Best Places to Kayak Near Athens, WV

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

30 nearby16 Rivers12 Lakes1 Creek
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Athens

Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk1

Jimmy Lewis Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner18 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Bluestone Lake

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner13 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains3

James P. Bailey Lake

Just 14 miles from Athens — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner14 mi away

Pipestem (Long Branch Lake)

West Virginia · 7.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Shanklins Ferry Campground

West Virginia · 7.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Shanklins Ferry Campground Upper

West Virginia · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Glen Lyn

Virginia · 8.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bull Falls Campground

West Virginia · 8.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Cedar Branch Campground

West Virginia · 9.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Dickinson Hollow

West Virginia · 10.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Indian Creek Campground

West Virginia · 10.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Indian Creek (Lawson's)

West Virginia · 10.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Bluestone River

West Virginia · 10.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Rich Creek

Virginia · 10.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Bertha Campground

West Virginia · 11.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

North Fork Brush Creek (Glenwood Lake)

West Virginia · 11.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Narrows

Virginia · 12.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

North Fork Brush Creek (North Fork Brush Creek)

West Virginia · 12.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Kee Reservoir

West Virginia · 13.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bluestone State Park

West Virginia · 13.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Bluestone Lake

West Virginia · 13.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

James P. Bailey Lake

West Virginia · 13.9 mi

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

Bluff City

Virginia · 14.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bluestone Lake Tailwaters West

West Virginia · 15.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Mountain Valley

West Virginia · 15.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Bluestone Lake Tailwaters

West Virginia · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

State Route 30 and 3 Bridge

West Virginia · 16.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Barger Springs

West Virginia · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Willowwood

West Virginia · 18.0 mi

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

Jimmy Lewis Lake

West Virginia · 18.3 mi

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

Whitt-Riverbend

Virginia · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

New River

West Virginia · 19.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Talcott

West Virginia · 20.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Athens.

Lerona, WV4 miSpanishburg, WV6 miPrinceton, WV7 miOakvale, WV7 miKellysville, WV7 miCamp Creek, WV7 miPipestem, WV7 miKegley, WV8 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Athens, WV?

Top picks near Athens include Jimmy Lewis Lake, Bluestone Lake, James P. Bailey Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

What types of paddling can I do near Athens?

Near Athens 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 Athens?

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