Kayaking in DC

Kayaking Trips in DC

The Potomac River runs right through the city and offers everything from casual flatwater to the world-class rapids and waterfalls of Great Falls National Park! Find kayaking trips in Washington, DC for every level of kayaker. Whether you're looking for a guided trip, kayak rentals, self-guided, day trip, multi-day trip, or anything in between, there's a kayaking trip in DC for you. If you've paddled here before, be sure to share your trip with the rest of us!

Planning the trip of a lifetime? Check out these safe paddling tips and always wear your life jacket


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Kayaking in DC

Guide to Kayaking in DC

Read on for guides to planning your own kayaking trip to Washington, D.C., seeking out an outfitted trip, connecting with other Washington, D.C. paddlers, and many other resources! Washington, D.C. has a world class whitewater park along with many bays and islands to explore in Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. It's waiting for you to explore it and have an adventure! Popular kayaking areas of interest include:

  • Potomac River
  • National Harbor
  • Great Falls Park
  • Chesapeake Bay
  • Atlantic Ocean

Kayaking Locations in DC

If you want to plot your own route, check out all paddling locations in DC! Search thousands of put-in and take-out locations on our Paddling Locations Map and be sure to download the Go Paddling app where you can save favorites or create and share a float plan!

Plan a Kayaking Trip in DC

Over the years, many of our paddlers have paddled around Washington, D.C. and were so generous to share their paddling experiences with us in a community trip report. Read a few examples of Washington, D.C. community trip reports below:

Have you paddled near Washington, D.C.? Post Your Trip and share with the community!

Connect with Kayakers in DC

Looking to connect with other paddlers in Washington, D.C.? Below are a number of resources to help get you started:

Articles about DC Paddling

Whitewater Paddling Washington DC

Just 15 minutes out of the city lies world class Class V rapids and waterfalls in the Great Falls of Washington D.C. Watch Rafa Ortiz run it!

Kayaking in DC