General Information
This scenic river is actually the headwaters of Tennessee’s famous Ocoee River but changes its name to the Toccoa River when it crosses the line into Georgia. Georgia tubing has become a very popular family activity in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The river is a dam-controlled river and TVA releases water as they deem necessary-sometimes daily. Water levels and speed can change significantly after water is released from the dam. Before water is released, the river is shallower and slower. After water is released, the river rises 2 to 3 feet and picks up speed considerably. This is NOT like a lake. Non-swimmers should not get in the river during high water.
We offer a 1 and half mile float for Toccoa River. Under natural conditions with no water release, our 1-mile inner tube trip can take up to one hour; after water is released it may take only 20 minutes.
Water release is controlled by TVA and subject to change without notice. TVA does not make reliable water release times available to us ahead of time so we are unable to be more specific regarding how long it will take you to get down the river.
The depth of the water changes from place to place in the river and there may be small rapids and rocks along the way. This trip is suitable for most people who can swim (unless there is swift water) but there is risk associated with all water related activities and you will be required to sign a waiver of liability prior to beginning your river trip. There are no safety personnel on the river so you are responsible for your own safety. Please be careful and keep your life jacket securely fastened at all times.
People paddling in funyaks (inflatable kayaks) and hard kayaks usually get down the river faster than those people floating on inner tubes. It all depends on how hard you paddle.
There is another tubing company which is located almost next door to us in McCaysville. Please do not be confused. Look for the Rolling Thunder River Company sign and the brightly colored Tooberoo sign. Our building is dark green with a red metal roof.
For Toccoa River Information Call: 706-492-5720 (Memorial Day to Labor Day) or check out our Facebook page
AGE REQUIREMENTS
Ages 5 and up. No exceptions.
HOURS OF OPERATIONS
The below is always weather permitting
- Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Check in for the 1.5 mile tubing/kayaking trips before 4 p.m.
- Closed on bad weather days.
- Labor shortages sometimes make it difficult on our ability to do all of our trips.
For more details: 706 492-5720
EQUIPMENT
Inner Tubes: Colorful inner tubes and kayaks provide a cool and refreshing way to have fun and relax on a hot summer day on the Toccoa River. Our colorful vinyl inner tubes with handles are designed for your comfort. We do not use black tire tubes which can get very hot and uncomfortable in the sun. Reservations are not necessary for inner tubes unless you have a group of 15 or more people.
Kayaks: If you prefer to do some paddling, you can also try our kayaks or “Funyaks” which are inflatable one person or two person boats. The Toccoa River is ideal for families with younger children. Kayak do require a reservation.
Proper Shoes Required: Be sure to wear shoes which fit securely to your feet – no flip flops.
Transportation: Bus Shuttles run all day on operating days. We shuttle you up the river and you float back down to our tubing center where you left your car so you don’t have to wait for a shuttle to get back to your car.
ESTIMATED TIME ON RIVER
The Toccoa River is a dam-controlled river and TVA releases water at various times. This can result in the river becoming swifter and deeper without warning. Water release schedules with TVA often change without notice due to unanticipated changes in weather conditions and power system requirements.
Approximate time on the river for tubing trips and “paddle” boats (kayaks, funyaks); the latest time you can arrive for a specific trip.
- Normal Flow: 1.5 hours
- Swift Flow: 20 minutes
Tubing Tips
River tubing is a very popular form of summer recreation in North Georgia! Please see some basic information before arriving to your trip.
WHAT TO WEAR
-Shoes: Securely fitted shoes are required to help avoid foot injury. Old tennis shoes are the best and flip flops are not suitable. Don’t forget shoes for the river and dry shoes for off the river.
-Clothing: Most people are comfortable in bathing suits or shorts and a tee shirt. You will definitely get wet! And don’t forget the sunscreen!
COOLERS
Coolers are allowed on the river but no glass containers can be taken on the river. Styrofoam coolers are not recommended. We can rent a tube for your cooler if you want to float it along with you. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on river trips.
STEERING YOUR TUBE
Just sit your bottom in the middle of the tube, lean back and paddle with your hands while kicking your feet.
TAKE OUT
Look for the ROLLING THUNDER “take out” where you will get out of the river. It will be on the right side as you float down.
BATHROOMS
Make sure to use Rolling Thunders facilities before getting on the river as there are no bathrooms on the river.
FALLING OUT OF YOUR TUBE
You may fall out of your tube while in the river. Keeping your life jacket securely fastened at all times is the smartest thing you can do while on the river. Try to get back in your tube as quickly as possible. Be careful about standing up in any river as there may be obstacles that you cannot see.
GETTING OUT OF THE RIVER
If for any reason, you need to get out of the river before you get to Rolling Thunder’s “take out”, it is crucial that you get out on the side of the river where the road is so you can start walking back to Rolling Thunder. Keep in mountain roads are curvy and visibility is often limited. BE CAREFUL and stay on the shoulder.
WATER CRITTERS
Any river is home to all sorts of critters. We have never had a single person have a bad experience with this facet of their trip. BE AWARE and stay away from critters. Staying away from the side of the river and tree branches is highly recommended.
PARKING
There is parking for your vehicle at Rolling Thunder. Please DO NOT take your car key with you on the river. Leave them with our team so you will have them when you return.
EYEGLASSES
If you must wear glasses of any kind, consider securing them with a retainer of some type. Rolling Thunder has retainers available in our retail shop.
SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR TUBES
In lieu of collection a cash deposit when you rent your tubes, Rolling Thunder will hold your driver’s license and a credit card number. When you return your rental equipment, your license will be returned to you.
LOST OR DAMAGE TUBES
If you lose or damage your tube, you will be charged a fee of $20.
What to Bring
Protective Footwear
- For your safety, all rafters must wear securely fitted shoes.
- Tennis shoes, water shoes or sandals with heel straps are fine. Flip flops or bare feet are not acceptable.
In Warmer Weather
Quick drying shorts and a tee shirt. You don’t want to wear heavy clothes such as sweat pants or blue jeans. Quick-drying materials such as nylon are a good choice.
In Cooler Weather
If the weather is cooler, try to wear polypropylene or synthetic fleece fabrics. Cotton is not a good choice during chilly weather.
Eyewear (Glasses or Sunglasses)
If you feel you must wear glasses of some kind, at least secure them with a string or head strap. We sell head straps at our rafting centers as well as inexpensive sunglasses.
Other Things to Bring
- Bring a towel. You will get wet!
- Dry clothes and shoes.
- Plastic bag for your wet clothes.
What NOT To Bring On The River
- Valuable jewelry
- Cell phones, wallets or expensive cameras
- Car keys (trust us on this one!)