Tubing in Hocking Hills: What to Know

Hocking Hills is one of Ohio’s most scenic spots, filled with hiking trails, stunning rock formations, hidden caves, and thundering waterfalls. You could spend days exploring the area by foot or bike, but on the hottest days of summer, there’s no better place to be than out on the water.

River tubing in Hocking Hills offers fun in the sun for the whole family. That’s why we’ve put together a guide on tubing in Hocking Hills so you’ll know when to visit, where to go, and more.

Book your stay at Hocking Hills Lodging Company, and let’s dive in.

Where To Go Tubing in Hocking Hills

Photo Credit: Annette Shaff

Most visitors who want to go tubing in Hocking Hills head for the Hocking River, a roughly 100-mile-long stretch of flatwater (with some small riffles) that winds from central Ohio through the Wayne National Forest to the Ohio River.

Tubing on the Hocking River mostly takes place in one of two locations, and which one you pick will likely depend on when you visit Hocking Hills. Water levels typically vary with the seasons, so you’ll have to plan your trip accordingly.

Whichever option you pick, rest assured that you’ll still get to float past some gorgeous scenery.

Rockbridge to Crockett’s Run

Photo Credit: Dan Keck via Flickr CC2.0

This route is fairly short at just 2.5 miles, and it’s typically done toward the end of summer as water levels begin to fall. Why? When the water lowers on the Hocking River, you might have a bumpy ride in other locations. Don’t worry—you’ll still get to enjoy a nice, relaxing float on this run.

Crockett’s Run to Canoe Livery

This 5-mile-long run can take several hours and is only possible during the summer when water levels are at their highest. You’ll likely have a slightly faster float at this time of year thanks to all that water volume moving through, but you can still relax and look forward to a calming ride with time to soak up the scenery going by.

Best Time to Go Tubing in Hocking Hills

Since this is an outdoor water activity, tubing in Hocking Hills is best done during the warm days of summer. As mentioned, those who want a longer ride should plan to arrive early in the season—late summer and fall conditions lead to lower water levels, not to mention cooler temperatures.

If you do choose to go tubing in the fall or spring in Hocking Hills, expect shorter, though still scenic rides. The season generally runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and most tubing outfitters close outside of those dates.

However, you may get the Hocking River all or mostly to yourself during the shoulder seasons if you’re willing to strike out on your own. This would require you to run your own shuttle from the put-in to take-out points, though.

What You Need to Go Tubing in Hocking Hills

Although your particular packing list for tubing in Hocking Hills may vary, we’re going to start with the basics.

• A swimsuit and sunscreen are both essential; bonus points if you can get your hands on some environmentally friendly sunblock.
• Drinking water, closed-toe water shoes, and towels are also recommended.
• If you plan to stay high and dry in your tube, bug spray might be a good investment to keep the mosquitoes away.

Aside from those items, tubing outfitters will likely have everything else necessary. Those running their own tubing trips, on the other hand, must bring along inner tubes and any necessary personal flotation devices and account for their own shuttles. A floating cooler for snacks and drinks would come in handy, too—after all, you’ll be on the water for a while.

Tubing With an Outfitter in Hocking Hills

You can tube by yourself in Hocking Hills, but we wouldn’t blame you for deciding you would rather go with an experienced outfitting company. They’ll provide all the gear you need to get started, as well as the necessary shuttles and insider tips.

These are our recommendations for tubing outfitters in Hocking Hills:

Adventure Pro Outdoors

Photo Credit: hewittohio

• 1299 E. Canal St., Nelsonville, OH
• Open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, open Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm
• adventureprooutdoors.com

The hugely popular Adventure Pro Outdoors hosts canoe, kayak, and tube trips down the Hocking River, as well as the annual Mega Tube Float. But their options vary—you can break down Adventure Pro Outdoors’ different services and choose rentals à la carte rather than paying for items you might not need in an all-inclusive package.

The 3-mile float is the most popular here, though the exact length of your river trip may change depending on the currents and water levels. That’s just the start of the excitement—once you’re back on land, swing by the Adventure Pro Outdoors Center to rent slingshots or ATVs for even more adventures.

Hocking Hills Adventures

Photo Credit: Hillary Attar

• 31251 Chieftain Dr, Logan, OH
• Open from 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week
• hockinghillscanoeing.com

Another top tubing outfitter in the Hocking Hills area, Hocking Hills Adventures, offers 2.5-mile and 5-mile floats at different times of the year. Hocking Hills Adventures is a widely popular choice among families because it has everything visitors of all ages might need for a good time on the Hocking River.

No matter which tubing ride you choose, save some time to visit the Hocking Hills Adventures Fun Center. A short drive from the company’s main headquarters at the Canoe Livery, the Fun Center features go-karts, mini golf, and much more to keep the whole family entertained. Alternatively, snag a canoe or kayak rental and get back out on the river.

Hocking Hills Canoe Livery

• 12789 State Route 664, Logan, OH
• Open Sunday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4 pm, open Saturday from 8:30 am to 4 pm
• hockingriver.com

Bonus recommendation—if you want to keep the whole family or friend group together during your trip down the Hocking River, rent a raft with the Hocking Hills Canoe Livery. You’ll still get all the relaxation and calm waters of a tubing trip without worrying about where your friends or kids have floated off to. Plus, you can fit more snacks and drinks into a raft.

Rafting trips typically take in the spring and early summer, depending on water levels. High volume is needed to move these sizable crafts down the river.

Stay Near the Best Tubing in Hocking Hills

Now, you should know everything you need to know about tubing in Hocking Hills. It’s the perfect way for everyone to cool down during the dog days of summer while exploring the beautiful Hocking Hills area.

As you plan your trip, make sure to book your stay at Hocking Hills Lodging Company so you’ll be close to all the tubing action. You could easily tube for your entire trip here, but no matter what you want to do, you won’t be far from the excitement when you stay at one of our vacation rentals or RV spots.