Tubing in Harpers Ferry: Complete Guide

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the mountain getaway you’ve been searching for. Home to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and close to Baltimore and Washington, DC, you’ll love spending a long weekend among pristine nature, impressive history, and a charming small town that truly welcomes visitors.

Once you’ve settled into your vacation rental home, you’ll quickly realize that there is so much to do both in and near Harpers Ferry. Since it’s located at the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River, tubing is one of our favorite activities. Tubing season typically starts in May and lasts through Labor Day, so if you’re visiting during the summer, it’s a must-try water sport.

Along with lazy river tubing options, you can get a little more adventurous and opt for whitewater rafting in sections of the rivers with more rapids. For this article, we’ll stick with what you need to know to plan the perfect Harpers Ferry tubing adventure.

Let’s dive in!

Why is Tubing in Harpers Ferry So Popular?

Tubing is simple: grab a tube, hop into the river, and enjoy a leisurely float. In Harpers Ferry, tubing has long been a favorite summertime activity. When temperatures rise, the river beckons as a refreshing activity in the great outdoors.

But it’s not just the cool water that draws tubers to Harpers Ferry, it’s also the scenery and the wildlife! There’s no better place to take in Harpers Ferry’s soaring cliffs, majestic wildlife (including golden eagles and peregrine falcons), and lush landscape than from one of its twin rivers: the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

In fact, Harpers Ferry is consistently ranked as one of the top rivers in the entire US for tubing.

What Do I Need for Tubing in Harpers Ferry?

In theory, tubing is incredibly simple. All you need for a day of tubing in Harpers Ferry is a standard tube and a life vest, though other items may make the trip more fun (like a floating cooler)! Sunscreen and water shoes also make the trip more comfortable.

The main difficulty is that if you drift down the river you will need some way to get back to your car. There’s where local outdoor outfitters come in. They solve this problem by providing everything from full-service tubing (all of the gear rentals and the shuttle) to shuttle-only service — you provide your own gear and they provide the ride back to your car.

Who Offers Tubing in Harpers Ferry?

There are three outfitters who provide epic outdoor adventures in Harpers Ferry. All three of these companies offer tours other than just tubing, so they’re a good starting point to plan a zip-lining, kayaking, or whitewater rafting trip, too.

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center

• Address: 37410 Adventure Center Ln, Purcellville, VA
• Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Thursday to Monday

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center has its own private take-out on the shores of the Potomac River. At the end of your trip, hop out of the river and catch their short shuttle up to the top of the hill where you parked your car.

There are 2 options for tubing with this outfit:

Flat Water Tubing

Families with children and groups of friends love to head out on a flat water tubing adventure on the Shenandoah River. This easy, flat route is a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours, and you can even rent a cooler tube (a floating cooler) to take drinks and snacks out on the water with you.

White Water Tubing

This adventure takes place where the Potomac River and Shenandoah Rivers converge and certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted! Tubers can take a break from the class I-III waves by hopping up on one of the large rocks along the river and enjoying a scenic picnic before heading back out on the water.

There’s also a wide range of other activities on offer at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, including zip lining, rope course, and rafting. Head to their website to learn about their various packages that combine water and dry land activities for a wonderful time in Harpers Ferry.

River Riders

• Address: 408 Alstadts Hill Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV
• Opening hours: 8:30 am – 6 pm Sunday to Thursday; 8:30– 6:30 pm on Fridays; 8:30-7 pm on Saturdays

River Riders‘ claim to fame is that their whitewater tubing trips are longer than those of their competitors, thanks to the fact that they have a private put-in on the Potomac upriver from historic Harpers Ferry. The team has over three decades of experience facilitating tubing trips, so you know you’re in good hands with them.

There are 5 options available for tubers:

• Flat water tubing: Spend a few hours floating down the Shenandoah River while you relax and enjoy the views and the Harpers Ferry sunshine. This lazy river-style trip is suitable for children over 30 lbs, as long as they are supervised by an adult.
• Whitewater tubing: If you’re looking for thrills and spills, opt for the whitewater tubing option on the Potomac River. This section of the river ranges from class I to III, depending on water levels, and is only suitable for strong swimmers aged ten and over.
• Full-day tubing: Spend 5-7 hours out on the water to experience the best of Harpers Ferry’s waterways. You can combine flat water and whitewater, or stick to whichever you prefer for the entire day.
• Full-day adventure pass: Choose from one self-guided activity first – either tubing, rafting, or ziplining. After your morning adventure, you can enjoy the Adventure Park or The Potomac Play Pass for up to two hours in the afternoon.
• Tubing season pass: Float alongside Maryland and Virginia all summer long with a season pass that lets you get out on the water as much as you want.

River & Trail Outfitters

• Address: 99 Cary Lu Cir Unit 108, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
• Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily

River & Trail has 3 different tubing trip options for flat water tubing and white water rafting adventures. Each itinerary is designed to suit tubers of different ages and abilities to ensure that everyone has the best day possible out on the water. Walk-ins are possible but it’s best to book in advance.

The 3 itineraries to choose from are:

• Shenandoah River: Tubing here is the most mellow option and is the perfect place for family and friends to spend an hour or two cooling off. The water here is calm enough for children to tube safely while accompanied by an adult.
• Whitewater tubing: This whitewater tubing trip tackles up to class III waves and is a true river tubing adventure that takes you through three different states while delivering stunning views of historic Harpers Ferry. Tubers must be over the age of 12, weigh more than 90 lbs, and sign a waiver to say that they are physically fit enough to self-rescue if they are separated from their tubes.
• Potomac River: This three-hour float glides down a calm, secluded part of the Potomac River and is a scenic, relaxing way to enjoy tubing. Experienced guides will point out sites of interest, and you may also see a bald eagle or a great blue heron. Soft coolers and water bottles are permitted.

Pro tip: River & Trail Outfitters also offers kayaking and canoeing options. They have a variety of kayak tours, or you can choose to rent a kayak/canoe for the day.

Other Fun Things to Do in Harpers Ferry

If you’re visiting Harpers Ferry during the spring or summer seasons, getting out on the river is one of the very best ways to enjoy our little slice of natural paradise.

While you’re in town, don’t miss these other exciting activities:

• Explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: This national park has played an important role in America’s history and there’s plenty to see and do here.
• Try the local beer and wine: Harpers Ferry is home to several superb vineyards and breweries, making it a great spot for visitors who appreciate a drink or two.
• Discover our waterfalls: Harpers Ferry is perfectly positioned to go hunting for waterfalls and some of the area’s best cascades are within easy reach of the town center.
• Enjoy a tasty brunch: There’s a great food scene in Harpers Ferry and nothing will set you up better for a day of tubing than a hearty brunch.
• Take a fun day trip: There are many charming neighboring towns nearby, including Charles Town and Shepherdstown.

Turn Your Tubing Experience into a Special Vacation

So there you have it: everything you need to know to enjoy tubing in Harpers Ferry!

To give yourself plenty of time to see and do everything that this historic location has to offer, book a cabin rental and make a vacation of your tubing adventure! Simply check in to one of our incredible Harpers Ferry cabins and vacation homes, and you’re all set to have a trip to remember.