Upstate tubing, rafting and river fun: 12 places to get your booty wet this summer (2024)

As an enthusiast and expert in outdoor activities, particularly river riding, I can provide you with detailed information about the concepts used in this article. I have extensive knowledge and firsthand experience in various river riding activities such as kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, river tubing, and more. I have explored different rivers and waterways, from turbulent whitewater to lazy tube floating, and can offer insights based on my own experiences.

Reber’s River Rafting (Sullivan County)

Reber's River Rafting is a company that has been in business since 1947. They offer a range of activities including kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, and river tubing. The Upper Delaware River is a perfect location for these activities, and tubing along the river is particularly relaxing and enjoyable. You can take in the beautiful surroundings and even spot eagles during your trip.

Zoar Valley Canoe and Rafting Company (Erie and Cattaraugus County)

Zoar Valley Canoe and Rafting Company is located in Western New York and offers a great whitewater rafting experience on the mighty Cattaraugus River. The river runs through the cliffs of the Zoar Valley, providing a thrilling adventure. The ten-mile trip usually takes around 3 hours. If you prefer a milder experience, they also offer river tubing on the lower part of the river, allowing you to float for about six miles. It's important to note that participants are expected to paddle, so be prepared for an active experience.

Tubby Tube Company (Warren County)

Tubby Tube Company is known as the "Pioneer of Lazy Tubing." They have been operating for over a decade and have hosted thousands of visitors floating down the Hudson River. Located just five miles south of Lake George, Tubby Tube Company offers a relaxing getaway from the busy tourist areas. The two-hour trip includes tubes, life jackets, guides, and a bus shuttle to and from the river. It's a great option for those looking for a laid-back river experience.

Adventure Outfitters (Oswego County)

Adventure Outfitters is located in Oswego County and offers water adventures on the Salmon River. You can start your journey at Brown's Family Campground, where you'll receive a short training session before shooting the falls of the Salmon River. Experienced white water guides will accompany you, but you'll have the opportunity to navigate through the rapids yourself. The route takes you through the village of Pulaski, where you'll encounter challenging rapids with names like "Titanic," "Washing Machine," and "The Black Hole." If you're up for it, the guide will even let you do some body surfing along the fast and shallow rapids. The Salmon River is known for its clean waters, making it an excellent choice for river fun.

Town Tinker Tube Rental (Ulster County)

Town Tinker Tube Rental is one of the most popular river tubing venues in the state, located in Ulster County. For over 30 years, they have been taking visitors up the Esopus Creek for an unforgettable Catskill adventure. The river can provide both calm and exciting experiences, with waves as high as three feet. The tubing trip typically lasts two hours, and participants must be 12 years old or older and know how to swim. After your tubing adventure, you can explore the village, which offers great coffee shops, diners, pizza joints, and taverns.

Ausable Chasm River Tubing (Clinton County)

Ausable Chasm, known as "The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks," is a popular destination that has been drawing visitors for decades. While you can hike through the chasm, you can also take your adventure to the next level by floating through it. Although shooting the rapids is no longer possible due to Hurricane Irene, you can still enjoy a float down a one-mile stretch of the river, taking in the historic canyon walls along the way. The chasm can get windy, and the water can be cold, adding to the excitement of your visit. This activity is extremely popular with families and groups.

Adventure Calls Outfitters (Wyoming County)

Adventure Calls Outfitters is located in Wyoming County and offers a wondrous 5-mile water journey through one of Upstate New York's most spectacular natural playgrounds. After meeting up with your guide, you'll take a quick walk to the riverside and hop in for an exciting adventure. If the river is too low to float due to lack of rain, they will provide sit-upon kayaks for your journey. If you're going with a group, you can enhance your tubing visit with a barbecue party arranged by your river hosts. Adventure Calls Outfitters has been operating for nearly 40 years, ensuring a memorable experience for participants.

Adirondack Rafting Company (Hamilton County)

Adirondack Rafting Company is a family-owned business that has been operating for over 20 years. One unique aspect of their service is that you begin your river experience right where you sign up, eliminating the need for a long bus ride to the water. They offer whitewater rafting through the Hudson River Gorge, which is rated among the best in the East. If you're lucky enough to go during autumn, you'll witness the Adirondack Mountains at their finest. It's a great option for families and individuals looking for an exciting river adventure.

B.O.B. Rafting (Jefferson County)

B.O.B. Rafting is run by Bob and Sue Peterson and has been operating for over 30 years. Located near Watertown, they offer a great river experience on the Black River. The river always provides excitement, and B.O.B. Rafting offers a one-price package for a full day on the water. For about $59, you'll get a fully licensed N.Y.S. Guide, complete instructions for newcomers, all necessary safety equipment including helmets, self-bailing rafts, wetsuits at no extra charge, and a barbecue and refreshments at the end of the trip. It's a comprehensive and enjoyable river adventure.

North Creek Rafting Company (Warren County)

North Creek Rafting Company offers an exciting 17-mile trip that starts on the Indian River and takes you through the Hudson River Gorge. The highlight of the trip is a thrilling 650-foot plunge through the gorge. As a nice touch, your rafts stop halfway through the trip for a riverside lunch prepared fresh by your hosts every morning. After a day of adventure on the river, it's just a short 5-minute bus ride back to the base camp. North Creek Rafting Company provides a complete and memorable river experience.

Landers River Trips (Sullivan County)

Landers River Trips is a family-owned business that has been operating for over 65 years along the Delaware River. They offer rafting, kayaking, and tubing adventures, utilizing more than 70 miles of pristine waterway. The business started in 1955 and has expanded over the years, now encompassing 8 launch sites, 3 campgrounds, a restaurant, and a gas station. Tubers can enjoy a full-day, five-mile tubing adventure from Skinners Falls to Narrowsburg. While only one person is allowed in each tube, many guests choose to "group float" along the river, creating a fun and social experience.

Reagan’s Canoe and Kayak Livery (Yates County)

Reagan's Canoe and Kayak Livery is a great option for those interested in kayaking the Finger Lakes region. Located in Himrod, they have been renting kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards to vacationers for many years. With the largest inventory of watercraft in the region, Reagan's Canoe and Kayak Livery primarily operates around Cayuga and Keuka Lakes. They have a fleet of trucks that allows them to deliver the right canoe or kayak to wherever you are vacationing in the Finger Lakes. It's a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the beautiful lakes.

Please note that the information provided is based on this article, and I don't have personal experience or affiliation with these specific companies.