Kayaking in West Virginia

Kayaking Trips in West Virginia

West Virginia is home to some excellent whitewater. Check out the New River or the Gauley River to see what the state has to offer! Interested in something a bit more casual? Many of the state parks have paddling destinations and kayaks for rent! Check out all kayaking trips in West Virginia 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 kayak trip in West Virginia for you! If you've paddled West Virginia 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


- Brought to you by the Water Sports Foundation and the SFRBTF administered by the U.S. Coast Guard -

Guide to Kayaking in West Virginia

No matter what kind of kayak(s) you have, there's a place to go in West Virginia! Intense whitewater or peaceful paddles, you can find just that or something in between in West Virginia! Here are a few popular paddling destinations in West Virginia:

  • New River
  • Gauley River
  • Cheat River
  • Shenandoah River

Kayaking Locations In West Virginia

If you want to plot your own route, check out all paddling locations in West Virginia! 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 West Virginia

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

Connect with Paddlers in West Virginia

Are you looking to connect with other paddlers about going kayaking in West Virginia? Check out the Paddling.com Message Boards for resources to help you get started.