Best Places to Kayak Near Hays, NC

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

30 nearby17 Rivers8 Lakes4 Reservoirs
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Hays

green and brown trees beside lake during daytime1

Lovill's Creek

Standout kayak fishing on Lovills Creek Lake

LakeBeginner32 mi away
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water2

Lovelady

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

LakeBeginner38 mi away
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water3

Lookout Shoals

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, dock

LakeBeginner38 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

ROARING RIVER

North Carolina · 10.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Ronda Yadkin River Access

North Carolina · 11.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 13.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 14.9 mi

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

Smithey's Creek Park

North Carolina · 15.1 mi

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

Crater Park

North Carolina · 15.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water surrounded by trees and grass

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 17.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Independence

Virginia · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

New River Canoe and Campground

Virginia · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person surfing in the sea

Bridle Creek

Virginia · 21.0 mi

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

Baywood

Virginia · 21.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a waterfall with trees in the background

Mouth of Wilson

Virginia · 22.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

Yadkin Memorial Park

North Carolina · 24.1 mi

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

Riverside

Virginia · 25.6 mi

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

TODD

North Carolina · 26.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Oldtown

Virginia · 26.8 mi

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

LUCK STONE

North Carolina · 29.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside lake during daytime

Lovill's Creek

Virginia · 32.2 mi

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

Byllesby Pool

Virginia · 33.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Oxford

North Carolina · 34.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Dusty Ridge

North Carolina · 34.8 mi

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

Loafers Rest

Virginia · 36.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Wittenburg

North Carolina · 36.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a man riding a surfboard

Ivanhoe

Virginia · 36.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Huntsville Yadkin River Access

North Carolina · 36.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Sharon

North Carolina · 37.8 mi

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

Lovelady

North Carolina · 37.9 mi

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

Lookout Shoals

North Carolina · 38.2 mi

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

Gunpowder

North Carolina · 38.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Donnaha Park

North Carolina · 38.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Hays.

Mc Grady, NC4 miTraphill, NC6 miRoaring Gap, NC7 miMillers Creek, NC10 miRoaring River, NC10 miNorth Wilkesboro, NC11 miGlade Valley, NC11 miThurmond, NC11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Hays include Lovill's Creek, Lovelady, Lookout Shoals. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Hays?

Near Hays 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 Hays?

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