If you’re looking for the perfect place to try out kayaking, North Carolina has many options for you. Check out the French Broad River, Lumber River, and Tuckasegee River. If you’re a beginner, you might want to avoid the Whitewater Run. It’s dangerous and not for beginners. For more information on North Carolina kayaking, check out our article.
Listed below are the Top 5 Kayaking Destinations in North Carolina
The Lumber River
Located in south-central North Carolina, the Lumber River is a great place to kayak. With more than 130 miles of river, it provides great swamp and eastern hardwood habitat. It also crosses into South Carolina into the Pee Dee River. There are many put-ins for canoes, and a range of wildlife can be spotted here, including alligators. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one at Lumber River State Park.
While you’re exploring the river, you’ll get the chance to observe a rare tree. In 2019, scientists dated it to 605 B.C.E. You’ll also find many other unique species in the river, including giant yucca skipper, pine barrens treefrog, and river frog. While the lower section of the Lumber River is accessible to novice kayakers, the upper section requires advanced skills. Logs and sandbars create important habitat for wildlife and artifacts from early Indigenous cultures.
If you’re looking for a challenging whitewater adventure, North Carolina has 17 river basins that you can choose to explore. There’s something for every type of paddler in North Carolina, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts. You’ll find a unique experience on one of these waterways and will be glad you made the decision to come here. Just be prepared to spend a bit of time paddling!
The Black River
The Black River flows through southeast North Carolina and is a popular destination for kayaking enthusiasts. It is a relatively calm river with little traffic, unlike the Cape Fear River, which receives much more traffic. It is also home to some of the oldest trees in North America, including bald cypress trees, which have been standing on the river’s shore for over 1,700 years. You can choose from a number of different access points to enjoy the beauty of the Black River on a kayak. There are also guides and guided trips available for your kayaking pleasure.
There are dozens of camping locations along the New River’s 140-mile corridor, and it is home to 200 species of birds. You can also spot bobcats, river otters, and black bears. The river flows smoothly throughout, including Devil’s Gut near Jamesville. This section of the river is famous for its still, black water, but is creepy at dusk. If you’re worried about being scared of black water, consider hiring a guide.
There are several places to take a kayak trip in North Carolina. Mill Pond State Park is located near Boone, NC. Depending on your destination, regulations may vary. Make sure to wear a PFD if you’re paddling in the water. Also, be sure to pack plenty of bug spray. If you’re a beginner, you should bring a PFD for children.
The New River is the oldest river in North America and flows south-to-north. It is home to some of the oldest Bald Cypress trees in the world and is a great place to experience the infamous striper run. The river’s changing habitat also allows for different types of forest. Along ridges, you’ll find American elm and water hickory. Dry uplands feature turkey oaks and longleaf pine.
The French Broad River
If you’re interested in exploring the waterways of the Appalachian Mountains, the French Broad River is a great place to start. This river is the third-oldest river in the world and boasts a stunning landscape, wildlife, and scenic views. You can take a paddleboard or rafting trip down the river, or try something a bit more serene with a kayaking trip.
The French Broad River begins near Rosman, NC and flows through Asheville, Tennessee, until it reaches Douglas Lake near Newport, TN. It can be a long trip, spanning more than 140 miles, or you can take shorter segments that are suitable for beginners. The water temperature ranges from fifty to sixty degrees, depending on air temperatures and rainfall. The French Broad is a popular destination for recreational kayakers.
A riverside trail along the French Broad provides an easy way to get from place to place. The riverfront area has many paths and is home to several parks. The Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan, an Asheville-based nonprofit group, connects 17 miles of greenways that meander through the town. You can also explore the French Broad’s riverfront district.
Despite its popularity, the French Broad River also contains six snake species. The most common snake along the French Broad River is the northern water snake. The rest of the six species are harmless, but there is always a chance for a snake encounter. Don’t worry, though. Fortunately, there are no fatalities reported along the French Broad. If you’re planning a long trip, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the amount of wildlife that is common in this region.
The Tuckasegee River
The Tuckasegee River, also called “the Tuck,” flows through Jackson County and is part of the Tennessee River Valley, flowing into the Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico. The Tuckasegee is a great river for fishing and kayaking, and you can even try your hand at fly fishing, as there are many outfitters in the area.
You can also take your family on a whitewater rafting adventure. This river is ideal for families, with gentle Class I and II rapids. Kids as young as four can paddle with relative safety. There are also several floatation devices and inflatable kayaks available. Tuckasegee Outfitters offers shuttle services during the summer months.
There are plenty of wildlife species to see along the Tuckasegee River. You might spot the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. There are also rare species of frog, including giant yucca skipper. Beginners can paddle this river in either section, but the upper portion requires advanced skills and knowledge. The river features logs and sandbars that create a valuable habitat for many species. Artifacts from early Indigenous peoples are also common along the shoreline.
The Nantahala River is another great place for kayaking in North Carolina. Located in the western part of the state, Nantahala is a river of class II and III rapids. The upper section of the river features more water, making it the perfect place for kayaking in summer. You can also fish here, so you’ll have plenty of time to take a day off and enjoy the great outdoors.
If you’re a fan of largemouth bass and striped bass, the Little Tennessee River is another great place to take a kayak trip. It flows between the towns of Franklin and Uwharrie, and dumps into Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can hike the river from the shore or rent a kayak to explore it on your own.
The Tar River
The Tar River flows over 215 miles through northeastern North Carolina. It offers a variety of trips from slow, scenic stretches to wild waters. The river passes through a mixture of forest and development to the ocean. The Tar River Trails are comprised of ten canoe and kayak-accessible locations spanning over 20 miles of the river and Stony Creek. The Tar River Trails also include campsites on separate creeks that connect to each other. It is important to reserve a spot before paddling.
There are nine boat ramps along the Tar River from Tarboro to Little Washington. It is home to the largest bottomland hardwood forest east of the Mississippi. The Tar River is an excellent place for fishing, and the owner is dedicated to keeping the river clean. He was recently nominated for the NC Department of Natural Resources’ Water Conservationist of the Year award. A kayak rental at Knee Deep Adventures includes a life jacket.
Kayaking on the Tar River is a wonderful experience for all skill levels. While the Tar River is known for its fast-flowing waters, even the novice should be prepared for a challenging day on the water. In addition to the kayaking trail, the state park provides hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. If you’re traveling from other parts of the state, the location has detailed driving directions.
There are several reasons why the Tar River is one of the top 10 kayak locations in North Carolina. For a peaceful, serene experience, the river is close to the forest. You might even see abundant wildlife during your trip. You can also camp on the river’s camping platform and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. And if you’re adventurous, there’s no better place to enjoy the great outdoors than the Tar River.
