The Best Paddling Near Ashburn, Virginia
Virginia is beautiful in the spring with its sparkling waters, scenic parks, and secluded wetlands. Find great kayaking destinations just south of Leesburg in the quaint water-filled village of Ashburn in Loudoun County, VA.
Where to Kayak Ashburn, VA
Ashburn, Virginia is 30 miles northwest of Washington D.C., between Leesburg and Sterling. Not far from the Potomac River, it’s attracts kayakers near and far. Although it is a lovely river to paddle, the Potomac River is far from your only option when it comes to kayaking near Ashburn, Virginia. Here are some other rivers and parks to consider launching your kayak at if you are close to the Ashburn area.
Goose Creek
A tributary of the Potomac, this lovely river begins just south of Leesburg. The 27.5 miles of the river that flows through Loudoun County were designated a Virginia State Scenic River in 1976. There are several great places to launch from, but a popular trip is to put in at Sycolin Rd Bridge and paddle the 5.3 miles to Kephart Bridge Landing. You’ll begin at the Fairfax Reservoir, go around the 20-foot dam and enjoy a few easy Class 1+ rapids and rock-gardens before moving on to some Class 2 & 3 rapids at Cookes Mill/Golfcourse and Clapham Falls before the take out at Kephart Bridge Landing.
Beaver Dam Reservoir
The Beaver Dam Reservoir in Ashburn, VA offers kayaking, fishing and waterfront hiking with over 1,000 reservoir and waterfront acres to explore. It’s open seasonally March – November and offers an ideal kayaking experience on beautiful, placid waters. There is no boat launch. Only non-gas, car-top launch vessels are allowed.
Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park
This beautiful park offers secluded kayaking, hiking, and picnicking in wooded, historic terrain. It is home to the historic Elizabeth Mills canal lock system as well as a section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. With over one hundred acres of passive parkland, Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park provides access to both the Potomac River and Goose Creek for some excellent kayaking options not far from Ashburn, VA.
Ashburn Village
Ashburn Village itself has eight private man-made lakes and ponds for its residents and their guests to enjoy. The lakes are home to ducks, geese, herons and other wildlife. Manually propelled boats such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and rowboats are allowed on all eight lakes, giving many kayaking options right in Ashburn. They are also stocked with bass, sun perch, and carp for catch and release fishing.
Bles Park
A green oasis, Bles Park is also home to a section of the Potomac River Heritage National Scenic Trail. It is a 124-acre park in Ashburn with 94 acres of passive park, including wetlands with access to the Potomac and Broad Run rivers in Loudoun County. The wetlands, considered a marsh because they are dominated by grasses, sedges and herbaceous plants, are home to many wildlife species you’ll likely see kayaking including the red-shouldered hawk, Virginia rail, bobolink, prairie warbler and bald eagles, several species of frog and toad, turtles and snakes.
Ashburn, Virginia Kayak Storage
Now that you’ve had your Ashburn, VA kayaking adventure, it’s time to think about kayak storage. Whether you own your own kayak, a resort, riverfront restaurant or a kayak rental company, keep your shoreline and your kayaks looking great with Log Kayak Rack. Our hand-crafted kayak storage racks are exquisitely crafted out of 100% norther cedar logs and can safely and beautifully store and display your kayaks for years to come. They are durable, naturally weather-resistant and can be custom built to accommodate any number of kayaks, canoes or SUPs. Our standard kayak rack styles come in wall mounted, dock mounted, buried in the ground and free-standing. Shop our available kayak racks online now or send us a message to start a custom kayak storage solution.