This 2026, it's time to break out that kayak and get to paddling!! As both coastal and mountainous states, South Carolina, North Carolina, or Virginia provides you with so many different paddle opportunities, from open-water kayak trips to traipses through sounds to playing in rapids. So much is available to you here - and we've made it our goal to point out some spots that you should try out over the new year! There are all kinds of options here, so every paddler, from the amateur to the devoted hobbyist, can find somewhere that works for them.
Paddle Locations in Virginia:
Foster Falls, New River Trail State Park
If you're looking for a place to play in some class II rapids, Foster Falls is a phenomenal area. Located within the New River Trail State Park, a 57-mile-long park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way, as well as the historic New River, this area includes a boat launch, options for canoe and bike rentals, and a scenic Inn (the aptly named "Inn at Foster Falls") if you're wanting to stay the weekend. There is $7.00 admission to the park - well worth the price for all of the perks, if you ask us!
Find out more information about the Foster Falls Area here!
Paddle Locations in North Carolina:
National Whitewater Center
The National Whitewater Center is one of a kind. For one, it holds the world's largest manmade whitewater river - which pumps a staggering 12 million gallons of water through almost a half mile of channels. The rapids there are fairly difficult- from classes II through IV. If that's not enough, there's also a flatwater access, which gives you access to the beautiful Catawba River. Get tired of paddling? Don't worry, because there's a ropes course, hiking trails, a climbing wall, and so much more onsite.
Find out more information about the National Whitewater Center here!
Beaver Dam Lake (Within Falls Lake)
The Beaver Dam area of Falls Lake is an amazing place to go out for a paddle on flatwater - perfect if you don't want to drive all the way to the coastal areas of NC! So what does it have to offer? For one, it doesn't allow for any gas-powered boats, so there's no need to worry about a giant motorboat wake or the loud whirring of their engines on the water disrupting your peaceful trip. Despite its accessibility, traffic is rare. It provides opportunities for both a more expansive, exposed paddle as well as a cozy trip down its narrowing channel towards one of the creeks that branches off from it. And, lastly, there's a beach right near the put-in, so if you get hot from paddling around on a summer day, cooling off is as easy as can be.
Find out more information about Beaver Dam Lake here!
Dan River, Section 4
Want a great paddle spot to practice whitewater paddling as a beginner? Check out Section 4 of the Dan River- conveniently located about 2 hours from the Triangle area and right next to Hanging Rock State Park. The stretch is about 8.5 miles long, and takes 3-4 hours, making it perfect for a day trip or as a fun activity on a weekend trip to the area.
Find our more information about Section 4 of the Dan River here!
Rachel Carson Reserve, Carrot Island + Shackleford Banks
This beautiful area on the NC coast provides tons of different opportunities for coastal (and even big water!) paddling. You'll start from an NC Wildlife boating access, located in the scenic beach town of Beaufort, NC. The trip can be as short or long as you like it - anywhere from just a quick trip to Carrot Island to a paddle around the rest of the reserve to a voyage out to Shackleford Banks, a barrier island and part of the Outer Banks (and somewhere famous for its wild horse populations!). There are also spaces for beach camping in the area if you want to extend your paddling opportunities!
Find our more information about the Reserve and the surrounding islands here!
Roanoke River, Weldon to Halifax
According to the Nature Conservancy, the Roanoke River Region contains "the largest intact and least-disturbed bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem remaining in the mid-Atlantic region." What does this actually mean? Well, for starters, it means that the area is definitely worth visiting. We love it for its incredible diversity and thousands of species of animals and plants: over 200 species of birds alone live within the Roanoke River Region! The area that we've recommended for our paddle around the region is especially rustic; you may not see a neighborhood for miles. Just trees, wild animals, and the slow motion of the river.
Find out more information about paddling the Roanoke River here!
Bear Island
Hammocks Beach State Park, located near Swansboro, is composed of a mainland area, marshland, and three barrier islands, including the aforementioned (and famed) 4-mile-long Bear Island. The park provides opportunities to camp oceanside via a ferry, and you paddle to other campsites inaccessible by ferry. The paddle out to Bear Island is a moderate 2-mile traipse through marshland, and other than a bathhouse and a concession stand on the island, you will see no development at all during the trip. Better yet, come in the offseason or during the week, and you may well be the only person on the island!
Find out more information about paddling the trip to Bear Island and Hammocks Beach State Park here!
Yadkin River, Section 13, Pilot Mountain State Park
This roughly 7-mile paddle, located within the river section of Pilot Mountain State Park (~25 minutes from Winston-Salem!), is a great opportunity for any paddler to get out on the water. What exactly does it offer? Easy-to-moderate stretches of paddling, clean water, scenic views, and consistent viability. There are paddle-in campsites on the river, if you're coming from further away and want to extend your stay- or make the short trip to the main section of Pilot Mountain State Park, hike the aforementioned Pilot Mountain, and spend your weekend there! If you're an avid wildlife watcher, it's a great place to be - the area is famous for its bird species, including herons and bald eagles!
Find out more information about paddling the Yadkin in Pilot Mountain State park here!
Jordan Lake, Farrington Point Boat Access
Looking for a great flatwater paddle spot, but don't want to make the trip from central North Carolina all the way to the coast? Look no further than Jordan Lake. Although the area is easily associated with motorboating, there's great paddling to be found here if you simply steer away from them, continuing up one of the lake's many fingers towards Bush Creek. The area is beautiful, rarely visited by motorboaters, and has plenty of different paths to explore. The lake is home to 1,000+ campsites and seven swimming beaches, and kayaks and other paddling vessels can be easily rented. The lake, on days that aren't windy, is fairly calm - so if you've been looking for an excuse to rent out a paddleboard, this might be your lucky day!
Find out more information about paddling Jordan Lake from the Farrington Access here!
Neuse River, Falls Dam to Buffaloe Road
This paddle, which meanders from a start location conveniently close to North Raleigh down to Buffaloe road, provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's an easy run as you're pushed along by the river's current, and despite its convenient closeness to civilization, the area is lush, filled with animal and plant life. The stretch is approximately 10 miles, making it perfect for a sunny afternoon out.
Find out more information about this stretch of the Neuse River here!
Zeke’s Island Reserve
This small (1,635 acre) preserve on the Cape Fear Basin creates an amazing opportunity to explore a lush, estuarine landscape protected from the high winds and wild waters of the ocean beyond it. It's a paddle across the Basin to reach the island (or islands, we should say; there's many of them). The intertidal geography leads to an incredible richness of habitats: there's salt marshes, intertidal flats, sand dunes, maritime forest, and more, and the area serves as a home and breeding ground for hundreds of species, including shore birds, diamond terrapin, wading birds, egrets, oystercatchers, skimmers, herons, seagulls, turns, brown pelicans, sea turtles, dolphins, and loggerheads. Whew! That's a lot. This area's lagoon-like geography and diversity makes it a truly one-of-a-kind spot on the NC coast.
Find out more information about paddling in the Zeke's Island Reserve Area here!
Paddle Locations in South Carolina:
Lake Wylie Dam
The Catawba River, which stretches and winds through both WNC and SC, is a 220+ mile-long river full of many incredible paddle opportunities. One of the longest stretches of the river - a 30-mile portion that occurs after the Lake Wylie Dam - is what we've profiled here. This stretch has three main sections that vary in length and difficulty. Many parts of this area, specifically the last stretch, have a remote, dense vibe, surrounded by the forests and wildlife. The river was named for the Catawba, or Ye Iswąˀ Native Americans, whose history is an important part of the surrounding lands and who have lived on those lands since about 10,000 BC.
Find our more information about the Catawba section after Lake Wylie Dam here!