Green River Gorge

The rugged, deep Green River Gorge is located near Saluda. Find old-growth forests, steep ravines and some great calmer-water fun as the river drops down the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The forested section of the gorge is a great spot for zip line tours and high adrenaline guided adventures including waterfall rappelling (schedule both with local operators) It is accessed from Saluda, about 38 miles southeast of Asheville. The valley section of the gorge, where the river is wider and calm, is a top spot for tubing and camping. It is about 49 miles from Asheville and is accessed from Silver Creek Road. The area is part of the Green River Game Lands, a state-owned 18,000+ acre habitat for wildlife that allows for hunting and fishing, per regulations. The hiking trails are limited and were damaged by Hurricane Helene. 

Definitely plan your trip to the Green River Gorge in advance. We strongly recommend you rely on local knowledge. The First Peak Visitor Center is ready to provide guidance: 828-894-2324 or on their social media. 

Visit and you'll see why the lower section of the Green River is one of our top rivers for tubing! We'll tell you about several outfitters offering fun experiences in the gorge.

Wilderness Cove Tubing is located at 3772 Green River Cove Road. It is open during the summers. Be sure to book in advance. From Asheville, take I-26 East to Exit 59, turn Left from ramp onto Holbert Cove Road. Drive for nine winding miles until you come to a stop sign. There, turn Left on Silver Creek Road, and then turn Left onto Green River Cove Road and drive to the outposts.

For tubing and guided experiences, you can book a trip with Green River Adventures. They have an office for their guided adventures in downtown Saluda (111 East Main, accessed via exit 59 off I-26) and an outpost on the river for tubing (be sure to book in advance).

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. It is located in Saluda, accessible from exit 59 off I-26.

Directions to the Green River Gorge from Asheville: I-26 East to Exit 59, turn Left from ramp onto Holbert Cove Road. Drive for nine winding miles until you come to a stop sign. There, turn Left on Silver Creek Road, and then turn Left onto Green River Cove Road and drive to the outposts for tubing and for camping. See more things to do in the First Peak of the Blue Ridge.