Whether you’re planning a one-day family getaway or a weekend trip lasting several days, there’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than kayaking. Kayaking is a great activity for people of all ages and abilities and allows you to explore some of the most beautiful rivers, streams, canyons and lakes in the northeast and southwest parts of the country. Virginia is home to some of the best kayaking in the northeast with rivers such as the Rappahannock and Roanoke River and the falls of the Rappahannock River in central Virginia. Because kayaking is primarily a leisure activity, most outfitters provide guide services, whether you need a skilled guide with you in the kayak or a friendly guide who just shows you where to head out on the water, kayaking is now one of the most popular forms of water sport in the area.
Kayaking is a great activity for those who live in cities but would like to venture into the open plains and rolling hills of the wilderness. Not only is kayaking good for your health, but it is also great exercise. Many outfitters offer guided tours of the rivers, streams and lakes, as well as kayaking expeditions to popular kayaking destinations in the northeastern part of the United States. Virginia, with its rivers, streams, lakes and abundant wildlife, is a prime destination for kayaking. The waters of the Rappahannock and Blue Ridge provide excellent opportunities for a day of kayaking, but the Falls of Assumption and the Kill Devil Hills are also popular places for long river kayaking in Virginia.
If you’re looking for a longer kayaking trip, consider taking a two or three day trip. The beauty of kayaking in Virginia is that you can kayak all around the lake; you’ll see the sights, hear the smells, and be surrounded by a landscape unlike any other. Kayaking trips of more than a day are available from many outfitters, and they are generally longer than a day. A longer trip gives you plenty of time to explore the many rivers, streams, creeks, and lakes in Virginia, allowing you to take in all the sights, sounds and ambiance without having to carry your kayak everywhere.
One of the best things about kayaking in Virginia is that the sport is accessible to almost everyone. Kayakers of all ages, abilities and skill levels can use kayaks on the beaches, up rivers and creeks, and in remote mountains. Virginia has kayaking outfitters on nearly every waterway, including the popular Nantahala River in North Carolina, the beautiful Little River near Blowing Rock, and the popular Stony Man River just down the road from Roanoke. You can book a kayaking adventure from one of these kayaking outfitters, choose a destination and level of expertise, then set off on your trip.
If you’re looking for an overnight or weekend trip that requires only a short stay, you’ll find that kayaking in Virginia is affordable and reasonably priced. Many outfitters offer everything you need, including provisions, kayaks, food, water, and possibly even a cabin or Outfitters Rental if you’d like to stay in your kayak with your gear. There are even outfitters in Virginia that cater to kayakers of all levels of experience. Experienced kayakers can take lessons and teach others in their party, or simply sit back in a kayak and wait for the adventure to unfold itself. Beginners will be happy to learn from beginning kayaking specialists who will lead you through the basic techniques until you feel confident enough to venture out on your own. Many of these outfitters also offer trips on America’s most famous kayaking rivers, such as the Rappahannock and Roanoke rivers, as well as trips through beautiful wooded areas with breathtaking scenery.
If you’re interested in taking a longer kayaking trip, many outfitters have routes and excursions for longer kayaking adventures. For instance, a two-day trip through nearby Ashburn, Virginia along the popular James River allows you to experience the beauty of Ashburn’s downtown area and the historic Albemarle Tourmaline Station. This route takes you through beautiful areas such as Loudoun, Crystal City, and Botetuck. Other kayaking routes through Virginia include trips throughout the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and the Intracoastal Waterway, which will take you through historic areas such as the capital of Virginia, Richmond, and the town of Portsmouth, Virginia. These outfitters have kayaks for rent that range from small craft, such as a cruiser, to oversized luxury kayaks suitable for touring enthusiasts and adventurers.
