Ready to kick back, cool off, and let the river do all the work? Hocking Hills tubing on the Hocking River is one of the best ways to spend a summer day in southeast Ohio. Whether you’re looking for a lazy afternoon escape or planning a fun outing with friends and family, floating downstream on a tube is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
At Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, we’ve been putting smiles on faces for years with our tube rentals on the Hocking River. Here’s everything you need to know before you grab a tube and hit the water.
There’s a reason tubing keeps growing in popularity every summer — it’s one of the few outdoor activities where doing absolutely nothing is the whole point. No paddling required. No experience necessary. Just lean back, float, and enjoy the scenery.
The Hocking River is a calm, gentle waterway with no rapids or whitewater to worry about. That makes Hocking Hills tubing ideal for beginners, families with kids, and anyone who wants to unwind without worrying about technique or skill level. The river winds through wooded hills and rocky bluffs, giving you a front-row seat to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Ohio.
And unlike a lake or pool, a river float is always moving — there’s always something new around the next bend. Great blue herons fishing along the banks, turtles sunning on fallen logs, and the quiet rustle of trees overhead. It’s the kind of peaceful experience that’s hard to find anywhere else.
When you arrive at Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, our team gets you set up quickly so you can maximize your time on the water. Here’s how a typical tubing trip works:
Check in at the livery. Our staff will get you signed in, fitted with a life jacket, and matched with a tube. We’re located at 12789 State Route 664 in Logan, Ohio — right in the heart of Hocking Hills.
Shuttle to the put-in. Our drivers transport you upstream to the starting point. Guests consistently rave about our shuttle drivers — they’re friendly, helpful, and often share tips about what to see along the way.
Float downstream. Once you’re in the water, the river carries you back toward the livery. Depending on water levels and how many stops you make along the way, your float typically takes two to four hours. During peak summer flows, the trip covers roughly five miles. When water levels are lower later in the season, the route is shorter — around two and a half miles — and you may occasionally need to scoot over shallow spots.
Arrive back at the livery. Our crew helps you out of the water at the take-out point, and you’re free to browse the gift shop, relax, or start planning your next visit.
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your Hocking Hills tubing trip one for the books. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Wear water shoes or sport sandals. The river bottom has natural rocks and gravel, and you’ll need footwear that can get wet. Flip-flops tend to float away, so strap-on sandals or old sneakers are your best bet.
Bring sunscreen and reapply often. You’re on the water for a few hours with the sun reflecting off the surface. Waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is a must. A hat with a chin strap helps too.
Stay hydrated. This one is huge, especially on hot July and August days. Bring a water bottle — a reusable one with a clip or carabiner works great so it stays attached to your tube. Our staff will tell you the same thing: drink water before, during, and after your float.
Dress for the water. Swimsuits, quick-dry shorts, and rash guards are all solid choices. Leave the cotton t-shirts and jeans at the cabin.
Secure your belongings. A small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch keeps your keys, phone, and wallet safe. If it can’t get wet, bag it up or leave it in your car.
Check conditions before you go. River levels can change throughout the season. Give us a call before your visit and we’ll let you know what to expect so there are no surprises. We want you to have the best experience possible, and a quick check helps us point you toward the right activity for that day’s conditions.
One of the best things about Hocking Hills Canoe Livery is that you don’t have to choose just one. We offer canoe, kayak, and tube rentals, so you can mix and match depending on your group and your mood.
Choose tubing if you want the most laid-back experience. No paddling, no steering — just floating. It’s great for hot days when you want to be in the water, not just on it. Tubing is also a hit with groups because everyone can float together and chat the whole way down.
Choose a canoe if you want a classic river experience for two. Canoes are great for couples or parent-and-child teams who want a little more control over their pace.
Choose a kayak if you want to set your own speed and explore at your own rhythm. Solo kayaks are popular with people who like a bit of independence on the water.
No matter which option you pick, the river and the scenery are the same — stunning.
A tubing trip fits perfectly into a bigger Hocking Hills adventure. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
Book ahead, especially on weekends. Summer Saturdays are our busiest days. Reserving your tubes online in advance guarantees your spot and keeps your arrival smooth.
Arrive early for the best experience. Our hours are Sunday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Getting on the water in the morning means cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and more wildlife sightings.
Make it an overnight trip. We rent cabins right here at the livery, so you can tube in the afternoon, fire up the grill in the evening, and wake up to the sounds of the river the next morning. It’s the easiest way to turn a day trip into a full Hocking Hills getaway.
Explore the area. Hocking Hills State Park is just minutes away, with waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails that pair perfectly with a day on the river. Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls are all within a short drive.
Don’t just take our word for it — our guests keep coming back year after year. Here’s what they love most:
Our staff consistently earns praise in reviews. Guests mention team members by name — from the drivers who make the shuttle ride fun, to the crew at the put-in who help everyone get started safely. One recent reviewer said it best: “The staff was outstanding. They really went above and beyond.”
Many of our guests are repeat visitors, some coming back for over a decade. Families make it an annual tradition, friend groups return every summer, and couples discover their new favorite date spot. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident — it happens when people genuinely love the experience.
Summer doesn’t last forever, and the best days on the Hocking River fill up fast. Whether you’re planning a solo float, a family outing, or a big group adventure, Hocking Hills Canoe Livery has the tubes, the team, and the river to make it happen.
Ready to float? Head to hockingriver.com to check availability and reserve your tubes. Have questions about river conditions or group rates? Give us a call — our team is always happy to help you plan the perfect trip.
We’ll see you on the river.
