend on the water level on any given day. You can read more about that under “Will my tube drag the rocks”.

During your ride, the river will have deep sections (although not very many) and rushing water rapids that can challenge those afraid of the water and those experiences. Therefore, you should be able to work with your body to keep balanced. Good physical condition is needed to keep yourself balanced from tipping over and having the best time. Also, unfortunately, weight can have an impact on your ride. In shallow areas, the heavier you are, the more your tube may drag against rocks- making you work to get unstuck. This could make your experience less enjoyable if you aren’t prepared. Please wear water shoes or tennis shoes to help your feet navigating the river. We also highly suggest a push off stick (for sale in our gift shop) to help make your tube ride more enjoyable and less of a workout- regardless of water level.

No, your armband is only good for one trip down the river. Your armband will get recorded when you get your tube and get in the river at the north location. Your armband is also good for your shuttle ride.

We recommend that you do not take anything that you don’t want to lose or get wet! We offer lockers at both of our locations. Loose items do not stay in the tubes well, so don’t bother bringing lotions, etc. We do not allow backpacks, bags, or coolers. The only exception is waterproof packs for phones, keys, etc. You are allowed one drink container per person of water or non-alcoholic beverage.

We strongly recommend water shoes or tennis shoes. Flip flops or slides will not stay on your feet. We have water shoes available for purchase in our gift shops.

We also highly suggest a push off stick (for sale in our gift shop) to help make your tube ride more enjoyable and less of a workout- regardless of water level. If you elect to bring your own, it must be very similar to the ones we sell (a smooth broom handle). NO limbs or small trees, No sticks with sharp points, No exceptions!

The City of Helen has an ordinance that prohibits coolers, alcoholic drinks, glass, litter, etc. They monitor the riverbanks and will fine you and the tubing company you are using if caught with any of these items.

Please don’t litter or throw your cigarettes in the river.

Yes, as long as it is U.S. Coast Guard approved.

No. We only allow our tubes to enter and exit on our properties. This is for the safety of our customers and liability reasons.

This is strictly enforced and will result in fines if you are parking or using our property with your own tube.

Ages 2 and up. We recommend that the child be able to walk. All children and adults are charged the same price, regardless of if the child rides in your lap. We highly recommend that the child sit in their own tube and attach it to yours. We have hook up straps to use, free of charge. Then, if the child doesn’t like sitting in their own tube, they can sit with you while you keep the tube strapped to yours as you float. However, it is much safer if the child will sit in their own tube. All children 13 and under must wear a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket. We have them available for you, free of charge, or you may bring your own. Keep in mind, this is the start of the Chattahoochee River, and the water temperature is extremely cold, as it is mountain water.

It is the law, that children 13 and under must wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Life Vest. It will have notice on the life vest stating so. You can bring your own or wear one that we have available.

Your safety is the most important. If it’s a light shower, you will probably be fine to keep floating. If it starts lightening, get out of the river. There is always a road close to the riverbank- so get out, bring your tube with you and stand near the road. Our bus drivers will be looking for those exiting the river and will see your hot pink tube and know you are with us. They will pick you up and take you back to your car.

No. But unfortunately, weight can have an impact on your ride. In shallow areas, the heavier you are, the more your tube may drag against rocks- making you work to get unstuck. This could make your experience less enjoyable if you aren’t prepared. Please wear water shoes or tennis shoes to help your feet navigating the river. We also highly suggest a push off stick (for sale in our gift shop) to help make your tube ride more enjoyable and less of a workout- regardless of water level.

This doesn’t usually happen often, but a tube can start to deflate for a number of reasons. If you collide with a rock or sharp object, it can puncture the tube. However, if your tube starts to deflate enough that you can no longer use it, please exit the river with your deflated tube. Find the road and one of our bus drivers will pick you up or bring you another tube so you can get back in and finish your trip.

Yes, there are deep spots. In general, certain areas of the river are rocky and less than a foot deep, while other areas may be calm and up to 10 feet deep. However, most areas will be knee-waist deep. This is dependent on the water level for any given day. If you cannot swim, we suggest wearing a life vest. We have them available for you to use.

No, we do not allow backpacks, bags, or coolers. The only exception is waterproof packs for phones, keys, etc. You are allowed one drink container per person of water or non-alcoholic beverage. The City of Helen has an ordinance that prohibits coolers, alcoholic drinks, glass, litter, etc. They monitor the riverbanks and will fine you and the tubing company you are using if caught with any of these items.

No. You are allowed one drink container per person of water or non-alcoholic beverage. The City of Helen has an ordinance that prohibits coolers, alcoholic drinks, glass, litter, etc. They monitor the riverbanks and will fine you and the tubing company you are using if caught with any of these items.

No. Please use the restroom before you enter the river. They are available at both entry and exit locations.

No. You enter the river at your own risk. There are no lifeguards or guides on the river.