Best Places to Kayak Near Franklin, WV

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

30 nearby16 Rivers7 Creeks5 Lakes
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Franklin

a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes1

Lake Shenandoah

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner33 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Spruce Knob Lake

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

LakeBeginner13 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Helmick Run

A top-rated lake launch on Stoney River (Mt. Storm Lake)

LakeBeginner36 mi away

Brandywine Lake Recreation Area

West Virginia · 8.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Brushy Fork Lake

West Virginia · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Spruce Knob Lake

West Virginia · 13.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Seneca Creek C&R

West Virginia · 13.5 mi

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

Camp Run Lake

West Virginia · 14.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a winding road through a forest

South Mill Creek Lake

West Virginia · 17.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Lake Buffalo Recreation Area

West Virginia · 20.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Spring Run Fish Management Area

West Virginia · 24.3 mi

SpringKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Petersburg

West Virginia · 27.1 mi

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

Dry Fork at Mill Run

West Virginia · 27.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Welton Park

West Virginia · 28.7 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Welton Park - 2

West Virginia · 28.9 mi

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

Burnt Bridge

West Virginia · 30.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Upper Cove Run Lake

West Virginia · 31.6 mi

InletKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Cold Spring Hollow

West Virginia · 32.3 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

Lake Shenandoah

Virginia · 33.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Scotts Ford

West Virginia · 33.1 mi

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

CR 39 Bridge

West Virginia · 33.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hendricks Foot Bridge

West Virginia · 33.4 mi

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

Pendleton Lake

West Virginia · 33.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Blackwater Pipeline

West Virginia · 34.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Davis

West Virginia · 34.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Fisher Bridge

West Virginia · 34.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Blackwater Camp 70(2)

West Virginia · 34.6 mi

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

Blackwater Pier

West Virginia · 34.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Tygart River

West Virginia · 34.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Helmick Run

West Virginia · 36.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

CJ's Pizza

West Virginia · 36.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

US 219 Bridge

West Virginia · 36.1 mi

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

Kimsey Run Lake

West Virginia · 36.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Franklin.

Riverton, WV7 miBrandywine, WV8 miSugar Grove, WV9 miCircleville, WV10 miUpper Tract, WV12 miOnego, WV12 miSeneca Rocks, WV13 miBlue Grass, VA14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Franklin include Lake Shenandoah, Spruce Knob Lake, Helmick Run. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, creeks, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Franklin?

Near Franklin 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 Franklin?

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