Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the flat water tubing check-in location?

150 Millville Road, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

(PLEASE ENTER IN GPS EXACTLY AS SHOWN!)

IMPORTANT: The flat water tubing starting point is NOT at our main location.

If you have booked a package including another adventure, please check-in at our main location: 37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, VA 20132

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

Directions

Where do I check in for all other activities?

All check-ins except flat water tubing are at our main location.

37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, VA 20132

Directions

Can I stay and play after I'm done with my adventure?

Absolutely! Please feel free to stay and enjoy our beautiful property! We’ve got hot showers, a brewery and the best views of the Potomac and Harpers Bridge.

Will I get wet on your trips?

Yes! You will get wet on our rafting and tubing trips. We suggest you wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet in or possibly muddy. Please leave valuables at home. You should not take your camera or cell phone on any river trip unless you pack it in an approved waterproof container. (We have phone cases and dry boxes for sale in both of our outfitter buildings.) We cannot be held responsible if you choose to take your valuables or phone on the trip and they are lost or damaged. As we tell all guests, you should take anything you don’t mind getting wet, lost, ruined or forever gone.

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, so your main concern is to protect yourself from the sun. A bathing suit and a pair of nylon shorts make 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. Grab a hat, sunblock, sunglasses with retaining strap, disposable camera and you’re good to go.
  • Spring and 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 river adventures:
    • Cotton is an absolute no-no for spring and 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.
    • Wetsuit/splash tops: We recommend wet suits for spring and fall trips unless the day is unseasonably warm. We offer farmer john wetsuits (sleeveless style) and splash tops (neck and wrists rubber closures that prevent water from getting under the jacket) free of charge in spring and fall ($10/$5 fee in summer). 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 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.

Whitewater rafting: How many people can fit into one raft?

Our rafts hold up to six people and one guide. This can vary depending upon water levels and the size of people in your group. If you have a group of six or more we will have you split your group up between rafts.

Should I bring my own drinking water?

Guests are welcome to bring water, but no glass containers are allowed. You can refill water bottles on site, or purchase water at our check-in.

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, river location and number of rafts going out
  • Ziplining: Between 1.5-2 hours based on the size of the group
  • Ropes course: About 2 hours based on the size of the group

Does tubing include transportation?

Yes, our tubing rates include a one-way shuttle. No bus ride back like other companies! 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.

What are the age/weight restrictions for your trips?

Before traveling, please check the current river conditions and age requirements page below.

  • Flat water tubing: Min. 5 years old and 40 pounds
  • Whitewater tubing: Min. 12 years old
  • Whitewater rafting: Min. 5 years old and 50lbs
  • Whitewater Kayaking/Duckies: Min. 12 years old
  • Zipline: Min. 7 years old, 70lbs and max 250lbs
  • Ropes Course: Children must be at least 5 years old, 50 pounds and three feet tall.

Current River Conditions & Age Restrictions

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.
Current River Conditions & Age Restrictions

Where can I stay in your area?

We offer cabins and camping with prime riverfront, riverview and mountaintop spots. All of our campsites come with your own picnic table and 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 & breakfasts within minutes of us.
Harpers Ferry Attractions

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 30 minutes 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 your confirmed trip time.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please click here to view our cancellation policy.

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 can complete a waiver for up to six of their own children. If you are bringing children that are not your own or that you do not have guardianship for, then you must bring or have 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 of my tube?

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 your wristband, 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.

What is the User Fee?

The $7 User Fee at checkout is used to pay the Department of Natural Resources fees and both the Potomac and Shenandoah River Keepers groups in addition to facility and equipment maintenance. The fees applies to both phone and online orders.