
–BLACKWATER CREEK –
Nearest Town: Chesapeake The Paddle: Blackwater Creek, North Landing River Distance: 4-10 miles Blackwater Creek is a tributary of North Landing River, in far southeast Virginia. Launch your craft at iconic Blackwater Trading Post, a general store serving BBQ and featuring occasional live music. Head downstream, pass a couple of houses then it’s nothing but you and nature on the marsh-bordered waterway. Small coves beckon. Paddle about 2.7 miles down to bigger North Landing River. If you head downstream it’s 1.5 more miles to Minden Park, on the east bank and a good stopping/turnaround point. Or you can head upstream from Blackwater Trading Post up a narrowing waterway bordered with cypress trees for a more intimate paddling experience. From the Blackwater Trading Post heading upstream you go about 2 miles one way before the Blackwater Creek gets really small, then have to turn around, making a 4 mile adventure. Nearby Attractions:- Paddle Lake Drummond in Great Dismal Swamp
- Explore Northwest River Park
- Tour USS Wisconsin Battleship at Nauticus
- Chesapeake Planetarium
–CROWS NEST NATURAL AREA PRESERVE–
Nearest Town: Owens The Paddle: Accokeek Creek, Potomac Creek, Potomac River Distance: 3-8 miles Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve, on the banks of the tidal Potomac River, is becoming one of the more popular Virginia state natural areas (The hiking trail system was dedicated in April 2017). The park already had an ADA accessible dock and kayak ramp, allowing you to embark by canoe or kayak into the preserve. It’s a short carry from the parking area on Brooks Road to the dock and ramp on Accokeek Creek, a tributary of Potomac Creek, in turn a tributary of the Potomac River. Paddle through the marshes of the preserve downstream. After 3 miles open onto tidal Potomac Creek near Crow’s Nest Point. To your left it is about a half-mile to the big Potomac River. Or head upstream on Potomac Creek if the winds are howling. You could make an 8-mile one-way trip by heading out to the Potomac River then paddling upriver, ending at Aquia Landing Park, another paddler’s jumping off point. Nearby Attractions:- National Museum of the Marine Corps
- Caledon State Park
- Government Island trails
- Widewater Beach
–BACK BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE–
Nearest Town: Sandbridge The Paddle: North Bay, Shipps Bay, Back Bay Distance: 4-10 miles
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Virginia Beach Fishing Center
- Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle boarding
- North Bay Shore Family Campground
–POWHATAN CREEK BLUEWAY–
Nearest Town: Jamestown The Paddle: Powhatan Creek, Back River, James River Distance: 2-12 miles Powhatan Creek is located next to Jamestown, where the first official Thanksgiving took place in North America, reinforcing Virginia as the birthplace of our nation. And you can not only paddle nearby Jamestown, but you can actually circle the island where Jamestown Colony once stood. Powhatan Creek is a tributary of the James River in its lower tidal reaches. You can start your paddle at James City County Marina, then paddle up three miles to Powhatan Creek Park. Serpentine Powhatan Creek also has small coves begging exploration. This upper segment narrows then meets Jamestown Road and the ramp at Powhatan Creek Park. Alternatively, you can start at James City County Marina and paddle down through Sandy Bay, reaching the James River after a mile, from here circle historic Jamestown Island, an 8-mile loop paddle using Back River, even exploring the tidal creek winding into the island. This historical paddle is appropriately part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historical Trail.
- Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center
- Jamestown Settlement Museum
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Jamestown Pie Company
–CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND–
Nearest Town: Chincoteague The Paddle: Chincoteague Inlet, Toms Cove, Atlantic Ocean Distance: Depends
- Goddard Space Flight Center
- Captain Timothy Hill House
- Chincoteague Nature Tours
- Chincoteague Natural History Association Wildlife Tours
–EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE–
Nearest Town: Cape Charles The Paddle: Virginia Inside Passage, Long Point Channel, creeks Distance: 6 mile loop, can be longer or shorter This paddle explores waters of the lowermost Eastern Shore where it meets Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. These waters around Cape Charles mark the beginning of the 100-mile Virginia Seaside Water Trail, a series of linked paddling routes heading up the east side of the Eastern Shore, linking Cape Charles to Chincoteague. A tidal area with currents, paddlers need to be on guard. However, the scenery is amazing as you circle islands just to your south, including Raccoon Island, Skidmore Island. Explore smaller creeks. You can peer south into the Atlantic Ocean and west to Chesapeake Bay. It is a 6 mile trip if you circle both Skidmore Island and Raccoon Island. Experienced paddlers could head for the opening into the Atlantic but consider the winds and tides. Nearby Attractions:- Chincoteague Nature Tours
- Sunset Beach Resort dining and lodging
- Kiptopeke State Park
- The Jackspot at Sunset Creek restaurant
- Kayak tours with SouthEast Expeditions
–NEW POINT COMFORT LIGHTHOUSE–
Nearest Town: Mathews The Paddle: Davis Creek, Mobjack Bay, Chesapeake Bay Distance: 8 miles there and back
–PARKERS CREEK–
Nearest Town: Parksley The Paddle: Parkers Creek, Metompkin Bay, Wire Passage, Gargatha Bay Distance: 10 miles, with shorter options Part of the Virginia Water Seaside Trail, this paddle has options for you to head into open bays and land on the back side of a barrier island, circle through bays and connecting tidal creeks, or simply make a quiet and easy paddle up a small tidal creek – your option. Launch at quiet and remote Parkers Creek ramp, avoiding powerboat and commercial fisherman traffic. If you head upstream Parkers Creek divides, either way is fine. You’ll probably end up exploring both arms if looking for a quiet, simple paddle or avoiding the winds. Downstream paddlers will trace widening Parkers Creek, which quickly opens into Metompkin Bay, a shallow inlet lying between you and the Metompkin Islands, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Many paddlers head north into Metompkin Bay, entering tidal creeks connecting to Gargatha Bay. Loop back to Metompkin Bay through tidal marshes using the tidal creeks, making about a 10-mile circuit paddle. Nearby Attractions:- Mutton Hunk Fen State Natural Area
- Eastern Shore Railway Museum
- The Inn and Garden Cafe
- Club Car Café
–YORK RIVER STATE PARK–
Nearest Town: Toano The Paddle: Taskinas Creek, York River Distance: 2-12 miles
- Go Ape Zipline Treetop Adventures
- Governors Palace pre-Revolution British royal residence
- Kayaking tours from New Quarter Park
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
–BELLE ISLE STATE PARK–
Nearest Town: Warsaw The Paddle: Mulberry Creek, Rappahannock River, Deep Creek Distance: 6 miles