The rugged, deep Green River Gorge is located near Saluda, about 38 miles southeast of Asheville. Find old-growth forests, steep ravines and some great whitewater fun as the river drops rapidly down the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The river is a top spot for tubing and kayaking. The Green River Game Lands is a state-owned 10,000-acre section for wildlife conservation for hunting, fishing and trapping per regulations. Most of the hiking trails are rugged and only recommended for experienced hikers.
The Green River offers a big variety of whitewater fun, from high adventure on big rapids to drifting calm sections on a tube. Most visitors go for the tamer fun on the Lower Green with a six-mile section of class II rapids. You can take an adventurous, guided inflatable kayak trip on the Upper Green for a thrilling four-mile ride of class II through IV rapids (and a 3/4-mile hike carrying your gear).
It's one of our top rivers for tubing! Wilderness Cove Tubing (3772 Green River Cove Road) is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The river is dam-released, so they schedule tubing times to coincide with the best water level.
At The Gorge Zip Line Canopy Adventure, ride America's steepest and fastest zip lines with 1.25 miles of airtime via 11 lines that descend 1,100 vertical ft., all connected by a gravity-defying sky bridge.
Directions from Asheville (38 miles): From I-26, take exit 59. Turn left onto Holbert Cove Road for 2/10-mile. Turn left on Green River Cove Road (many switchbacks, drive slow, no large campers) and go 3.6 miles to Wilderness Cove Tubing - dropping about 1,000 ft. in elevation. For kayaking and ziplines, book a trip with Green River Adventures in downtown Saluda (111 East Main) and they will provide shuttles. See more things to do in Saluda.
Green River Lodging & Things to Do
First Peak Visitors Guide & Information
Get up-to-date local information and a free guide to the "First Peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains," including the cool small towns of Tryon, Saluda, and Columbus.
Get up-to-date local information and a free guide to the "First Peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains," including the cool small towns of Tryon, Saluda, and Columbus.
Wilderness Cove Tubing
Tubing the Green River in Saluda is an exciting float that includes class I & II rapids. Enjoy the splashing water, great swimming holes and relaxation, with tube rentals and shuttles… read more
Tubing the Green River in Saluda is an exciting float that includes class I & II rapids. Enjoy the splashing water, great swimming holes and relaxation, with tube rentals and shuttles available for 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-hour floats. Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
B&Bs & Inns: Tryon, Saluda & Columbus
Find a great variety of historic B&Bs and inns in the towns of Tryon, Saluda and Columbus, the First Peak of the Blue Ridge. Includes Saluda Inn and Orchard Inn with exquisite dining.
Find a great variety of historic B&Bs and inns in the towns of Tryon, Saluda and Columbus, the First Peak of the Blue Ridge. Includes Saluda Inn and Orchard Inn with exquisite dining.
Cabin & Cottage Rentals: Tryon, Saluda & Columbus
Find log cabin, condo or cottage vacation rentals by ponds or with mountain views in the First Peak of the Blue Ridge - many options near the Tryon International Equestrian Center.
Find log cabin, condo or cottage vacation rentals by ponds or with mountain views in the First Peak of the Blue Ridge - many options near the Tryon International Equestrian Center.
How about a Waterfall Rappel? Descending a waterfall suspended by a rope, with experienced Green River Adventures guides. No experience necessary. After some practice, head to the 200-ft. Bradley Falls. Do not attempt to reach this waterfall without a guide.
