Even though summer is coming to an end, early Autumn can be the best time outdoors in the QC. Charlotte is surrounded by lakes, rivers, and streams, making it easy to get on the water for a fall weekend adventure. If you’ve been looking where to boat, paddle, or kayak, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the best places to do your favorite water activity, all close to the Queen City.
Here’s our list of the best places to boat, paddle, and kayak around Charlotte:
Whitewater Center
Where: Charlotte, NC
What: Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), Whitewater raft, Flatwater kayak, Whitewater kayak
The Scoop: The option of whitewater and flatwater kayaking makes the U.S National Whitewater Center unique to those who want a challenge or are just beginning. Class III whitewater experience is required for all paddlers to test the rapids, as well as you must bring your own gear. But don’t worry! They offer private lessons and group instruction to perfect all paddling skills.
If kayaking isn’t your thing, grab your friends and family to hit up whitewater rafting. With three different levels of rafting ranging from introductory to high intensity, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Lake Norman
Where: Cornelius, North Carolina
What: Boat, Kayak, Paddleboard
The Scoop: There are many ways to enjoy the lake, and with over 520 miles of shoreline, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy on the water. From kayaking and paddleboarding to wakeboarding and sailing, you have options. You could also rent a boat and take in the beautiful scenery of the lake and surrounding area.
There are plenty of options when it comes to renting boats, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.
Cornelius Pontoon Rentals
Not only do you get the boat, but Cornelius Pontoon Rentals provides a host of free amenities with each rental including gas, coolers, bottled water, snacks, water noodles and more.
77 Watersports
Take the boat out for a day, keep one at your rental house for the weekend or sit back and relax as a 77 Watersports tour guide takes care of all the work for you.
Cajun Carolina Adventures
If you will be taking kids out on the water with you, consider the 25’ pontoon from Cajun Carolina Adventures which includes a slide (for them!) and a wet bar (for you!).
Carolina Boat Rentals
In addition to pontoon boats for rent and lake tours, Carolina Boat Rentals offers jet ski rentals for those looking for a faster, more adventurous day on the lake.
What’s Up Watersports
If you can’t decide how you’d like to spend your day on the lake, What’s Up Watersports has you covered with pontoon & ski boats as well as jet skis, paddleboards and kayaks.
Aloha Paddle Sports
The local authority in all things paddle sports, Aloha provides rentals as well as lessons, sunset paddle tours and paddleboard yoga.
If you’re looking for more to do after hitting up the water, check out how you can live your best life at Lake Norman.
Catawba River
Where: North Carolina & South Carolina
What: Kayak, Stand-Up Paddleboard
The Scoop: This 217-mile long river is popular to paddlers of all kinds. While there are several access points to the river, all offering different experiences.
If you’re looking to kayak and stand-up paddleboard, Catawba Riverkeeper offers kayaking experiences at multiple locations Saturdays and Sundays from May through September.
The Boathouse Kayak/ SUP/ Canoe Rentals
McAdenville, NC
Rental fee includes boat, paddle, PFD, and safety instruction.
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. All rentals are walk-up only.
$20 – Kayaks
$20 – Standup Paddleboards
$30 – Canoes
Paddle, Bike, Run Series powered by OrthoCarolina
Join Catawba Riverkeeper at The Boathouse on the 4th Monday of each month starting April through October for rotating outdoor sports.
Physicians from OrthoCarolina will be on-site at various events to share some injury prevention and prehab tips! Join them at 6:30 p.m. and after introductions, the group will paddle, bike, or run for about 45 minutes to an hour. Then, hang out at The Boathouse where you can drink a beer and shop new and used outdoor gear and apparel. Visit here to view the schedule and save your spot.
Intro to Kayaking Clinic
501 Lakeview Dr, McAdenville, NC 28101
Saturdays at 1 PM at the McAdenville South Fork River Greenway
Slow Flow Kayak Rentals
McAdenville South Fork River Greenway
$30 rental fee includes kayak, paddle, Personal Floatation Device, and safety instruction as well as a shuttle back from Cramerton to McAdenville.
All rentals are walk-up only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Half Day Guided Tour
Spencer Mountain to The Boathouse (meet at The Boathouse, shuttle provided)
$50 rental fee includes kayak, paddle, Personal Floatation Device, safety instruction, and a guided trip as well as a shuttle to Spencer Mountain at the put-in.
Reservations are encouraged and are available online – maximum of 10 spots per session are available. Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m.. Walk-ups may be available if trips are not sold out.
Lake Wylie
Where: Rock Hill, SC and Charlotte, NC
What: Boat, Kayak, Stand-up Paddleboard
The Scoop: The oldest lake on the Catawba, Lake Wylie is 325 miles of shoreline and known for water sports. There are many spots to rent water equipment to take out on the water. Here are a few options in different areas to choose from!
Tailrace Marina
Rent a pontoon boat or kayak from Tailrace Marina right on the Lake Wylie Watershed in Mount Holly. The marina also offers a variety of amenities, including picnic and grilling areas, full bathrooms with showers, and a ship store offering Tailrace Marina merchandise, snacks, and beverages.
2 hour rental prices:
Single Kayak $30
Double Kayak $40
Stand Up Paddle Board $30
Lake Wylie Boat Rental
Rent a pontoon boat from Lake Wylie Boat Rental, located at 1500 River Dr. Belmont NC 28012. Visit here to go over requirements and booking dates.
McDowell Nature Preserve
If you have your own equipment and are searching for a dock, head to public boat ramps at Copperhead Island. You can also book a guided kayaking tour with experienced instructors and other paddlers here.
Mountain Island Lake
Where: Huntersville – Mount Holly, NC
What: Boat, Kayak, Stand-up Paddleboard
The Scoop: If you’re looking for quiet coves to paddle in, Mountian Island Lake should be on your radar. Fewer boats make for calm and quiet waters to kayak and SUP in safely. Put in at the concrete boat launch and kayak launch in Huntersville, launch from either the North Canoe Access directly into Mountain Island Lake, or from the Gar Creek Canoe Access into the Gar Creek inlet.
If you’re needing to rent equipment or want to brush up on skills, Latta Nature Preserve has everything you need, from canoes to SUP yoga classes.
Colonel J. Francis Beatty Park
Where: Matthews, NC
What: Kayak
The Scoop: Perfect for an evening paddle is Colonel J. Francis Beatty Park Lake. Small and shallow, kayaking on this lake is for all ability levels, making it suitable for a family outing. This year, bring your own kayaks and launch from the park. Unfortunately, Rockin’ River Adventures will not be opening this year for rental services, but you can always check out local rental companies for gear!
Goat Island – South Fork River
Where: Cramerton, NC
What: Kayaking, Paddleboard
The Scoop: Spoiler alert – there are no goats at Goat Island. Instead, you can expect gentle water made for calm kayaking and paddleboarding in the South Fork River.
In Downtown Cramerton, rent your boat or kayak from the Floating Goat, close to great coffee and snacks. Then you can head to the put-in at Spender Mountain and complete the full Thread Trail Blue-way or simply launch out back of the coffee shop. Either route you choose, you’re in for a calm ride. Be sure to call ahead ((704) 734-8599) to schedule your rental.
Rankin Lake
Where: Gastonia, NC
What: Boat & Kayak
The Scoop: If you’re looking for a more relaxed day on the water, visit Rankin Lake. The 80-acre lake is a staple of Gastonia, with boating and kayaking available to the community. Head to the Lake Office to rent kayaks or Jon boats, or you can bring your own. Be sure to check the boat rental hours before you go, and note when boats have to be off the water!
Crowders Mountain State Park
Where: Kings Mountain, NC
What: Paddleboard
The Scoop: Paddle along the relaxing waters of Crowders Mountain State Park’s seven-acre manmade lake. Surrounded by forests and trails, this location makes for the perfect lazy summer afternoon with scenic views. Bring your own kayak and launch on-site, or rent a canoe from the park.
Lake Haigler
Where: Fort Mill, SC
What: Kayak, Tandem Kayak, Stand-up Paddleboard
The Scoop: Head to Anne Springs Close Greenway where you can paddle, and kayak. Bring your own non-motorized boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards and unload at Lake Crandall and Stumpy Pond. Boats can be walked to the Lake Haigler Kayak Launch at the Lake Haigler Entrance.
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available at Lake Haigler beginning in Mid-May through September and are only available on the weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Single Kayak/Tandem Kayak/SUP Paddle Board Rental 2 hour rental cost: Non-member $10 per person | Member $5 per person**
Rentals are currently by reservation only, so visit here to reserve your spot!
Rock Hill Riverwalk
Where: Rock Hill, SC
What: Kayak
The Scoop: All paddlers are welcome to Piedmont Medical Center Trail, the newest addition to a chain of trails that follow the Catawba River. The 3.5 mile long trail is suitable for new or experienced paddlers, with slow-moving waters and a mix of rapids.
Put in at the beginning of the trail at Fort Mill Dam and float down to Riverwalk. For a change of pace, paddles can also put in at Riverwalk and embark on a 2.75-mile trip that begins with a Class I/II rapid just below the launch. Continue to a second Class I rapid just before ending at River Park.
If renting a kayak, check out Camp Canaan for a guided tour and all the equipment you need!
Cedar Creek
Where: Hopkins, SC
What: Kayak
The Scoop: Experience Congaree National Park by paddling through the waters of Cedar Creek. The trail, approximately 15 miles long, passes through an old-growth forest that contains some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. Expect to see a range of wildlife animals on your route as well, including river otters, deer, and wading birds. You can access the creek at either Bannister’s Bridge and Cedar Creek Landings. For trip ideas, visit here.
Visitors are required to bring their own kayak with them, but don’t worry if you don’t already have one on hand! There are many outfitters you can contact for guided paddling tours and equipment in the park. Contact them directly for scheduling and prices.
