Top tips up front: The stick is not optional and wear water socks!…read more They give a military discount!! The path is wrought with rocks. Without a stick, you will get stuck on one. We lost our stick and jumped out to get it. The river rocks are very unforgiving to feet. Bring water shoes in case you end up outside your tube. We were strapped together and ran the strap through our shoes to keep from losing them. We got caught in a torrential rain fall. It was no one's fault and we finished the float anyway. I would go back and do it again.

This has become one of our yearly traditions and it's always such a fun day…read more If you're expecting a smooth relaxing float... think again hahaha. You WILL probably get stuck on rocks a few times, but honestly that's what makes it fun and usually leads to the funniest moments of the day. The river itself is really pretty and it's such a fun way to spend time with friends and cool off in the summer. I'd definitely recommend wearing water shoes because the rocks are no joke. The tubing process itself has always been pretty easy for us and it's something we keep coming back for every year. Overall, if you're going to Helen in the summer and want something fun and laid back to do, I definitely recommend giving Cool River Tubing a try. I suggest getting there right when they open at 9am for shorter wait times and easy parking!

Fun, fast, exciting roller coaster. You go really quick and you can control your speed. Very nice…read morepeople. Also, they had food truck trucks on property in the slow tubing was great. About a 200 yard slide downhill.

The Highlands Outpost caught our eye for the coaster rides they offer and we walked away with our…read morevisit here being one of the highlights of our Highlands trip. For our group of 4 adults and 2 kids, we opted for the Scaly Mountain Screamer and the tubing. What a great time - I've seen footage of mountain coaster rides from Europe, but never had encountered it in the US. You can ride tandem on them which is convenient if you have kids and the speed is all up to you as you control it with a hand brake. Both of the kids in our group ended up doing it multiple times and each circuit gives you some great views of the forest and beautiful wilderness as you speed on by. One of the coolest aspects of the Scaly Mountain Screamer is that they not only clock your speed - each car has a go pro where you can buy the video, which everyone did. Once we had our fill of the screamer, we went to the tubing which was a surprisingly good time. The tubing track is lubricated with misters all the way down, so you get some great speed and keep cool at the same time and apparently they cover the hill in snow during the winter for some snow tubing. I would say that a stop at the Highlands Outpost is a must do for anyone, big or small. While definitely family centric, after riding on the Scaly Mountain Screamer and doing the Extreme tubing, I think its safe to say people of all ages will have fun here, especially given that you can trout fish as well. The group in front of us left with a whole mess of trout to cook up. We will be back here again to have more fun tubing and trying to beat our speed scores on the screamer and you should too.

A family friend found this place and made a reservation for us. Since it was a holiday weekend, we…read morehad to reserve and pay for 2 nights to get creekside spots, even though we only stayed for 1. The couple who run the campground are friendly and helpful. There are several campsites along the creek, each with an electrical hookup, a fire ring, a water spigot, and a picnic table. There are a few campsites on the edges leading down to the creek as well. Each camp site They have grates for the fire ring if you're going to grill, but be warned, they are largely spaced and thin (not great for burgers). There's a large, grassy field in the middle, with the whole area surrounded by deciduous trees. The bath house is at the top of the grassy field, as is the registration desk and shed where you purchase firewood and rent tubes. The bath house had two stalls, two sinks, and two showers. Though a little dated, it was clean, and seemingly well-maintained. There were no towels, but there was soap. The space is right off the road, and you can hear the road noise, even in the middle of the night. Sites are pretty close together, so be warned. Most groups there were families, so they didn't mind our rowdy kids and they kept the same hours. My main annoyance was the road noise and that we were next to an RV that left the outside light on all night. Cash or check only.

This was probably the worst experience I have had out of any outdoor activity. The tubing equipment…read moreis outdated, you're better off going to Pappys if you're looking for a better tubing experience!!

Really short tubing track with a very long line. The hill ends in a gravel area and an inflatable…read moreback stop. If you are lucky, you hit it from the side. If you're not, you either get pushed in half from behind or laid out as you skid underneath it. Either way, it is super dangerous. It was a lot of money for 4 of us and there is a giant "no refunds" sign on the window. Just save yourself the trouble and go somewhere else.

Great activity for the family. Staff members were helpful and very kind. 2 hour session was enough…read moreto zoom down the slope over a dozen times. Would recommend to anyone during the season. My daughter had an absolute blast the entire time!

We had an amazing time white water rafting! Our guide Cat was very friendly and kept us laughing…read morethroughout. She was incredibly patient with us while we figured out our rhythm and made sure everyone felt comfortable. Hayden also jumped in to help our grandma, and she was absolutely wonderful as well ! Both of them went above and beyond to make sure our family had a fun, safe, and memorable experience. We couldn't have asked for better guides! highly recommend!

We requested Jack specifically because he was hilarious, knowledgeable, and knew exactly how to…read morehandle the river. We booked the full-day rafting trip and had one of the wildest, most fun rides ever. He somehow managed to take a boat full of completely uncoordinated people and work a miracle. If you go, you're going to have an absolute blast. One thing to know beforehand: the lunch portion is one serving so if you're someone who eats a lot like myself, pack something extra to eat for the lunch break.

We went tubing here while on vacation, it was the second time and it was amazing. It's easy to get…read moreto, park, and launch in the river. People are extremely friendly. Will definitely be returning on our next trip!

Amazing! Breathtaking views, relaxing tubing down the Toccoa River. Best of all the staff was so…read morekind and helpful. We will most certainly come back yearly. My boys and I had so much fun doing this!

Good Family Fun or a great Sunday Funday. River tubing along the Cherohala Skyway in the Tellico…read moreRiver. Rental prices are for the day and you go tubing as much as you want within their operating hours. Prices vary by the type of tube you choose and any accessories you rent (oars and push off sticks). I opted with the premium tube with a cup holder and head/back rest accompanied by an oar. The oar really helped to keep you in the strongest current and out of low lying places in the river. They do require you to have a life vest and will provide them free of charge. If you personally decide to wear it or not - it is at your risk but you have to have one in your possession while tubing. Once checked in, you load up on to a small bus and up the river they take you. Your drop off location is "Iron Works Grille" parking lot. Iron Works is also a great location frequented by motorcycle riders traversing the Cherohala Skyway. They have food, cocktails, and occasional live band inside and on their patio. Upon arrival at the drop off location, the staff provides with your tube to float. We entered the river right at the edge of Iron Works property. We set sailing down the river at a leisurely pace. The overall trip is only .8 miles back to the starting point of Big Bears parking lot. Upon end of float, you exit the river and the staff retrieve your tube. You keep your life jacket and accessories. If you decide to take another trip you load up on the next available bus and repeat your trip. They have portable restrooms on site and a small shop to purchase t-shirts and tubing accessories. The staff was friendly and well organized. I will give them a high recommendation for being the New Kids on the Block.

Had so much fun! Family event for us. Everyone working there was courteous and friendlyread more

Love to train and take my pup here. Very nice in mornings also she loves the water. Haven't gotten…read morein the water actually but one day I will.

Edge of the World is a great nearby walking trail that winds along Amicalola Creek. The trail is…read moremostly easy, with a mix of wooden walkways (watch out for a few holes) and dirt paths. There are also a few side trails that climb up the mountain if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge (including dodging Joro spiders!). The small waterfalls are beautiful, and the cool creek water is perfect for dipping your feet in on a warm day.