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
- Brought to you by the Water Sports Foundation and the SFRBTF administered by the U.S. Coast Guard -
Trip Category
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:
- Check out the Paddling.com Message Boards
- Paddle with the Washington Kayak Club
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!
