Scenic Places to Kayak near Wheeling, West Virginia
Wheeling is the largest city in West Virginia’s Norther Panhandle with a population hovering around 27,000. It’s located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the Ohio River, offering many awe-inspiring views and places for kayaking.
Where to Kayak near Wheeling, WV
The Ohio River, Wheeling Creek and a number of nearby State Parks provide a variety of scenic options for kayaking near Wheeling, West Virginia.
Wheeling Creek Water Trail
Wheeling, WV
Wheeling Creek is a scenic waterway in Wheeling, West Virginia. It is a unique kayak trail with breathtaking views. The trail is mostly flat with a few small riffles as it travels east from Pennsylvania toward the Ohio River in Wheeling. The landscaping is diverse and scenic, moving from rural farmlands, forests and urban settings.
Ohio River Water Trail
Parkersburg, WV
South from Wheeling, but still along the Ohio border, Parkersburg, WV offers scenic kayaking on the Ohio River. The Ohio River Water Trail is made up of 39 miles of the Ohio River and 18 miles of the Little Kanawha River. There are multiple put ins and trailer ready ramps from Williamston, Vienna and Parkersburg in West Virginia as well as Marietta and Belpre in Ohio. But Little Kanawha River is the real hidden gem of this trail. It offers gentle, flat currents for kayaking, an abundance of wildlife and excellent musky and small-mouth bass fishing.
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Williamstown, WV
The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 3,000 acres of island, bottomland, and underwater habitat along the Ohio River in western West Virginia. It was established in 1990 to protect, conserve, and restore habitat for wildlife native to the river’s floodplain and much of the refuge is open to fishing, hunting, photography, and wildlife observation. The appeal for kayakers is the refuge’s 20 islands scattered along the 362 miles of the upper Ohio River. Each of the islands has its own unique characteristics and history. In addition to being an excellent way to explore and enjoy nature, there is a challenge to visit all 20 refuge islands by kayak or canoe.
North Bend State Park
Cairo, WV
North Bend State Park is located near Cairo and Harrisville in West Virginia. The beautiful park was named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River. It features rolling hills, lakes, streams, hiking trails and wildlife. In addition to kayaking the Hughes River, the park features a 305-acre lake.
Tygart Lake State Park
Grafton, WV
Tygart Lake State Park is located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in scenic north-central West Virginia. It’s four miles south of Grafton and most famous for its 10-mile long, 1,750-acre lake. The lake is tranquil and perfect for kayaking with miles of shoreline to explore and tons of wildlife to view. The park itself is surrounded by beautiful mountains, making it a great destination.
West Virginia Kayak Storage Racks
Wheeling, West Virginia is a scenic town with excellent kayaking. Make sure your kayak is ready to go with a proper place to store it. Our exquisitely crafted kayak, canoe and SUP racks are the perfect solution to your kayak storage needs. Made from durable, naturally weather-resistant 100% norther cedar logs, they’ll keep your shoreline neat and orderly, and your kayaks protected and ready for your next West Virginia adventure. Shop our kayak racks online now and enjoy free shipping or contact us to discuss a custom kayak storage solution designed to meet your exact storage needs.