Operators across Asheville and surrounding waterways report steady demand but varied recovery paths heading into the summer season
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Western North Carolina tubing outfitters are heading into the summer season with cautious optimism as they continue recovering from Tropical Storm Helene and adjusting to higher operating costs, including fuel and permitting expenses.
For some operators, the storm reshaped where — and how — they do business.
Zen Tubing, which runs trips on the French Broad River, said it reopened last season at its South Asheville access point and saw a strong rebound in visitors.
“Bookings are trending ahead of last season, and we’re looking forward to a strong summer,” CEO Aubrey Anderson said in a written update. The company said its South Asheville stretch of the river remained largely intact after Helene, offering “clean, scenic stretches and healthy riverbanks.”
However, its River Arts District location will remain closed this year as recovery work continues along the river corridor. The company said it is keeping that section closed intentionally to allow cleanup crews and natural restoration to continue without additional river traffic.
Despite rebuilding costs, Zen Tubing said it has not raised prices this season.
“We’ve chosen to keep pricing consistent,” Anderson said, adding that the focus remains on keeping the experience affordable and accessible.
Farther south in Polk County, another outfitter is adjusting to changing river conditions.
Green River Cove Tubing Co. announced it will raise prices to $15 per person this summer, citing higher costs tied to permits, fuel and equipment. The company also said storm-related damage has altered river conditions, with some sections now running with a more natural flow following hydrostation disruptions.
“We are confident it will be just as fun,” the company said in a social media post, encouraging guests to bring water shoes and life jackets and prepare for a more rugged experience.
The Green River corridor, long known for its clear water and gentle rapids, remains one of the region’s most popular tubing destinations despite those changes.
Another longtime operator, Green River Adventures, is marking the start of its summer tubing season along the Lower Green River, where visitors can expect a mix of calm stretches and light rapids through the forested gorge.
The company is celebrating its 20th season this year, part of a broader trend among outdoor recreation businesses emphasizing resilience and continued visitor interest despite storm impacts.
Despite changing conditions, tubing remains a popular summer activity across Western North Carolina.
French Broad River (Asheville area): River conditions vary by rainfall but are generally known for calm water and steady summer use. Outfitters include French Broad Outfitters, Zen Tubing, Asheville Adventure Company, Beer City Tubing in Arden, Headwaters Outfitters in Brevard and Mad Co Tubing in Marshall.
Green River (Saluda/Polk County): A more adventurous option with stretches ranging from calm water to mild rapids. Outfitters include Green River Cove Tubing Co., Green River Adventures and Wilderness Cove.
Catawba River (Marion/Morganton/McDowell County): Known for longer, slower floats compared to mountain rivers, with warmer water and conditions influenced by dam releases and rainfall. Outfitters include Catawba River Outdoors and Catawba River Expeditions.
Other Western North Carolina tubing spots: Deep Creek in Bryson City offers short runs with small rapids; the New River in the Boone area is known for long, relaxed floats; and the Tuckasegee River in Dillsboro offers easy tubing with nearby access points.
Across the region, outfitters say demand remains strong even as costs rise and river conditions continue to shift following Helene.
For many operators, the focus this summer is stability — keeping river access open, maintaining safety and ensuring visitors can still experience one of Western North Carolina’s most popular warm-weather traditions.
Outfitters say demand remains steady even as conditions evolve. Higher fuel prices are also influencing travel patterns, with some operators seeing more regional tourism and shorter stays.
Smaller outfitters along the Green and French Broad rivers say they are adjusting by modifying hours, limiting launches or focusing on peak weekends to manage costs.
Still, they say the draw of a summer float remains strong across the region.
828newsNOW News Editor Dee Pridgen thrives on making sense out of the chaos of a newsroom. She is a graduate of Troy University’s Hall School of Journalism and has more than 35 years’ experience as a reporter and editor.
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