kayaker

With an abundance of rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, tidal lagoons, and salt marshes, Tidewater Virginia is an excellent area for enjoying paddlesports. Enthusiasts explore local waterways with canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other craft.

Paddlesports Areas

First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach)

False Cape State Park

Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia Beach)

Lake Smith and Lake Lawson Natural Area (Virginia Beach)

North Landing River Natural Area Preserve (Virginia Beach)

Northwest River Park (Chesapeake)

York River State Park (Williamsburg)

Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown)

Lynnhaven River

Elizabeth River

Nansemond River

James River

Rudee Inlet – Lake Rudee

NOTE: Parks, preserves, natural areas, refuges, kayak launches, and boat ramps may be subject to closures, fees, permit requirements, parking restrictions, or other limitations.

Water Trails

John Smith National Historic Trail

Eastern Branch Elizabeth River Water Trail (EBERT)

Dismal Swamp Canal Trail

Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail (SECT)

Related Information

Waterways

Parks and Recreation Areas

Beaches

Sports – Recreation