Best Kayaking Destinations near Charlotte
Charlotte is home to some of the best kayaking in North Carolina. From rushing white water rapids, calm lakes and scenic parks, there are so many beautiful places to paddle within an hour or two of Charlotte.
Where to Kayak near Charlotte, North Carolina
Stay in touch with nature and enjoy the city’s natural beauty with some of the best kayaking destinations near Charlotte, NC.
Latta Plantation Nature Center
Huntersville, NC
Paddlers from all around come to kayak around Mountain Island Lake in Latta Plantation Nature Center. Enjoy a peaceful paddle with unbeatable views, wooded banks, little coves and flat water. The lake feeds into the Catawba River. The protected waterway and wildlife sanctuary is a great place to spot blue herons and eagles. There’s also hiking and horseback riding trails.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Charlotte, NC
The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers comprehensive paddling programs for all levels of paddlers. The non-profit operates on over 1,300 acres of protected land encompassing Long Creek and the Catawba River. Their goal is to make whitewater kayaking accessible to all ages and abilities with guided rapid routes ranging from Class II to IV. Visitors can also enjoy white water rafting, rock climbing, zip lining, and tree top dinning.
Crowders Mountain State Park
Kings Mountain, NC
Crowders Mountain State Park is located about 33 miles west of downtown Charlotte along the Appalachian Trail. Inside the park is a nine-acre lake with wooded shores and views of Crowders Mountain and Kings Mountain. Crowders Mountain State Park is the perfect escape with quiet flat waters and serene views. In addition to sight-seeing and relaxing kayaking, visitors can hike one of the many trails to the summit or climb the vertical cliffs.
Congaree National Park
Hopkins, SC
Kayak through an old-growth forest that contains some of the tallest tress in eastern North America. Cedar Creek, in the heart of Congaree National Park, offers a 15-mile water trail through winding hardwood forests and swamp-like wetlands filled with native flora and fauna. Spot river otters, deer, wading birds and more with tons of inlets and creeks for curious kayakers to explore.
Rock Hill Riverwalk
Rock Hill, NC
Slow moving waters dashed with rapids makes kayaking down the Catawba River near Charlotte an exciting paddle for all. The Rock Hill Riverwalk offers both class I and II rapids on a chain of trails that follow the Catawba River. Enjoy the lush green scenery or fish from your kayak. Visitors can also enjoy biking and jogging along the river or exploring the historical landmarks and museums in Rock Hill.
North Carolina Kayak Storage
Charlotte, NC is a wonderful city to explore by kayak. Make sure your kayak is at the ready for your next North Carolina adventure with proper kayak storage from Log Kayak Rack. Our exquisitely crafted, 100% cedar log kayak racks are as beautiful as they are practical. They safely store and neatly organize shorelines, cabins, resorts and more, holding up to eight kayaks on their durable, naturally weather-resistant frames. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Charlotte kayak storage needs.