Hike, Picnic and Plunge: Tubing the Androscoggin out of Errol

ERROL RIVER TUBE FIELD GUIDE

Hike, Picnic and Plunge: Tubing the Androscoggin out of Errol

Half-day, full-day and multi-day tube rentals from Northern Waters Outfitters let you picnic by the river, hike your tube up a half-mile class II stretch, and float for as long as you like.

See guide details

Hike, Picnic and Plunge: Tubing the Androscoggin out of Errol.

Duration
3 hours- 7 days
Location
Errol
Operator
Northern Waters Outfitters
Category
River Tube

Adventure brief

Hike, Picnic and Plunge: Tubing the Androscoggin out of Errol

Escape the heat on the Androscoggin River outside Errol: choose whole- or half-day rentals (or stretch it into multiple days), pack a lunch for a riverside picnic, and tailor your trip by hiking your tube upriver along a half-mile stretch of class II rapids to pick the length and character of each float.

Experience the refreshing thrill of tubing down the Androscoggin River with Northern Waters Outfitters in Errol, New Hampshire. Whether you prefer a half-day or whole-day float, this tubing trip combines relaxation with exciting river rapids. The Androscoggin’s class II rapids offer just enough challenge to make your ride exhilarating without requiring expert skills. Customize your journey by hiking with your tube upstream to find the perfect spots for floating, picnicking, and soaking in the pristine natural beauty. The surrounding forested landscape adds a peaceful ambiance, making it ideal for families, groups, and solo adventurers looking to escape the summer heat. With easy rentals and friendly guidance from the local experts, you can spend your day enjoying smooth stretches of calm water interspersed with lively rapids. This experience is perfect for those seeking a balance of adventure and downtime. Northern Waters Outfitters also emphasizes safety and environmental stewardship, ensuring your tubing adventure is safe and responsible. Don’t miss the chance to explore one of New Hampshire’s best river experiences either on your own pace or with knowledgeable support, making memories you’ll want to relive year after year.

Route Schematic

Route schematic and key stops

Simple, flexible stops let you build a single lap or a whole-day river outing.

  1. Northern Waters Outfitters — meeting and pickup

    Gather, pick up tubes and any rental gear, and prepare for the river at the outfitters' location in Errol.

  2. Hike the half-mile upriver stretch

    Carry or hike your tube upriver along the roughly 1/2-mile class II section to choose the length and character of your float.

  3. Float through class II rapids

    Enjoy laps down the river, working rapids and calm pools; stop along banks for a picnic or to scramble on the rocks and chase small waterfalls.

  4. Return or extend

    Finish at the take-out arranged with the outfitter or repeat the hike-and-float loop to extend your time on the water.

Note: the route includes class II rapids and a roughly half-mile hike-accessible stretch—choose launch points and durations to match your comfort with moving water and riverbank scrambling.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RIVER

Cool currents and class II rapids

The Androscoggin offers a balance of steady current and playful class II rapids—enough movement to keep the float lively while leaving plenty of time for relaxed paddling and sunlit picnics along the bank.

THE OPTIONS

Half day, full day or multiple days

Rentals are offered in half- and whole-day formats with multi-day possibilities, so you can squeeze a quick cooling lap into a hot afternoon or build a full riverside picnic-and-explore outing.

THE ROUTE

Hike your tube to choose your float

A defining feature is the ability to hike your tube upriver along a roughly half-mile stretch of class II rapids—pick your launch spot and let each lap be as short or as long as you like, with waterfalls and scramble-friendly rock outcrops to chase between runs.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The outing moves at your tempo: arrive with a towel and lunch, choose a rental duration from quick laps to an all-day picnic, haul your tube upriver along a half-mile class II section to select a launch point, then drift and play through rapids and calm pools—repeating runs or padding downstream as the mood takes you.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this fits—and what the source does and does not specify about participant limits.

1
Adventure SeekersTubing a half-mile class II stretch is a quick, playful way to get wet and repeat runs; the source gives no operator-imposed age or health restrictions to further specify fit.
2
FamiliesFamilies can tailor time on the river using half- or whole-day rentals and picnic stops, but the source does not list specific age or health limits for participants.
3
Solo TravelersSolo tubers can build short or long floats by hiking and launching repeatedly; the source contains no stated participant restrictions that would preclude solo use.
4
Groups & PicnickersGroups wanting a relaxed riverside picnic or multiple laps can reserve half- or whole-day rentals, though the source provides no details on group size limits or special rules.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Rental options range from short 3-hour outings up to multi-day rentals, letting you plan anything from a quick cool-off to an extended riverside stay.

What to Bring

Bring a towel and a packed lunch for picnics by the water; basic personal items and sun protection are implied by the picnic-and-float format.

Meeting & Logistics

All rentals originate with Northern Waters Outfitters in Errol for pickup and return of tubes and equipment.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long are tube rentals?

Rentals are offered from roughly 3 hours up to multi-day options, so you can pick a half-day lap or keep tubing for multiple days.

Where do I meet for the rental?

Meet at Northern Waters Outfitters in Errol to pick up tubes and any needed gear before heading to the river.

What kind of rapids will I encounter?

The route includes a roughly 1/2-mile stretch of class II rapids—enough to add excitement while remaining manageable for repeat laps and picnic breaks.

Can I hike my tube upriver to choose my launch spot?

Yes—the experience is designed so you can hike your tube upriver along about a half-mile of the river to select the length and character of each float.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring a towel and a lunch for riverside picnicking; those two items are specifically recommended in the source.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-08-13T02:36:32.631Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

Hike, Picnic and Plunge: Tubing the Androscoggin out of Errol