Summer 2020 is a doozie – so many of our regular choices for summer fun have been limited or canceled due to coronavirus. But we still need to have options to cool off in the blazing summer heat, and we have you covered!
We’ve told you about High Mountain Adventures, who offer half and full day tubing, kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting outings. Team Smarty did a half day tubing trip down the New River in Boone and it was the best day trip ever!
More on the New River Tubing Adventures:
New River Tubing is the perfect way to relax on a hot summer afternoon. The New River is one of the oldest and most prestigious rivers in world. High Mountain Expeditions offers the unique opportunity to float this pure, clear, free flowing river. Water temperatures are inviting and offer relief form the hot summer sun.
The depth of the water ranges from 2 feet to as deep as 8 feet making the New River the perfect River Tubing trip for all members of the family. High Mountain Expeditions offers custom hard bottom tubes that allow you to navigate the New River precisely and comfortably. They also offer custom cooler tubes. High Mountain Expeditions New River Tubing outpost is conveniently located only minutes from Boone, North Carolina. Before setting off on your tubing adventure a guide will orientate you on river safety and how to best maneuver your tube.
Team Smarty signed up for the 12n departure which was perfect coming out of Charlotte – it was glorious!
Here are some Smarty tips before you set out on your trip:
1) Make sure you sign up for the 12n or later trip – this will give you enough time to get there from Charlotte. It took us about 2 1/4 hours.
2) Wear Chacos – the bottom is full of rocks and you’re going to step on them.
3) Make sure everyone is fed before setting out. You won’t want to bring food on your tube.
4) Buy the $10 beverage tube – it gets hot and you’ll get thirsty. Adults can pack adult beverages too – always a fun idea!
5) Put sunscreen on before you go on the tube – you don’t want to bring anything in your tube.
6) Bring your GoPro – we forgot ours (still annoyed!) and your phone will get wet, even in a dry bag.
7) The High Mountain Expeditions Tubing Outpost (where you meet to get started) has lots of drinks, snacks, t-shirts and necessities if you forget something.
8) Do plan for a late lunch or dinner outing in Boone. We highly recommend the local favorite burger joint, Come Back Shack. It is a local favorite, you’ll know when you see how long the line is. But don’t be discouraged, they know what they are doing and the line moves fast. You can eat outside, which is great during these trying times. Temp is always 10 degrees cooler up in Boone.
9) You can also kayak or canoe down the New River if you don’t want to do the tube. Find details on tubing here, and kayaking/canoeing here.
10) Reach out to the High Mountain Expeditions Team if you have any questions about procedures.
Follow High Mountain Expeditions:
Reservations can be made online or over the phone (828) 266-RAFT.
Website | Instagram | Facebook
