Rugged and intense whitewater rafting excursions can provide a thrilling and adventurous adrenaline rush that many find perfect during the hot summer months. Others seek a more docile tubing experience as a relaxing on-the-water outing suitable for the entire family to enjoy together.
Fortunately, the State of Maryland delightfully delivers in both categories. From the wildest whitewater rafting expeditions to tubular tubing tantalizations for the taking, you’ll find no shortage of optimal options awaiting whatever specific explorations are on your summer activities itinerary. So, to help you explore what’s available, I’ve compiled a list of seven sensational rafting and tubing pursuits throughout Maryland.
Adventure Sports Center International
Located right in the heart of Deep Creek, Maryland in Garrett County (just north of Wisp Ski Resort), you’ll find this Olympic standard whitewater rafting and canoe/kayak slalom center catering to all ages, interests, and levels of expertise. Whether you’re a first-timer to the rafting scene or a seasoned pro, ASCI is renowned for being the world’s only “adjustable” whitewater sports venue offering Class I to Class IV rafting. That means your excursion is crafted to suit you and your rafting party in an entirely controlled environment. While outings are set along a 1/3-mile artificial river, their amazingly authentic recreation of naturally occurring river rapids in the scenic mountains is spot-on.
Adventure Sports Center International is located at 250 Adventure Sports Way, McHenry, MD 21541. Visit the website to learn more.
Monkton Bike & Tube
The extensive Gunpowder River offers a multitude of on-the-water recreational activities to explore. By extension, the portion of Gunpowder Falls State Park within the Hereford Area is a favorite paddling destination for newbies and experienced pros alike. Depending on which section of the Gunpowder you’re at, difficulty levels range from Class I and III. Most agree that the section between Falls Road and York Road is more extreme while the downriver York Road segment is easier.
Those looking to rent tubes for a relaxing float within the latter area may do so at the conveniently located Monkton Bike & Tube Rentals. The physical site location for rentals is at 1900 Monkton Rd, Monkton, MD 21111. Learn more by clicking this link.
Potomac Paddlesports
Potomac Paddlesports is hailed throughout the state as the best bet for beginners looking to break into kayaking and other watersport pursuits. Their patient and committed trainers place a strong emphasis on safety and education every step of the way. With their available programs and onsite offerings, you have plenty of wonderful whitewater endeavors to consider, including guided tours and outings. Their whitewater rafting trips down the Mather Gorge part of the Potomac River are especially spectacular.
You will find Potomac Paddlesports at 9812 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD 20854. Go to the website for all other information.
Precision Rafting Expeditions
This world-class rafting outfitter, based in Friendsville, Maryland, provides the perfect guided outing to those seeking rafting adventures and floating trips alike. Locations they lead trips along include the Youghiogheny, Savage, Potomac, Cheat, and Big Sandy Rivers. Rafting options range in levels from Easy to Extreme. They also operate a kayak school for those looking to get lessons.
Precision Rafting is located at 715 Morris Ave, Friendsville, MD 21531. Click here to read more.
River Island Outfitters
This noted touring agency, based within scenic Frederick County, offers premium lazy river floating trips along the gently flowing, pristine Monocacy River. Trips generally range between two and three-hour durations with knowledgeable guides providing everything you need in the way of life vests, tubes, and even upgraded cooler tubes for those desiring them. There are even large floating docks for larger parties of up to 20! You may laze along on your own or in the company of one of their leading “river floaters” (tour guides) at no additional charge.
Visit River Island Outfitters at 899 Park Mills Rd #891, Dickerson, MD 20842. Follow the link to their site for all additional details and information.
River & Trail Outfitters
With multiple river trips available throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, you have plenty of possibilities to choose from when you pick River & Trail Outfitters. They’re known to specialize in rafting and tubing excursions, as well as kayaking and canoeing endeavors. While based in Knoxville, Maryland, their proximity to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia makes them ideal for whitewater rafting on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. They also offer tubing here as well as along Antietam Creek.
You will find River & Trail Outfitters at 604 Valley Rd Knoxville, MD 21758. Click here to learn more about them and all of their remarkable riparian offerings.
Terrapin Adventures
Terrapin Adventures in Savage, Maryland is renowned for presenting an amazingly immersive adventure park that caters to folks of all ages and interests. While the majority of offerings are based right within the park, they also deliver several off-premises tours and outings. Among these are Kayak Nature Tours, Backpacking, Caving, and even River Tubing. The latter takes groups of up to 10 participants (ages eight and older) on one-and-a-half to four-hour tubing trips within Patapsco Valley State Park (An alternate site in Monkton is also available). They provide guests with all the floatation devices and equipment they will need.
Visit Terrapin Adventures at 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD 20763. You can read more about tubing and all other adventures they cater to on the website.
There are plenty of other great places for rafting, tubing, and pursuing other delightful water recreations throughout Maryland and in other neighboring Mid-Atlantic states. So, I encourage you to browse around and decide for yourself which options work best with what you’re looking to get into this summer.