The Great Outdoors offers a complete “Park and Float” package for the most convenient and enjoyable tubing experience on the Deerfield River.

Arrive at The Great Outdoors between 11:00am – 11:30am

We get very busy and shuttle buses fill up quickly. Arriving early will help ensure that there is time for us to get you equipped with tubes and life jackets and shuttle you up to the Zoar picnic area.

Park your car in our riverside lot and valet your keys with us so they don’t get wet (parking available for 120 vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis).

Rent your tubes and life jackets and sign the waiver.

Hop on our shuttle bus and get dropped off at the “put in” spot at the Zoar picnic area.

Float down the river at your own pace. The trip usually takes about 2 1/2 – 3 hours and consists of a series of class 1 and 2 rapids and many slow, open areas for relaxing.

Along the way, you will pass under three bridges. After the third bridge, hop off your tube and exit the river at “Flag Pole Point” and you right back where you parked your car!

Return you tube and life jacket to us. We have bathrooms to change into dry clothes

There are picnic tables and a large fire pit if you want to relax before heading home. There are also 3 local eateries within walking distance.

Our parking lot closes at 7pm.

Tubing on the Deerfield River is made possible by water release from the Fife Brook Dam located far upstream. While the release time varies, it is usually occurs between 10:30am and 12 noon.

It takes an average of two hours for the water to travel from the Fife Brook Dam to the "put-in" location at the Zoar picnic area.

For example, if the water is released from the dam at 10:00am, the water will not reach the "put-in" area until Noon.

The picnic area is right on the river and is a very nice shaded and relaxing spot with picnic tables. So, pack some snacks in disposable containers and just relax by the river while you wait for the river flow to come through.

You will seethe river flow increase when the water released from the dam reaches the starting location at the picnic area.

*It is important that you not “put in” too early in order to ensure the best tubing experience. Once the river flow arrives, wait an additional 10 minutes before you start your tubing adventure.

The time of the water release from the Fife Brook Dam is posted daily here.

*River flow below 650 C.F.S. is, in our opinion, too slow and shallow for an enjoyable run down the river.

We recommend that you wear a bathing suit or light moisture wicking shirt and shorts. Do not wear long pants or heavy clothing.

The river is rocky, consider wearing water shoes or an old pair of sneakers. Rocks and branches can be tough on your feet. Make sure your shoes fit snugly and won’t slip off in the river current.

Hats and sunglasses are helpful as well. You’ll be on the river for a while and the glare can be bad without these items.

Don’t forget the sunscreen. Getting sunburned on the river is never fun, especially the days following your trip!

Carry a sealed dry bag for any items that shouldn’t get wet (car keys, cell phones, cameras, towels, etc.). Secure items in zippered pockets if possible. We recommend only taking what you need on the river. Remember to remove loose-fitting jewelry.

We will hold your car keys for you in a secure location so you don’t risk losing them on the river. All other valuables should be left in your locked vehicle.

If you take a cooler, make sure it is properly secured so items don’t fall out. Never take a Styrofoam cooler floating with you. They break apart and create a mess. And remember, alcohol is prohibited on the river.

Bring a change of dry clothes and towels and leave them in your car. We have bathrooms for changing after your trip.

Lug Out What You Lug In! Please do not litter. Help us keep the river beautiful.