The southeastern U.S. is awash (sorry for the pun) with paddling possibilities. North Carolina alone is fortunate to have several National Wild and Scenic Rivers including the Lumber River near Lumberton and the New River near Jefferson. Local reservoirs like Jordan and Falls in the Research Triangle provide opportunities for lake and river paddling. Just want a quick afternoon out? Try Lake Crabtree near RDU airport. It is a Wake County Park and provides easy access for paddlers. The Eno River through Durham is a great resource, providing sections almost wilderness-like through otherwise populated areas.

Popular paddling rivers locally include the Neuse, Haw, and Deep. Whitewater is accessible from the Triangle. Locally, we have the Haw, Eno, Flat and Little. Within 4 hours; the James in Virginia, the Mayo and Dan in NC and VA, Wilson Creek near Morganton. Slightly farther we can get into the mountains and such famous whitewater as the Nantahala, French Broad, Nolichucky, Gauley, New, and Ocoee. When we have rain in this state, we can find whitewater.

Regardless of where or when you decide to paddle, be sure you know enough about the place and the conditions you might encounter to make intelligent decisions about your choice. Water and weather conditions can, and do change quickly and it’s good to have backup and safety plans ahead of time. Let someone ashore know where you’ll be and when you expect to return.