Yadkin River in North Carolina

Trip Overview

This report covers a short (5 miles/2 hours) trip down the central section of the Yadkin River just west of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The river is very pleasant and gives you an excellent feeling of solitude, event though you are never really very far from civilization. On my trip I did not see another human for the entire two hours.

The river during summer is not difficult, with some shallow spots, but no rapids, with about a 2 mph current. The water level was adequate for kayaks, but would have been more challenging for canoes, as a number of rock shelves and boulders could have grounded most canoes.

I used the local outfitter, Yadkin River Adventures (http://www.yadkinriveradventures.com/) and found them to be excellent. The owner, Paul, was very easy to work with and the hot dogs at the general store were the best.

I would recommend this trip, or the longer 8 mile full day trip, for anyone looking for peace and quiet and a lovely little slow river.

Accommodations:

Yadkin River Adventures: Full service outfitter and even a great place to eat at the Rockford location.

Fees:

$30 for 12' new kayak, paddle, PFD and shuttle service.

Directions:

West out of Winston-Salem on NC 67, then through the woods to Rockford. Excellent directions on web site.