April through October
Where to stay for paddling in West Virginia
Flatwater paddling centers on Summersville Lake, Cheat Lake and the Greenbrier River, which is runnable in canoes for much of its length in spring. Sea kayak and paddleboard rentals operate at the main lakes in summer.
Where do you stay for paddling in West Virginia?
Summersville Lake, Greenbrier River and Cheat Lake are three of the best areas to base a paddling trip.
The season runs april through October, and each area below has its own page with places to stay nearby.
- Best time of year
- April through October
- Where people go
- Summersville Lake, Greenbrier River, Cheat Lake, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone Lake
- Where people stay
- Campgrounds, Cabins, RV Parks, Hotels
Where people go
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- Greenbrier River
- Cheat Lake
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- Bluestone Lake
- Shepherdstown
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- Morgantown
- Summersville
- Charleston
- Fayetteville
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Kayaking and Canoeing near Summersville LakeKayaking and Canoeing near Greenbrier RiverKayaking and Canoeing near Cheat LakeKayaking and Canoeing near New River Gorge National Park and PreserveKayaking and Canoeing near Bluestone LakeKayaking and Canoeing in Shepherdstown, WVKayaking and Canoeing in Harpers Ferry, WVKayaking and Canoeing in Morgantown, WVKayaking and Canoeing in Summersville, WVKayaking and Canoeing in Charleston, WVKayaking and Canoeing in Fayetteville, WVKayaking and Canoeing near Harpers Ferry National Historical ParkKayaking and Canoeing near Gauley River National Recreation AreaKayaking and Canoeing near Babcock State ParkKayaking and Canoeing near Blackwater Falls State ParkKayaking and Canoeing near Greenbrier River TrailKayaking and Canoeing in Petersburg, WVKayaking and Canoeing in Romney, WVKayaking and Canoeing in Marlinton, WVKayaking and Canoeing in Parsons, WV
Places to stay for paddling
We're still adding places to stay near West Virginia's best kayaking and canoeing areas.
Own or manage a property nearby? List it on BookWV.
Kayaking and Canoeing in West Virginia: what people ask
When is the season for paddling in West Virginia?
The season runs april through October. Outside those months conditions are unreliable and some access points close.
Where is the best kayaking and canoeing in West Virginia?
Summersville Lake, Greenbrier River, Cheat Lake and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are the areas most people head for. Flatwater paddling centers on Summersville Lake, Cheat Lake and the Greenbrier River, which is runnable in canoes for much of its length in spring. Sea kayak and paddleboard rentals operate at the main lakes in summer.
Where should I stay for paddling in West Virginia?
Summersville Lake, Greenbrier River, Cheat Lake and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are where most people base themselves, because each one puts you close enough to get an early start. Choose one to see the places to stay within reach of it.
Do I need to book ahead for paddling in West Virginia?
In season, yes. Many of the best kayaking and canoeing areas are near small towns, so weekend lodging can fill quickly. Midweek and shoulder-season dates stay open much longer.
Is kayaking and canoeing in West Virginia good for beginners?
Yes. West Virginia has everything from easy overlooks and short nature trails to demanding backcountry routes, though the two are often an hour apart rather than side by side. Each destination page describes what that area is known for, which is worth reading before you choose where to stay.