Boone is a charming little mountain town that offers breathtaking scenery and an array of outdoor activities. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and pristine waterways, Boone offers countless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area.
During the winter months, the Blue Ridge Mountains transform into a snowy wonderland, attracting adventure-seekers from near and far. Among the many ski resorts and winter sports venues, snow tubing has become a popular activity for visitors of all ages. It’s no wonder why this thrilling pastime is considered one of the best things to do in the area, providing a great time for the whole family.
Boone, North Carolina and its surrounding small towns are home to a plethora of snow tubing parks, each offering unique experiences and adrenaline-pumping fun.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top snow tubing destinations in the area. And if you’re visiting the area, don’t forget to check out our article on the best places to stay.
Hawksnest Tubing Park (Snow Tubing)
Hawksnest Tubing Park boasts the title of the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. It features 2 conveyor lifts designed to make your tubing experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Hawksnest snow tubing is an exhilarating activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The park offers a variety of tubing lanes, from 400 to 1000 feet long, to accommodate visitors of all ages and skill levels. There’s no shortage of excitement as you zip down the snowy slopes, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition to its snow tubing attractions, Hawksnest Tubing Park also offers a thrilling zipline experience. The park’s zipline course spans over 1.5 miles and features 20 different cables, some reaching heights of up to 200 feet above the ground. This exhilarating adventure allows visitors to take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape while soaring through the treetops.
Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing Park (Snow Tubing)
Known for its beautiful surroundings and thrilling winter activities, Jonas Ridge is an ideal place to experience snow tubing. Like Hawksnest, it also has a convenient conveyor belt system to transport riders and their tubes to the top of the hill.
You can choose from a variety of snow tubing runs geared towards everyone from novices to experts. As you glide down the snowy slopes on your snow tube, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush and excitement that only this winter sport can provide.
High Mountain Expeditions (River Tubing)
High Mountain Expeditions is a premier adventure destination located in Banner Elk, NC. Nestled among the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, this outdoor paradise offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors of all ages and skill levels.
One of the most popular activities at High Mountain Expeditions is river tubing. Embark on a thrilling New River Tubing adventure, where you’ll float down the gentle currents and soak in the breathtaking scenery. The New River is a beautiful and ancient waterway, boasting crystal-clear waters that remain relatively mild throughout the year. Water temperatures typically range from the low 60s in the spring and fall to the refreshing mid-70s during the peak summer months, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing and invigorating river tubing experience.
In addition to river tubing, High Mountain Expeditions offers a wide array of other exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the scenic trails that wind through the surrounding mountains, taking in the stunning vistas and discovering the area’s unique plant and animal life.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, caving adventures provide an opportunity to delve into the depths of the earth and uncover the hidden wonders of subterranean caverns. Finally, white water rafting excursions offer an exhilarating way to navigate the region’s thrilling rapids.
Sugar Mountain Resort (Snow Tubing)
Sugar Mountain Resort is a great place for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The resort boasts of 21 slopes and trails, and is a popular destination for both beginners and experts. The resort also offers a range of amenities, including equipment rentals, ski lessons, and on-site dining options.
For those looking for a different kind of thrill, Sugar Mountain Resort also offers tubing tickets and tube rentals. The tubing park has four lanes and is perfect for a family outing or a fun-filled day with friends.
Apart from skiing and tubing, Sugar Mountain Resort also offers other activities such as mountain biking, winter activities, and an ice skating rink. There’s never a dull moment at the resort, no matter what time of year it is.
If skiing and tubing aren’t your cup of tea, Sugar Mountain Golf Course is located very close by. The golf course is a par 64, 4,765-yard course that is perfect for golfers of all skill levels. The Sugar Mountain Resort Ski Lodge, located on the resort grounds, is a popular spot for golfers to relax after a long day on the greens. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation and a range of amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna.
Beech Mountain Resort (Snow Tubing)
Beech Mountain Resort, located in North Carolina, is a winter wonderland that offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities. The Beech Mountain Visitor Center is a great starting point for exploring the park. The resort features 17 slopes and trails, as well as equipment rentals and ski lessons for those looking to hit the slopes.
Beech Mountain snow tubing is one of the most popular activities at the park. With six lanes that range from easy to difficult, visitors can enjoy an exhilarating ride down the mountain. The park also offers a magic carpet lift for easy access to the top of the hill.
In addition to tubing, Beech Mountain Resort offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy. Mountain biking is a popular summer activity, and winter sports like ice skating and snowshoeing are available during the colder months. Disc golf is another popular activity, with a course that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
After a day of tubing and exploring, visitors can unwind at Beech Mountain Brewing. This craft brewery offers a variety of beers, including their signature Beech Blonde Ale and the hoppy 5506 IPA. The cozy taproom is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold one after a day of outdoor adventure.
Wahoo’s Adventures (River Tubing)
Wahoo’s Adventures is a renowned outdoor recreation company located in Boone, NC. They offer a variety of activities for adventure enthusiasts, including tubing, rafting, paddling, and camping. The company is best known for its tubing adventures on the South Fork of the New River, where you can float and splash their way through the beautiful scenery while enjoying the refreshing water.
The river is typically cooler during the early summer months, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-60s, while in late summer, the water temperatures can reach the mid to upper 70s.
In addition to tubing, Wahoo’s Adventures also has two other locations: the Watauga location, which offers rafting and paddling adventures, and the Nolichucky location, which offers camping and rafting trips. Visitors can take part in guided rafting trips, which range from beginner to advanced, and explore the scenic river landscape.
Paddling enthusiasts can rent kayaks or canoes and enjoy a leisurely paddle down the river. Wahoo’s Adventures also offers camping trips, where visitors can experience the beauty of nature firsthand and enjoy a night under the stars.
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort (Snow Tubing)
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, situated in Mars Hill, is the best place for skiing and snowboarding in Western North Carolina. With its picturesque views, this ski resort offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding trails for all levels of expertise.
The resort also provides a terrain park for those who enjoy freestyle skiing and snowboarding. The Lodge Pizzeria at the resort serves up delicious brick oven pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, making it a great place to relax after a long day on the slopes.
The snow tubing at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is equally exciting. The resort offers a separate location for snow tubing on the South Fork of the New River, with multiple lanes and a magic carpet lift.
The magic carpet lift transports tubers to the top of the slope, so they can enjoy more runs down the hill without getting tired from walking uphill. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort’s snow tubing park is perfect for families and groups of friends looking for an exhilarating and fun winter activity.
Valle Crucis Community Park (River Tubing)
Valle Crucis Community Park is situated on the banks of the Watauga River, providing visitors with easy access points for fishing, swimming, and tubing. To get to the park, simply follow Highway 194 and turn onto Broadstone Road. The park’s entrance is marked by a large wooden bear sitting on a tree stump, making it easy to find. There is ample parking available for visitors. For more detailed directions from different locations, check out the park’s directions.
The tubing here winds through the Watauga River, a wonderful little river that makes for a peaceful, relaxing tube ride. Bring the whole family along, and enjoy a picnic at the park afterwards. Because this is a community park, and not a resort, it doesn’t cost anything to go tubing here. But be sure to bring your own tube and arrange for transportation back to the park if you’re going to go very far.
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