Tubing is a popular activity in the NC Smoky Mountains. Our favorite spot for morning walks was right along Deep Creek, just about ten minutes away from our Airbnb. As we walked, we would see people of all ages carrying their tubes up the trail. Looking down at the creek, we would watch people floating through the calm areas and laughing through the little waterfalls and rapids.

I’m not usually much of a water sport kinda gal—I’m particular about the water I’ll get in—and I certainly won’t get in any water where I can’t see my feet. Yep, even in the deep, deep ocean. What would be the point of scuba diving if you can’t even see your feet?

But, seeing how much fun everyone was having, we had to try tubing.

It was so much fun! The water was cold enough to be refreshing and perfect against the heat and humidity of the NC summer air. The rapids and falls were like little roller coasters keeping us entertained. The creek is narrow enough that the forest keeps you shaded, too, so no worrying about sunscreen.

It was an easy fifteen minute walk up the trail, then about forty-five minutes tubing down the creek. The campground/parking area had picnic tables and grills under beautiful big trees, perfect for setting up for a day of tubing and playing in the water. We grabbed our sandwiches and found a nice log on the creek bank to people watch and lunch. At only five dollars to rent a tube for the day, it’s an easy, cheap, thrilling adventure.

If you are ever in the Bryson City area, I highly recommend tubing down Deep Creek!