Virginia is blessed with paddling waters aplenty, from slow moving blackwater streams to tidal waters along the Atlantic Ocean to waterways rolling through the heart of the Old Dominion and crystalline mountain streams splashing through the highlands.

Paddling a variety of waters is but one of the many joys for Virginia family floaters. The pleasures of family floating can be as simple as taking your child on a small lake to spot dragonflies, or simply exercising the notion of propelling a canoe or kayak from here to there. Or to feel the sun’s warmth overhead while waving back at friends on shore. Simply stated, family floating gets you on the water to enjoy aquatic adventures as diverse as the waterways offered in Virginia.

Here are some fantastic Virginia family floats where you can create your own “Virginia is for Outdoor Lovers” paddling experience.

Pohick Bay

Where: Woodbridge

The Float: Greater Pohick Bay

Distance/Time: Varies, put-in and takeout are the same

Outfitter: Pohick Bay Regional Park

Pohick Bay is a great place for families to explore the greater tidal Potomac River. Rent canoes, kayaks, or standup paddleboards and ply the south shore of Pohick Bay. Cruise along the shores to the mouth of Pohick Creek, with its channel entering the bay. Circle around the north part of the bay before returning to the park, which has its own launch for non-motorized boats. Don't miss out on other opportunities offered at the 1,000-acre preserve, from hiking to picnicking to nature study.

Nearby Attractions:

Roanoke River Kayaking

Roanoke River

Photo Credit: Sam Dean @sdeanphotos

Smith River

Where: Martinsville

The Float: Philpott Dam to Bassett Access

Distance/Time: 6.5 miles, 2-4 hours

Outfitter: Smith River Outfitters

Rent a kayak, canoe, or even a raft and cool down on the hottest summer day by paddling the Smith River. It flows 45 degrees cold from the base of Philpott Dam, which results in a layer of fog forming above the river. Trout fishermen will be floating the river along with family paddlers. Rapids get a little more exciting when the river rises from generation at Philpott Dam. The float is much slower when Philpott Dam is not generating, as less water is being released.

Nearby Attractions:

Roanoke River

Where: Salem

The Float: Salem’s Rotary Park to Roanoke Mountain Adventures in Roanoke

Distance/Time: 5.5 miles, 3-4 hours

Outfitter: Roanoke Mountain Adventures

This quick and easy trip starts at Salem’s Rotary Park and ends at the outfitter’s base, where your vehicle awaits. Float the Roanoke River through part of its official Blueway section. Paddle through the town of Salem, bordered by small parks, and along the Roanoke River Greenway, which offers bicycling and walking opportunities. Float into the shadow of Mill Mountain on fun Class I riffles punctuated by meandering pools. 

Nearby Attractions:

Twin River Outfitters Tubing

Tubing with Twin River Outfitters

Photo Credit: Sam Dean @sdeanphotos

Upper James River

Where: Buchanan

The Float: Horseshoe Bend to Buchanan

Distance/Time: 9 miles, 3-4 hours

Outfitter: Twin River Outfitters

Start this trip up at Horseshoe Bend, then navigate almost all Class I rapids through a section of this designated Virginia State Scenic River. The only moderately challenging water is Class II, Richie’s Falls, with a name that sounds scarier than it is in reality. Most of the float is a relaxing trip through mountain scenery and rural farm country.

Nearby Attractions:

Shenandoah River

Where: Page County

The Float: Bixlers Bridge to Bealers Ferry

Distance/Time: 8 miles, 3-4 hours

Outfitters: Shenandoah River Outfitters, Front Royal Outdoors, Appalachian Adventures

The float from Bixler's Bridge to Bealer's Ferry is a Class I paddling experience doable for novice paddlers. Take your kayak, tube, or canoe and float a scenic stream through bucolic farm country framed by the Appalachians. Navigate gurgling but friendly rapids and little ledges. Look for wildlife in the morning and evening, and stop for a swim during the heat of the day.

Nearby Attractions:

Occoquan Reservoir

Occoquan Reservoir

Occoquan Reservoir

Where: Manassas

The Float: Occoquan Reservoir

Distance/Time: Varies

Outfitter: Fountainhead Regional Park

Looking for a fun paddle near D.C. that everyone in the family can do? Explore a long, serene lake, where the north shore is entirely parkland, carved with intimate wooded coves. Occoquan Reservoir, a 2,100-acre impoundment created to supply Fairfax County with water, doubles as a paddling spot close to all our nation's capital has to offer. Your embarkation point is vast Fountainhead Regional Park, where you can rent canoes or kayaks. 

Nearby Attractions:

Mattaponi River

Where: Aylett

The Float: Zoar State Forest to Aylett

Distance/Time: 5 miles, 3 hours

Outfitter: Mattaponi Canoe & Kayak

Paddle the tree-lined Mattaponi River, convenient to Richmond, starting at preserved Zoar State Forest. Float downstream as the Mattaponi morphs from freshwater river to tidally influenced waterway, allowing you to observe the change in ecotones on the adjacent shoreline. Watch for wildlife and end your trip in historic Aylett. Along the way, take a swim or stop along an alluring sandbar.

Nearby Attractions:

Nottoway River

Where: Courtland

The Float: Courtland to Cypress Bridge Road

Distance/Time: 4.5 miles, 3.0 hours

Outfitter: Blackwater Outfitters

Float and paddle the gentle Nottoway River from Courtland to Cypress Bridge. Stop on sandbars at places like Devils Bend and look for wildlife tracks, have a picnic, or swim. Cypress and tupelo trees line the natural shoreline from put-in to takeout. Part of the paddle abuts Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve.

Nearby Attractions:

BACK BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Photo Credit: Brian Camp @brian_k_camp

Stumpy Lake Natural Area

Where: Virginia Beach

The Float: Stumpy Lake

Distance/Time: Varies

Outfitter: Tula Paddle Sports

Take this excellent family floating opportunity at Stumpy Lake Natural Area, near the main attractions of Virginia Beach. Rent a canoe or kayak, gracefully entering the water on a specially designed dock, then explore the no-motors allowed lake, ringed in regal cypress trees. Wander the lake to your heart’s content, spying for wading birds, or feasting on this park’s nature accessible for both tourists and residents of Virginia Beach.

Nearby Attractions:

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Where: Sandbridge

The Float: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Distance/Time: Varies, put-in and takeout are the same

Outfitter: Tula Paddle Sports

Start at Little Island Park, a Virginia Beach city park astride the Atlantic. Leave the park and launch into Back Bay and explore this tidal estuary dotted with islands and channels and rich with wildlife. Circle Little Island or visit Long Island. Paddle to the Horn Point canoe/kayak launch at Back Bay NWR and stretch your legs or explore some of the activities on land at Back Bay (entrance fee required).

Nearby Attractions: