Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new Flat Water Tubing Starting Location open?
Our new location for Flat Water Tubing will be opening starting Saturday, June 29, 2019. Customers who booked Flat Water Tubing only, but not combo packages that include Flat Water Tubing, should check in at this new location starting on that date. Combo package customers should continue using our main check-in location.

Where is the new Flat Water Tubing check-in location?
The Flat Water Tubing check-in location is at:
150 Millville Road. Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
See the Flat Water Tubing check-in location

Where do I check in for any Combo Package that includes Flat Water Tubing?
All Combo Package check-ins are at our main location: 37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, VA 20132
Click Here for map to the main check-in location

Where do I check in for all other activities?
All check-ins except Flat Water Tubing are at our main location.
This includes the Whitewater/Flatwater Tubing Combo Package.
37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, VA 20132
Click Here for map to the main check-in location

Will I get wet on your trips?
Yes you will get wet on our rafting and tubing trips. We suggest that you wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet in or possibly muddy. Please leave valuables at home. Also you should not take your camera or cell phone on any river trip unless you pack it in an approved waterproof container. We cannot be held responsible if you choose to take your valuables and cell phone on the trip with you and they are lost or damaged. Waterproof disposable cameras are available in our Market and take excellent shots. As we tell all guests, anything you don’t mind getting wet, lost, ruined or forever gone, don’t take it with you.

What should I wear?

• Footwear: River sandals (attached to your feet, no flip flops) or old sneakers make ideal footwear.
• Summer Trips: Temperatures are warm and so is the water, your main concern would be to protect yourself from the sun. A bathing suit and a pair of nylon shorts is a good base layer. A long-sleeve synthetic shirt or light windbreaker is good to have in case of a sudden shower or temperature change. A hat, sun block, sunglasses with retaining strap, disposable camera and you’re good to go.
• Spring & Fall Trips: Temperatures can vary from slightly warm to downright chilly. Typically however, water temps will be on the cooler side. With this in mind, here is a list of our suggestions for Spring and Fall rafting and water adventures:
  • Cotton is an absolute no-no for spring & fall. It will make you cold. We guarantee it. So leave that sweatshirt at home or save it for snuggling into after your trip.
  • Quick Dry Clothing: Polypropylene, Capilene, Under Armor and Nike Dri-FIT are some excellent choices of synthetic long underwear that is available. This is an excellent investment for outdoor enthusiasts. These fabrics are designed to wick moisture away from your body. They are hydrophobic, meaning they do not absorb water; rather they transfer it to your outer layers where it can evaporate keeping your core more comfortable.
  • Warm Layers: Next you’ll want to add a layer of fleece or pile. These are thicker and fluffier than your base layer and supply insulation and warmth. Made from synthetic fibers, they will not absorb nearly as much water as natural fibers. Wool provides some insulation when it gets wet but not as much.
  • Wet Suit/Splash Tops: We recommend wet suits for spring and fall trips unless the day is unseasonably warm. We offer wet suit rentals farmer john (sleeveless style) at $10 or splash tops (neck and wrists rubber closures that prevent water from getting under the jacket). for just $5. These will work great at helping to keep you warm and dry. Think of it as an insurance policy. You want to enjoy your day and the rapids and that can be hard to do when you are cold and shivering.
  • Socks, Gloves and Hats: If your feet are warm, your whole body will be warm. In the spring and fall we recommend neoprene socks or booties. The next best thing is wearing wool or fleece socks with your sneakers. Neoprene, fleece or wool gloves will keep your hands happy. There will be room under your helmet for a hat.

  How many people can fit into one raft?
  Our rafts hold up to 6 people and 1 guide in each raft. This can vary depending upon water levels and the size of people in your group. If you have a group of 6 or more, than we will have you split your group up between rafts.

  How long is the trip?
  Depending on the adventure you choose the distance and time required to complete the adventure varies.

  • Whitewater Tubing: Between 1.5-2.5 hours (on water time) depending on water levels
  • Flat water tubing: Between 1-2 hours (on water time) depending on water levels
  • Whitewater Rafting: Between 2-3 hours (on water time) based on water levels and number of rafts going out also dependent on river location.
  • Zip lining: Between 1-2 hours based on the size of the group.

  Does tubing include transportation?
  Yes our tubing rates include your shuttle to and from the river, a tube and a PFD. Please be aware of the last pick up times.

  Are reservations needed?
  Reservations are recommended for all activities, and required for guided trips. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. We can accommodate walk-ins as well based on availability however, space is limited and some trips do reach capacity especially during our prime season (June-August). It is best to reserve your spot as far in advance as possible.

  What should I bring for my trip?
  We recommend bringing an extra change of clothes/shoes and a towel to change into afterwards. We do have a bathhouse available to all guests to change or shower after a day on the water.

  Can I bring alcohol on my trip?
  We do not allow alcohol on any of our trips. Furthermore we use National Park Service land for entry of our trips and they have signage strictly enforcing that alcohol is prohibited on their property. Alcohol dehydrates your body and with the summer heat pounding on you in the river that is a combination for a possible accident. We want you be safe and have an enjoyable trip so we believe you should save the fun for after the run.

  What are the age/weight restrictions for your trips?
  Before traveling, please check the current river conditions and age requirements page.

  • Flat water Tubing: Min. 5 years old and 50lbs.
  • Whitewater Tubing: Min.12 years old and 70lbs.
  • Whitewater Rafting: Min. 5 years old and 50lbs.
  • Ziplining: Min. 7 years old, 70lbs and max 250lbs.
  • Flat water Canoeing: Min. 5 years old and 50lbs.
  • Flat water Kayaking: 8 years old and 60lbs.

  What if it rains?
  All trips go rain or shine. In the event of a thunderstorm we will hold up a trip until the storm passes and then resume. We reserve the right to relocate or change the raft size, number of participants and minimum age of participants due to abnormal water levels, conditions or weather issues beyond our control.

  Where can I buy food for my adventurous day?
  The Bear Mountain Market has chips, drinks, prepackaged sandwiches and other tasty snacks. We also can offer caterers for groups.

  Where can I stay in your area?
  We offer camping onsite, with prime riverside locations, platforms, cabins or our mountain top spots. All of our campsites come with your own picnic table, grill/ fire ring combo. We sell firewood and some camping supplies as well as snacks for your campsite. Reservations are required. Not a camper? No problem, there are hotels, motels, and bed & breakfast establishments within minutes of our headquarters. In addition there are many restaurants and fast food services nearby. Our staff will be happy to give you more information about them.

  What if I run late for my trip?
  Please be on time for your trips. We cannot wait for late arrivals as this puts us behind schedule for all other trips for the day. Plan to arrive for check in one hour before your trip’s scheduled departure so you have time to complete waivers, get your gear, change clothes or purchase any items you forgot to bring with you. We reserve the right to cancel your trip without a refund in the event you arrive after for confirmed trip time.

  What is your cancellation/refund policy?
  If a guest needs to cancel their trip, they have 1 year from the date of their trip to reschedule. If HFAC cancels a trip for any reason, guests will have 1 year from the date of their trip to reschedule. No refunds will be given.

  All activities are held rain or shine. Trips are postponed for 30 minutes in the event of lightning or thunder. In the event of severe weather conditions, HFAC will notify guests as soon as possible to reschedule the trip.

  Do I need to fill out a waiver?
  Yes you must complete a waiver in order to participate in any of our adventures. One Liability form must be completed for each person. Parents must complete a waiver for each one of their children separately. If you are bringing children that are not your own or that you do not have guardianship for then you must bring or have a completed prior to arrival, a Liability form signed by their own parent. This policy cannot be compromised, no exceptions.

  What happens if I fall out?
  Without a doubt the best thing you can do to help assure your safety if you fall out of your tube is to wear your PFD. Grab onto your tube as soon as possible and float through the current. Once you have reached calmer water, try to get back on your tube. If you cannot get back onto your tube while in the water find a large rock or go to the shore to get back on. If you are floating through rapids lay on your back with your feet downstream of you until you reach calmer water. DO NOT try to stand up if you are in moving current that is deep enough to float in.

  What happens if I lose my tube?
  It is important to keep your tube with you the entire trip. If you do end up losing it, try to get it back as quickly as possible. If you are with a group you should always try to stay together so that you can help each other out. If you are separated somehow, find a good spot to get out of the river. Do not take any chances if the tube is in a rapid or if you are not sure that you can get to it. Although you are responsible for bringing your tube back, it isn’t worth risking yourself to get a tube that is in a potentially dangerous location. The best way to avoid all of this is if you flip off your tube, grab it as soon as you come up to the surface. It will almost always be right beside you. The longer you wait to grab your tube, the more likely you are to lose it.

  What happens if I pop my tube?
  In the unfortunate event that you pop your tube, you have several different options.
  One popular method is to climb on a friend’s tube and go down together. This generally works best for people who are small and flexible.

  Fortunately there is road access along most sections of the tubing trip. If you aren’t sure, climb out on the shore and survey the situation. You may have to walk a ways to find the road, but never leave the river very far. Walk along the shore until you find the road. The roads in this area are windy and visibility is often limited. Stay on the side and be aware of cars. If you are on a section that has train tracks, they are in use. You can also call us at 800-836-9911, which is located on most tubes and every PFD.

  The final option is to swim/hike your way to the take-out. Do not swim unnecessarily through rapids. Get on rocks or the shore and walk around them. Whenever you are in calm pools or a flat section, you can float with your PFD downstream. Just be aware on the whitewater trips that more rapids lay ahead, and you’ll have to get back out to walk around them. Use this method only as a last resort.

  Please don’t leave any deflated tubes in the river. Bring them with you to your pickup point.