Canoe & Kayak

The Boone Area: paddling at its peak

The Boone Area's lofty peaks are a temperate rainforest that feeds some of the country's best paddling. Whatever watery adventure you're looking for, Boone area outfitters offer it.

Spring is King for paddling! Summer and fall can be great times to canoe, kayak, raft, or tube Boone's scenic streams and rivers! Just keep your eye on the weather and check with the High Country's outfitters. 

Local outfitters listed below offer the full range of opportunities, from individual or family boat rentals (with a return shuttle to your car) to guided day trips with expert tour guides that include lunch. Canoeing or kayaking the gentle headwaters of the New River, the oldest river in North America, is an exciting adventure open to almost anyone, including families. 

Don't want to pilot a boat?

Many outfitters that offer river trips also rent tubes and organize tubing trips - one of the classic, low-key ways to enjoy summer on a mountain stream.

Paddling High Country Lakes is another family-friendly outdoor adventure. Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard at Price Lake Boat Rentals on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Exploring its lakeshore coves is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Eastern America's highest summits.

Not everyone wants a calm day on the water! Whitewater rafting takes it up a notch and makes crashing through rapids an exciting family adventure. Many area outfitters offer rafting trips on a variety of rivers. Kayaking in the Boone Area gives experienced paddlers opportunities at all skill levels. More daring kayakers have serious whitewater to challenge them.