Virginia’s Best Towns for Paddlers

Paddling in Virginia has never been better or easier, with the rise of paddling trails, more put-ins and takeouts, and the opening of previously unpaddled waters. In Virginia, you can canoe or kayak the coastal environs of the Eastern Shore, Chesapeake Bay, and Virginia Beach, or you can go inland to freshwater rivers scenically coursing through the Piedmont. And then there’s the mountains, where boisterous rivers sing through the Appalachian highlands.

Read on to find Virginia’s best towns for paddlers and create your base camp of fun on and off the water.
 

JUMP TO: Buchanon | Chincoteague | Richmond | Radford | Virginia Beach | Know Before You Go
 

LURAY & FRONT ROYAL

Nearby Waters: South Fork Shenandoah River, North Fork Shenandoah River, Shenandoah River

Nearby Outfitters: Shenandoah River Outfitters, Downriver Canoe, Front Royal Outdoors
 

Paddling Opportunities in Luray and Front Royal

The South Fork Shenandoah River winds for 97 miles through its valley, bordered by Shenandoah National Park to the east and Massanutten Mountain to the west. Characterized by sweeping bends and clear water, the South Fork is primarily Class I waters, with some Class II spots. Several outfitters operate on the river, if you are in need of kayak or canoe rental or a shuttle. The state of Virginia avails 20 public boat ramps along the South Fork, making varied trips easy. The South Fork is bordered in places by the Jefferson National Forest, making overnight trips a possibility.

Nearby, the smaller North Fork Shenandoah River, across Massanutten Mountain, provides additional paddling possibilities. Six public access points help boaters get on the water. The North Fork does have some dams, and is subject to low water in late summer. Seven Bends State Park is a day-use park and provides access to the river. 

The main stem of the Shenandoah River — where the South Fork and North Fork converge — begins at Riverton, near Front Royal, and presents 40 miles of big river floating before it flows into West Virginia near Berryville. Multiple access points allow day trips of different lengths.

More Outdoor Fun around Luray and Front Royal

Both Luray and Front Royal are ideally suited to explore Shenandoah National Park. Tour the park on Skyline Drive, head to Big Meadows, and visit some of the numerous waterfalls, overlooks, and historic sights at Virginia’s biggest national park.

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests presents additional outdoor opportunities.

• Overnight at Camp Roosevelt, site of the oldest Civilian Conservation Corp camp in the United States.
• Mountain bike the Massanutten Mountain Trail, a 71-mile loop path.
• Tackle the 36-mile network of Peters Mill Run and Taskers Gap Trail System.

Other Nearby Adventures

• Luray Caverns is a perennial family favorite. The underground caverns are truly breathtaking. Add adventures in a garden maze, ropes course, and museums to the already rewarding cave tour.
• You may be surprised how much fun Luray Rescue Zoo can be. This child-friendly destination offers educational shows during weekends. It’s a good value for the number of animals you’ll see.
• Explore Downtown Front Royal, which features a charming Main Street with shops, cafes, art galleries, and an arcade. 

Find more things to do near the four Shenandoah National Park entrances. 
 

BUCHANAN

Nearby Waters: Upper James River, Maury River, Jackson River, Cowpasture River, Lake Moomaw, Douthat Lake

Nearby Outfitters: Twin River Outfitters, Wilderness Canoe Company
 

Paddling Opportunities in Buchanan

The Upper James River is the linchpin paddling destination for the greater Buchanan area. Here, the Upper James River Water Trail covers the uppermost 64 miles of the James River and 10 miles of the Maury River. Access points are plentiful. The Upper James winds through the Appalachians between the towns of Clifton Forge and Alpine. Though in mountainous terrain, the vast majority of rapids on the river are Class I-II, making it doable by most paddlers. However, there are a few Class III segments.

The Maury River presents 37 miles of aquatic excitement from Goshen Pass down to its confluence with the James River. The first five miles are the hairiest — and the most popular — but the lower stretch gives up-and-coming paddlers a chance to build their skill set. From Rockbridge Baths down, the Maury River has many strong Class II rapids as it heads to Lexington, a good training segment. The section from Lexington to Buena Vista is beginner friendly, mostly Class I with some Class II. However, the Maury’s final run between Buena Vista and Glasgow, where it flows into the James, is more challenging.

The Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers merge to form the James. These two waterways, along with Lake Moomaw, where the Jackson is dammed and Douthat Lake, of Douthat State Park fame, together form the Alleghany Highlands Blueway, all within easy striking distance of Buchanan. Lake Moomaw and Douthat Lake provide flatwater paddling opportunities, while the Jackson and Cowpasture are highland waterways with 40 more miles of paddler-friendly.

More Outdoor Fun around Buchanan

Take a trip to Douthat State Park, one of Virginia’s six original state parks. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can enjoy the trails that lead along the park lake, to waterfalls and overlooks. Rent a boat and explore the lake.

In the nearby George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, you'll find several outdoor opportunities.

• Hike the Appalachian Trail, or hike to Apple Orchard Falls and the cataracts along Cornelius Creek
• Explore Thunder Ridge Wilderness or the James River Face Wilderness
• Camp at Cave Mountain Lake
• Take a spin along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Other Nearby Adventures 

• Visit the legendary giant arch at Natural Bridge State Park, as well as Lace Falls.
• Check out a throwback tourist attraction at Dinosaur Kingdom II, where replica dinosaurs join a Civil War battle.
• Drive to downtown Lexington and see history up front and in person in the Lexington Historic District.
   

CHINCOTEAGUE

Nearby Waters: Chincoteague Bay, Assateague Bay, Atlantic Ocean, connecting tidal creeks and rivers

Nearby Outfitters: Assateague Tours, SouthEast Expeditions, Chincoteague Island Outfitters
 

Paddling Opportunities in Chincoteague

Chincoteague is located at the northern end of the 100-mile Virginia Seaside Water Trail, traversing the Atlantic side of the Eastern Shore. The paddling trail is broken into a series of adventures that can be paddled one day at a time. The trail winds its way through some of Virginia’s most stunning seaside scenery — think coastal marshes, wildlife refuges, and beaches.

Multiple launch sites offer beginner, intermediate and advanced routes. If you haven’t paddled in saltwater before, it is a good idea to go on a guided kayak tour for starters, then strike out on your own.

Still other paddling places beckon. Guided tours are available at Chincoteague during the warm season. A popular local paddle leaves Chincoteague and heads out to Assateague Island, where the wild ponies roam. There are seven launch sites within the immediate Chincoteague area, allowing you to tailor your paddling trip to the latest tidal and wind conditions.

More Outdoor Fun around Chincoteague

Visit Assateague Island National Seashore. Go out to the lighthouse and climb it for a view. Visit the historic preserved coast guard station or just walk the beach.

Experience Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most visited refuges in the entire country. The 14,000-acre preserve is important for migratory birds, but also for nesting and shorebirds such as the piping plover.

• The Swan Cove Trail leads a half-mile to the beach where shorebirds will be found
• Pedal your bicycle on the gated Service Road in search of wild ponies
  Use the Marsh Trail to view waterfowl in late fall or head to the observation platform on the other side of the Snow Goose Pool

Other Nearby Adventures

• Want to see the local waters and land the easy way? Consider going on a local boat tour.
• Have a waterside meal at The Village Restaurant.
• Rent fishing gear or crabbing and clamming equipment then strike out on your own.

Keep planning a coastal getaway with our Weekend Vacation Guide to the Eastern Shore. 
 

RICHMOND

Nearby Waters: James River, Mattaponi River, Pamunkey River, Appomattox River, Swift Creek Lake, Lake Chesdin

Nearby Outfitters: Riverside Outfitters, RVA Paddlesports
 

Paddling Opportunities in Richmond

Located at the fall line, Richmond is a great base to enjoy multiple aspects of the James River that flows through town. Under the gaze of skyscrapers, whitewater boaters can tackle seven miles of exciting rapids, mostly I-II with some Class III thrown in.

Upstream, paddlers can float sections of the Middle James River Blueway, which stretches from Lynchburg to Richmond. The James here is big, often shallow with riffles and shoals as well as deep pools, with plentiful put-ins and takeouts for day and overnight trips. Below Richmond, paddlers can enjoy the Lower James River Blueway. Here, the tidal James presents friendly, lazy waters, allowing you to concentrate on the scenery at hand rather than on rapids ahead.

Major James River tributaries include the Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and Appomattox Rivers. The Mattaponi River starts out as a tree-lined stream then evolves into a tidal waterway. The Pamunkey follows the same pattern. The Appomattox mirrors the James River, with an upper section, a rapids section through the fall line at Petersburg, then a tidal segment.

Swift Creek Lake, inside the bounds of Pocahontas State Park, presents a flatwater paddling destination in a natural setting. Enjoy the narrow park reservoir where canoes and kayaks can be rented. Lake Chesdin, a dammed portion of the Appomattox River, is also a stillwater paddling place. Swift Creek Reservoir is yet another impoundment that can be explored by kayakers and canoers.

More Outdoor Fun around Richmond

Hike to Belle Isle, an historic island in the middle of the James River, accessible by trail, where you can scout the rapids of the James by foot. Explore the greater James River Park to find hikes of all challenge levels, encounters with nature, and scenic views.

Camp, mountain bike and hike at Pocahontas State Park, around 20 miles south of Richmond.

Other Nearby Adventures

• See hundreds of works of art the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
• Learn about the famed poet Edgar Allan Poe at The Poe Museum
• See a show at The Byrd Theatre, then window shop in the surrounding Carytown neighborhood 
• Explore a Gilded Age estate, miles of trails, and the Robins Nature Center at Maymont

That's just the start — explore more of what the River City has to offer with our complete guide to visiting Richmond. 
 

RADFORD

Nearby Waters: New River, Claytor Lake

Nearby Outfitters: New River Outdoor Company, Tangent Outfitters, New River’s Edge Outfitters, New River Outfitters, Claytor Lake Water Sports, Mountain 2 Island Paddleboard Company
 

Paddling Opportunities in Radford

The New River is Virginia’s big river paddling destination. Radford is ideally located to enjoy the Virginia portion of this brawling Appalachian powerhouse of a waterway. Some of the rapids are big, too — solid Class II with a couple of Class III, but paddlers can usually work around them, or line their boat through. It is important to confer with local outfitters to figure out the exact segment of this part of the New River that works for you.

Downstream of Radford, the 37-mile New River Water Trail cuts a gorgeous valley through the mountains of Giles County, presenting first-rate scenery no matter what portion of the water trail you paddle. Over 10 accesses and launches on the New are found from Radford to the West Virginia state line.

Radford itself is situated just a few miles below Claytor Lake, an impoundment of the New River that presents flatwater paddling opportunities. Claytor Lake State Park makes a fine jumping off point to paddle the reservoir. 

Still more river paddling opportunities can be had upstream of Claytor Lake. That includes a whopping 70 miles of the New River from the town of Independence to Claytor Lake, mostly Class I-II, but some Class III at places like Foster Falls. Consult local outfitters when tackling specific segments.

More Outdoor Fun around Radford

• Hike, bike, and camp at Claytor Lake State Park
• Bicycle the 57-mile New River Trail (access is in nearby Pulaski, among other places)
• Mountain bike the Pandapas Pond trails
• Hike to Cascade Falls near Pembroke
• Hike past waterfalls on Mill Creek en route to view-rich Sentinel Point at Narrows
• Trek the Appalachian Trail up to viewpoints at the Angels Rest near Pearisburg

Other Nearby Adventures

• Glencoe Mansion Museum & Gallery, a gorgeous period structure, houses furnishings from the past combined with artwork from today. The museum is fairly small but presents a lot to see.
• Located adjacent to the Virginia Tech Campus in nearby Blacksburg, Historic Smithfield was built in 1774. Tour the grounds and the house, and travel back to the exciting time of the American Revolution. 
   

VIRGINIA BEACH

Nearby Waters: Back Bay, Atlantic Ocean, Lynnhaven River, Stumpy Lake, Lake Drummond, Northwest River, North Landing River, Broad Bay, West Neck Creek

Nearby Outfitters: Chesapean Outdoors, Ocean Rentals of Sandbridge
 

Paddling Opportunities in Virginia Beach

When you are situated at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, next to the Atlantic Ocean and riddled with countless tidal creeks feeding larger bays, your paddling potential is limited only by time.

Boat ramps and canoe throw-ins are situated throughout the watery paradise of Virginia Beach. Some of the favorite destinations are Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge farther still to the backwaters of False Cape State Park. Stumpy Lake is a good freshwater inland paddle place. West Neck Creek is another paddling destination favored by those in the know, and is good for wildlife. Paddle a canal to reach cypress-lined Lake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia, and a part of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

If the paddling possibilities around Virginia Beach seem overwhelming, consider joining a kayak tour and let the experts do the route finding. Numerous companies lead trips in the area. They’ll help you get your feet wet — literally — in the Virginia Beach paddling scene.

More Outdoor Fun around Virginia Beach

Visit two of Virginia’s most beloved state parks, First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park. Both are located on the water and paddling places in their own right. False Cape offers primitive camping, while camping at First Landing is a little more refined. Bicycle through Back Bay NWR, False Cape State Park or First Landing State Park, or the stretch along the famed Virginia Beach Boardwalk.

Other Nearby Adventures

• In Portsmouth, visit the Children's Museum of Virginia, the oldest children’s museum in Virginia, where kids can learn through play.
• Not only does the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center have 800,000 gallons of underwater wildlife exhibits, the place also features an adventure park with zip lines, boat trips and a big theater. 
• Visit the first landfill park in the country, the vast Mount Trashmore Park
• Try out surfing at year-round surf park Atlantic Park Surf

Find more VB fun with our complete guide to visiting Virginia Beach.

What to Know Before You Go Paddling

• Read and follow basic safety guidelines. 
• Familiarize yourself with the route of the waters you'll be navigating. 
• Outfitters operate throughout the state, helping with kayak and canoe rentals as well as shuttles. Look into outfitters and consider making reservations before you travel.