Drift the New River: Two-Mile Tubing Near Crumpler, NC

Float two easy miles on the New River with Canoe the New for a one to two hour tubing trip that highlights wildlife, river geology, and Blue Ridge views. Perfect for families and first-time paddlers seeking a short, scenic on-water escape.

Crumpler, North Carolina•

1–2 hours

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

On the gentle bends of the New River near Crumpler, North Carolina, the Two Mile River Trip offers a low key, family friendly tubing passage that feels like a moving front row seat to the southern Blue Ridge. Operated by Canoe the New, this one to two hour float carries you two easy miles past rock outcrops, willow fringes, and broad mountain views. The New River is widely regarded as one of North America’s oldest rivers, and you sense that slow history where current and bedrock meet under open sky. You launch from a modest put in and settle into an open bottom tube supplied by the outfitter — two handles, a cup holder, and optional clips to join tubes. The channel alternates calm pools with mild riffles and short playful chutes that are safe for kids and enliven the trip for adults. Forest canopy gives way to wide vistas of Blue Ridge ridgelines; river smoothed sandstone and gravel bars punctuate several beaches where you can hop off and stretch. Wildlife is a steady companion: great blue herons stalk the shallows, painted turtles sun on logs, and alert river otters sometimes glide past. Those small, moving encounters shape the trip more than dramatic whitewater, making this float a focused nature experience as much as a recreational run. Canoe the New sets the tone with straightforward gear, clear safety briefings, and shuttle service that ends at a staffed landing where staff meet you at takeout. Because the run is short, it pairs well with a morning hike, an afternoon of fly fishing, or a scenic loop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spring brings high water and blooming banks, summer delivers warm steady floats, fall turns the shoreline amber, and winter offers crisp, reflective stretches for cold weather paddlers willing to brave lower temps. Geology here is visible in smoothed bedrock and old river terraces that record long cycles of flow and sediment. The New River corridor also holds local recreation history stretching back generations; small outfitters like Canoe the New help keep public access affordable. Practically, no special skills are required beyond basic swimming comfort. Bring sun protection, secure footwear, and a dry bag for phones. For travelers seeking an accessible, scenic, and wildlife rich short float in the Blue Ridge foothills, the Two Mile River Trip reliably delivers. Local guides stress leave-no-trace and brief groups on river etiquette, shallow hazards, and how to avoid disturbing shoreline plants. The short mileages are perfect for first timers and repeat local paddlers. Bring a picnic to enjoy at takeout, and aim for late afternoon light when warm tones lift the river's surfaces and make for strong photographs and create relaxed, easy memories together.

Drift the New River: Two-Mile Tubing Near Crumpler, NC

The Experience

Before You Go

Shuttle timing

Footwear

Sun protection

Wildlife etiquette

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

Wildlife

Conservation Note

Photographer's Notes

What to Bring

Water shoesEssential

Dry bagEssential

Sun hat and sunscreenEssential

Light fleece or windshirt

Common Questions

Do I need prior tubing experience?

How long does the trip take?

What does the outfitter provide?

Is this family friendly?

Are reservations required?

What if weather changes?

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