Roanoke, VA knows outdoor adventure!
You’ve got the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, the greenways — you live it. But sometimes you want to trade the trail boots for a tube and let the river do the work. Floatery on the Dan River is just 1 hour and 30 minutes southeast of Roanoke in Madison, NC — a completely different kind of outdoor experience that Roanoke residents are discovering as one of the best day trips from the Star City. We shuttle you upstream and you float back at your own pace through some of the most beautiful Piedmont river scenery in Virginia and North Carolina. No experience needed, no gear required. Just show up, hop in, and float.
Frequently Asked Questions — River Tubing from Roanoke VA
How far is Floatery from Roanoke?
Floatery is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Roanoke, VA — head south on US-220 through Martinsville and Eden into Madison, NC at 4890 NC-704.
Is river tubing different from the outdoor activities Roanoke is known for?
Very different — and that’s the point. Where hiking and cycling are active and energetic, river tubing at Floatery is completely relaxed. The river does all the work. You float, you soak in the scenery, you disconnect. It’s the perfect complement to Roanoke’s active outdoor lifestyle.
How does the float trip work?
We shuttle you upstream on the Dan River and you float back to your car at your own pace. The trip takes approximately 3 hours. No experience needed, no paddling required — just hop in and enjoy.
What kind of tubes do you use?
Premium tubes — high quality with headrests, cupholders, and mesh bottoms. Your whole group floats together the entire way.
Can large groups come from Roanoke?
Absolutely — we specialize in large groups. Friend groups, corporate teams, church retreats, and family reunions from Roanoke are always welcome. Call 336-916-7070 or email gc@floatery.com for group pricing.
How do I book?
Book online at floatery.com or call 336-916-7070. Weekend spots fill quickly — book ahead to lock in your date.
How to Get to Floatery from Roanoke
From Roanoke, Floatery is a scenic 1 hour 30 minute drive southeast through the Virginia and NC Piedmont.
From Roanoke: Head south on US-220 S through Martinsville, VA and continue south into North Carolina through Eden toward Madison. Take the exit for NC-704 and follow signs to Floatery. Total drive time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Address: 4890 NC-704, Madison, NC 27025
Phone: 336-916-7070
We’re open seasonally from late May through Labor Day weekend. Tubing hours are 10:00am – 2:30pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Book online at floatery.com — Roanoke visitors love Floatery and summer weekends fill up fast!
Why Roanoke Outdoor Lovers Choose Floatery
Roanoke people know good outdoor experiences — and Floatery delivers one unlike anything else in the region:
Safety first — Floatery is a full disclosure company. We take the safety of every guest seriously and are transparent about our operations.
3-hour self-guided float — we shuttle you upstream on the Dan River and you float back at your own pace. One of the longest float trips in Virginia and NC combined. Completely different from a quick mountain stream.
Premium tubes — high-quality tubes with headrests, cupholders, and mesh bottoms. Float side by side with your whole group the entire way.
Shuttle service included — no logistics, no car shuttles, no hassle. Everything is handled so you just show up and enjoy.
Night floats & firefly floats — float the Dan River after dark and watch thousands of fireflies light up the riverbanks. An experience that even the most seasoned Roanoke outdoors person hasn’t seen anything like.
Riverside camping & sky camping — combine your float with an overnight stay on the Dan River. A perfect Roanoke weekend escape.
Groups of any size — friend groups, family reunions, corporate teams, church retreats. We handle it all.
Ready to add a river float to your Roanoke outdoor adventures? Floatery is open seasonally on the Dan River in Madison, NC — just 1 hour 30 minutes from Roanoke. Premium tubes, 3-hour self-guided float, shuttle included. You hike the mountains on Saturday — come float the river on Sunday. Book online at floatery.com or call 336-916-7070. Summer weekends go fast — grab your spot today!