Best Places to Kayak Near Asheville, NC

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Asheville, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby21 Rivers9 Lakes
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Asheville

Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss1

Hominy Creek River Park

Just 4 miles from Asheville — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner4 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss2

Bent Creek River and Picnic Area

A top-rated river launch on French Broad River

RiverBeginner7 mi away
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime3

Lake Lyre Boat Ramp

Standout kayak fishing on Lake Lyre

LakeBeginner23 mi away
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Craven Street Bridge

North Carolina · 1.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Hominy Creek River Park

North Carolina · 3.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Bent Creek River and Picnic Area

North Carolina · 6.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Westfeldt Park

North Carolina · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Horse Shoe

North Carolina · 18.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Lure / Washburn Marina

North Carolina · 21.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Lyre Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 22.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Penrose

North Carolina · 23.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Lake Adger

North Carolina · 25.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with a red buoy in the middle of it

Wolf Creek

Tennessee · 32.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a lake from a kayak

Walters Powerhouse

Tennessee · 32.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Black Bear

North Carolina · 34.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Chestoa Access Area

Tennessee · 35.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Wolf Creek

North Carolina · 35.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Davy Crockett Dam Canoe Access

Tennessee · 36.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a boat sits on a dock in the water

Birds Bridge

Tennessee · 37.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Bear Creek

North Carolina · 37.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Kinser Park

Tennessee · 37.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Bluffton Access Area

Tennessee · 37.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Jones Bridge Rd

Tennessee · 38.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Hidden Cove Public Boat Access

North Carolina · 38.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Cedar Cliff

North Carolina · 38.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Canal Bridge Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 38.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Public Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 39.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

East LaPorte River Access Park

North Carolina · 39.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Denton Access

Tennessee · 39.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Kinser Bridge

Tennessee · 39.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Hwy 70

Tennessee · 39.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Lena Davis Landing River Access

North Carolina · 39.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Hwy 321 Bridge Access

Tennessee · 40.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Asheville.

Enka, NC6 miSkyland, NC8 miWeaverville, NC8 miSwannanoa, NC8 miAlexander, NC9 miCandler, NC9 miArden, NC9 miLeicester, NC9 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Asheville, NC?

Top picks near Asheville include Hominy Creek River Park, Bent Creek River and Picnic Area, Lake Lyre Boat Ramp. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Asheville?

Near Asheville you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Asheville?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Asheville are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.