The Boone Area: Paddling at its Peak

The Boone Area's lofty peaks are a temperate rainforest that feeds some of the country's best paddling. Whatever watery adventure you're looking for, Boone Area outfitters offer it.

Bring your own boat or not, there's world-class paddling in the Boone Area.

Local outfitters offer the entire range of opportunities from individual or family boat rentals (with a return shuttle back to your car), to guided day trips that include lunch. Canoeing or kayaking a classic National Wild and Scenic River like the New River is an exciting adventure that's open to almost anyone, including families. That can also mean tackling a multinight canoe or kayak camping trip with stops at New River State Park.  Entry level paddle trips are a great way to relax amid spectacular scenery.

Don't want to pilot a boat or even paddle? Many outfitters that offer river trips also rent tubes and organize tubing trips—one of the classic, low key ways to enjoy summer on a mountain stream.

Paddling High Country lakes is another family-friendly outdoor adventure. Rent a canoe or rowboat at Price Lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Exploring its lakeshore coves is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Eastern America's highest summits. 

Not everyone wants a calm day on the water! Whitewater rafting steps that up a notch and makes crashing through rapids an exciting family adventure. Many area outfitters offer rafting trips on a variety of rivers. Kayaking in the Boone Area gives experienced paddlers opportunities at all skill levels.  More daring kayakers have serious whatewater to challenge them. 

Check out the Boone Area outfitters below for all the information and equipment you'll need to access some of the best mountain tubing, boating, and rafting in the country.