Virginia is blessed with paddling waters aplenty — slow moving blackwater streams drifting into the Atlantic coastal plain, tidal waters along the Atlantic Ocean, proud Piedmont waterways rolling through the heart of the Old Dominion and crystalline mountain streams happily splashing through the highlands.
When enjoying Virginia’s rivers and lakes, whether floating with the current or advancing by the stroke of a paddle, you fluidly move over water through eye pleasing surroundings, gliding atop waters far flung from our land-based lives.
photo credit: Bill Crabtree, Jr.
Paddling a variety of waters is but one of the many joys for Virginia family floaters. Moreover, the pleasures of family floating can be as simple as taking your child on a small lake to spot dragonflies, or simply exercising the notion of propelling a canoe or kayak from here to there. Or to feel the sun’s warmth overhead while waving back at friends on shore. Simply stated, family floating gets you on the water to enjoy aquatic adventures as diverse as the waterways offered in Virginia.
Here are some fantastic Virginia family floats where you can create your own “Virginia is for Outdoor Lovers” paddling experience.
THE WATER: POHICK BAY
Where: Woodbridge
The Float: Greater Pohick Bay
Distance/Time: Varies, put-in and takeout are the same
Outfitter: Pohick Bay Regional Park
Pohick Bay is a great place for families to explore the greater tidal Potomac River. Rent canoes, kayaks or standup paddleboards and ply the south shore of Pohick Bay. Cruise along the shores of Pohick Bay Regional Park to the mouth of Pohick Creek, with its channel entering the bay. Circle around the north part of Pohick Bay before returning to the park, which has its own launch for non-motorized boats. Add other activities to your adventure, from hiking to picnicking to nature study at this 1,000 acre-preserve.
Nearby Attractions:
- Mount Vernon
- George Washington’s Gristmill
THE WATER: SMITH RIVER
Where: Martinsville
The Float: Philpott Dam to Bassett Access
Distance/Time: 6.5 miles, 2-4 hours
Outfitter: Smith River Outfitters
Cool down on the hottest summer day, paddling the Smith River as it flows 45 degrees cold from the base of Philpott Dam. A layer of fog forms above the river as a result. Trout fishermen will be floating the river along with family paddlers. Rent a kayak, canoe or even a raft. Rapids get a little more exciting when the river rises from generation at Philpott Dam. The float is much slower when Philpott Dam is not generating, when they are releasing much less water. Trout fishermen will be seen trying their hand on the Smith River.
Nearby Attractions:
- Fairy Stone State Park
- Martinsville Speedway
- Martinsville Grand Prix
- Virginia Museum of Natural History
THE WATER: ROANOKE RIVER
photo credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos
Where: Salem
The Float: Salem’s Rotary Park to Roanoke Mountain Adventures in Roanoke
Distance/Time: 5.5 miles, 3-4 hours
Outfitter: Roanoke Mountain Adventures
This quick and easy trip starts at Salem’s Rotary Park and ends at the outfitter’s base, where your vehicle awaits. Float the Roanoke River through part of its official Blueway section. Paddle through the town of Salem, bordered by small parks, and along the Roanoke River Greenway, which offers bicycling and walking opportunities. Float into the shadow of Mill Mountain on fun Class I riffles punctuated by meandering pools. Convenient to additional attractions in Salem and Roanoke.
Nearby Attractions:
- Dixie Caverns
- Mill Mountain Zoo
- Thunder Valley
- Blue Ridge Parkway
THE WATER: UPPER JAMES RIVER
photo credit: Shannon Terry
Where: Buchanan
The Float: Horseshoe Bend to Buchanan
Distance/Time: 9 miles, 3-4 hours
Outfitter: Twin River Outfitters
Start this trip up at Horseshoe Bend, then navigate almost all Class I rapids through a section of designated Virginia State Scenic River. The only moderately challenging water is Class II, Richie’s Falls, with a name that sounds scarier than it is in reality. Most of the float is a relaxing trip through mountain scenery and rural farm country.
Nearby Attractions:
- Natural Bridge
- National D-Day Memorial
- Virginia Safari Park
- Foamhenge
THE WATER: SHENANDOAH RIVER
photo credit: Cameron Davidson
Where: Page County
The Float: Bixlers Bridge to Bealers Ferry
Distance/Time: 8 miles, 3-4 hours
Outfitters: Shenandoah River Outfitters, Front Royal Outdoors, Appalachian Adventures, Mudkat Outfitters
The float from Bixler’s Bridge to Bealer’s Ferry is A Class I paddling experience doable by novice paddlers. Take your kayak, tube, or canoe and float a scenic stream through bucolic farm country framed by the Appalachians. Navigate gurgling but friendly rapids and little ledges. Look for wildlife in the morning and evening, and stop for a swim during the heat of the day.
Nearby Attractions:
- Fort Valley Ranch
- Page Valley Fly Fishing
- Shenandoah Caverns
- Bear Mountain Zipline
THE WATER: OCCOQUAN RESERVOIR
Photo Credit: Sean Carr
Where: Manassas
The Float: Occoquan Reservoir
Distance/Time: Varies
Outfitter: Fountainhead Regional Park
Looking for a fun paddle near D.C. that everyone in the family can do? Explore a long, serene lake, where the north shore is entirely parkland, carved with intimate wooded coves. Occoquan Reservoir, a 2,100-acre impoundment created to supply Fairfax County with water, doubles as a paddling spot close to all the D.C. has to offer. Your embarkation point is vast Fountainhead Regional Park, where you can rent canoes or kayaks; hike and picnic, too. The lake is part of the greater Occoquan Water Trail.
Nearby Attractions:
- Prince William Forest Park
- Skate N Fun Zone
- Manassas Battlefield
THE WATER: MATTAPONI RIVER
Where: Aylett
The Float: Zoar State Forest to Aylett
Distance/Time: 5 miles, 3 hours
Outfitter: Mattaponi Canoe & Kayak
Paddle the tree-lined Mattaponi River, convenient to Richmond, starting at preserved Zoar State Forest. Float downstream as the Mattaponi morphs from freshwater river to tidally influenced waterway, allowing you to observe the change in ecotones on the adjacent shoreline. Watch for wildlife. End your trip in historic Aylett. Along the way, take a swim or stop along an alluring sandbar.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kings Dominion
- Virginia State Fair
- Lowery’s Seafood Restaurant
- Rainbow Acres Campground
THE WATER: NOTTOWAY RIVER
photo credit: Kyle LaFerriere, @laferriere.photography
Where: Courtland
The Float: Courtland to Cypress Bridge Road
Distance/Time: 4.5 miles, 3.0 hours
Outfitter: Blackwater Outfitters
Float and paddle the gentle Nottoway River from Courtland to Cypress Bridge. Stop on sandbars at places like Devils Bend and look for wildlife tracks, or have a picnic, or swim. Cypress and tupelo trees line the natural shoreline from put-in to takeout. Part of the paddle abuts Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kathara Spa
- Southampton Outfitters
- Davis Lakes & Campgrounds
THE WATER: STUMPY LAKE NATURAL AREA
Where: Virginia Beach
The Float: Stumpy Lake
Distance/Time: Varies
Outfitter: Chesapean Outdoors
Take this excellent family floating opportunity at Stumpy Lake Natural Area, near the main attractions of Virginia Beach. Rent a canoe or kayak, gracefully entering the water on a specially designed dock, then explore the no-motors allowed lake, ringed in regal cypress trees. Wander the lake to your heart’s content, spying for wading birds, or feasting on this park’s nature accessible for both tourists and residents of Virginia Beach.
Nearby Attractions:
- Stumpy Lake Golf Course
- Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
- Virginia Zoological Park
- Children’s Museum of Virginia
THE WATER: BACK BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
photo credit: Sam Dean, @sdeanphotos
Where: Sandbridge
The Float: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Distance/Time: Varies, put-in and takeout are the same
Outfitter: Chesapean Outdoors
Start at Little Island Park, a Virginia Beach city park astride the Atlantic. Leave the park and launch into Back Bay and explore this tidal estuary dotted with islands and channels. Wildlife is rich. Circle Little Island or visit Long Island. Paddle to the Horn Point canoe/kayak launch at Back Bay NWR and stretch your legs or explore some of the activities on land at Back Bay (entrance fee required to land at Back Bay NWR).
Nearby Attractions:
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Virginia Beach Fishing Center
- Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle
- North Bay Shore Family Campground
This will be my third year operating Mendota Expeditions LLC. We offer tubing adventures to families and groups on the North Fork of the Holston River near Bristol, VA. We also have the newly constructed Mendota Trail nearby. Come by and check us out this summer!
Overlooked the Cowpasture. It’s an excellent float and friendly for families.
New this year… James River Adventures in Lynchburg JRA running rentals at River Edge park at the boat launch. Check them out!
Also the New River. Outfitter: New River Outdoor Adventures (https://www.newriveroutdooradventures.com/) located on the New River at 5785 Fries Road, Galax, Virginia. Fun Fun Fun … Joy in the Journey along this ancient river of beauty and wonder.
Check out the newly expanded Upper James River Water Trail in Botetourt and Rockbridge Counties. upperjamesriverwatertrail.com
How about the James River in the city of Richmond or the James from Scottsville near Charlottesville
Your comment shows the true wealth of paddling destinations in Virginia
James River Runners is located in Hatton Ferry just outside of Scottsville. The first picture of the tubers on this page is of my company but no mention of my business. Give us a call, it’s always a great day to be on the river 434-286-2338
I would.like to go tubing with some family and friends,can I get some info on ur location
You are forgetting the Clinch River!
Thanks for mentioning the Clinch.
Amazing as always … i am now a regular visitor to blogs, they are helping me in my career a lot. Thanks for sharing this amazing information.
Nice article!
We will be floating The James from James River State Park livery next week. You can rent or just use their pickup and return service. It’s a good gig!
Awesome sharing about Virginia visiting soon!