Best Places to Kayak Near Forest, VA

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

30 nearby18 Lakes9 Rivers3 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Virginia

Top Picks Near Forest

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Halesford Harbor

Standout kayak fishing on Smith Mountain Lake

LakeBeginner24 mi away
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime2

Harbor Trail

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

LakeBeginner24 mi away
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes3

Webster Marine Center

A top-rated lake launch on Smith Mountain Lake

LakeBeginner25 mi away
a man surfing on a wave

Reed Creek Landing

Virginia · 13.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Joshua Falls

Virginia · 14.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Alta Vista

Virginia · 16.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river under blue sky during daytime

Leesville Dam #7

Virginia · 18.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Snowden

Virginia · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Leesville Lake Marina

Virginia · 20.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large waterfall with a bunch of rocks in front of it

Long Island

Virginia · 20.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Tri-County Marina

Virginia · 21.3 mi

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

Glasgow

Virginia · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Locker Landing

Virginia · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

The Landing

Virginia · 23.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Thrasher's Creek

Virginia · 24.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Halesford Harbor

Virginia · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Harbor Trail

Virginia · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Myer's Creek

Virginia · 24.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Mitchell's Point Marina

Virginia · 24.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Road 888

Virginia · 24.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Arcadia

Virginia · 24.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Waterwheel Marina

Virginia · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Hales Ford

Virginia · 24.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Stone House Creek

Virginia · 24.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Mill Creek

Virginia · 24.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Webster Marine Center

Virginia · 24.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Smith Mountain Lake

Virginia · 25.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Oak Grove

Virginia · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
tilt-shift photography of man riding boat

Buchanan

Virginia · 25.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Parkway Marina

Virginia · 26.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Hannabass Campground

Virginia · 26.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Walnut Run

Virginia · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Indian Point

Virginia · 27.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Forest.

Goode, VA6 miEvington, VA6 miLynchburg, VA7 miLowry, VA10 miRustburg, VA10 miColeman Falls, VA11 miMadison Heights, VA12 miLynch Station, VA13 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Forest, VA?

Top picks near Forest include Halesford Harbor, Harbor Trail, Webster Marine Center. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Forest?

Near Forest 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 Forest?

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