Tubing

RENTAL FEES

So what does the Tubing Fee cover?

• Unlimited tubing during NRJ operating hours!
• Free shuttle from Big Falls Park back to New River Junction
• Free grilling service at Big Falls Park. We provide tables, grills, charcoal, lighter fluid, plates, napkins, and plastic utensils. We’ll even light the grill for you – just bring your food and cooking utensils.

Reservations are NOT required for tubing unless you have a group of 10 or more persons. Unlike many other tube rental outfits, NRJ does not schedule trips based on departure or pick-up times. The earlier you arrive, the more trips you can make. Buses run nonstop during weekend tubing hours. On weekdays, there is a call box at the park that will page the driver to come and pick you up when you are ready!

Make sure to take advantage of our Group Discount if you’re coming to the Junction with 10 or more people. Group tubing is great for reunions, office retreats, birthday parties, and more. Prior to your arrival, be sure to print off and completely fill out our Group Tubing Form (including numbers of what you’ll need – Adult / Child tubes, Life jackets, etc.).

If there are any children under 16 years old, be sure to print and sign a Parent Waiver for them. When you arrive, send one person to the window to pay for everyone. The Group Discount only applies to groups paying for 10 or more persons in a single transaction. Please complete a Group Tubing form and bring it with you.

Make sure you call ahead (540-639-6633) to make your reservation for any group of 10 or more.

Our section the New River is very family-friendly. Our Tubing path is about a mile-long stretch where the river is calm and shallow, with a 200-yard section of rapids at the end. Our shuttle bus stop at Big Falls Park is before the rapids, so you DO NOT have to go through the rapids to go tubing.

We do require that anyone under the age of 16 wear a life jacket at any time they are in the river. You may bring one of your own (make sure it’s U.S. Coast Guard approved – there will be a label) or borrow one from us for FREE. Children under 16 must stay on the right side of the River where the water is generally less than 3 feet deep.,

The Waiver Form must be reviewed and signed by a parent prior to any child tubing at New River Junction.

At higher water levels we may recommend not allowing children under a certain age (depending on the level and the child’s age) to go through the rapids. We do recommend that children get out before the rapids on their first trip down, so they may become familiar with the rapids before they go through them. You can get out before the yellow buoys at Big Falls Park, walk down the road, look at the rapids, watch a few other people go through, discuss it with the children, and then you decide who goes through the rapids and who doesn’t. If you do decide to go through the rapids, wade out at the boat ramp far enough so you can float between the yellow buoys. That will set you up for the safest and most fun ride through the rapids.

KAYAKS

If you would like to launch a boat from NRJ there is a usage fee ($6 Monday-Friday, $8 Saturday – Sunday). This includes the use of the shuttle bus to bring you or your boat back to the office if you need it. NRJ’s rules still apply. No glass or styrofoam, and you must be back at the NRJ Office by 6:00 PM.

TUBES

Unlike nearly every other tubing facility, we let you bring your own tubes! You must go through the window and get a wristband ($6 Monday-Friday, $8 Saturday – Sunday). Again, all NRJ rules apply including the water-level rules, children under 16 must wear life jackets, no glass or styrofoam, you must ride our shuttle bus back from Big Falls Park, and you must be back at the NRJ Office by 6:00 PM.

Warning: Pool floats and cheap vinyl tubes are generally NOT suitable for River tubing! NRJ uses heavy-duty inner tubes because that is the only thing that will guarantee you a pleasant float down the River – not a walk.

• After you pay for your tubes at the Office, bring your TICKET along with your DRIVER’S LICENSE to the tube corral, where you will pick up your tube(s).
• You will need to provide ONE LICENSE for every TWO ADULT TUBES rented. Your LICENSE will be returned to you when you return your tubes.
• KEEP UP WITH THE TUBE THAT WAS ASSIGNED TO YOU! You are responsible for the tube number that you are assigned. Even if you return someone else’s tube, you are still responsible for returning YOUR ORIGINAL TUBE. This means that if your assigned tube doesn’t show up, you will have to pay the replacement fee of $25.
• Do not bring anything into the river that you care about losing (i.e. your favorite ball cap, sunglasses, sandals). We have a key rack at the entrance to the Tube Corral. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to leave everything in your vehicle.
• We do not allow glass or styrofoam in the river, so please plan accordingly.
• At lower (GREEN) levels, walk out about 50 yards from the shore and start your float past the first ledge.
• To avoid bumping into rocks left and right when the water level is low, keep your butt up and your feet toward the Falls!
• Big Falls Park and the shuttle bus pick-up point are located just before the rapids on the right side of the River. This is the ONLY location for pick-up. If you go through the rapids, get out at one of the beaches just below them and walk back up to the Park (it’s only about 150 yards). There is NO shoulder on the road, so please be aware of traffic.