Best Places to Kayak Near Hickory, NC

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

30 nearby23 Lakes4 Reservoirs2 Rivers
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Hickory

a large body of water surrounded by trees1

Rhodhiss

Standout kayak fishing on Catawba River (Rhodhiss Lake)

LakeBeginner6 mi away
green and brown trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime2

Hager Creek

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

LakeBeginner25 mi away
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk3

Beatties Ford

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner28 mi away
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water

Lovelady

North Carolina · 2.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Wittenburg

North Carolina · 3.4 mi

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

Gunpowder

North Carolina · 3.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Rhodhiss

North Carolina · 6.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Dusty Ridge

North Carolina · 6.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
person riding blue kayak on lake during daytime

Oxford

North Carolina · 8.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a forest filled with lots of rocks

Conley Creek

North Carolina · 8.9 mi

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

Castle Bridge

North Carolina · 11.1 mi

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

Lookout Shoals

North Carolina · 13.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Sharon

North Carolina · 13.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Johns River

North Carolina · 19.7 mi

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

Long Island

North Carolina · 20.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by trees

Lake Norman State Park Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 23.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A body of water surrounded by trees and grass

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 24.0 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Pinnacle

North Carolina · 24.3 mi

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

Little Creek

North Carolina · 24.7 mi

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

McCrary Creek

North Carolina · 24.8 mi

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

Hager Creek

North Carolina · 25.1 mi

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

Stumpy Creek Boat Landing

North Carolina · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 25.7 mi

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

Smithey's Creek Park

North Carolina · 25.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 26.3 mi

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

NORTH BEND

North Carolina · 27.1 mi

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

Beatties Ford

North Carolina · 28.3 mi

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

BRIDGEWATER

North Carolina · 28.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of birds that are in some water

Linville River

North Carolina · 30.4 mi

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

Highwy 73

North Carolina · 30.9 mi

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

Canal Bridge Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 31.3 mi

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

Ramsey Creek Park

North Carolina · 31.5 mi

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

Hidden Cove Public Boat Access

North Carolina · 31.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Hickory.

Rhodhiss, NC6 miHildebran, NC6 miConover, NC7 miIcard, NC8 miGranite Falls, NC8 miNewton, NC9 miConnellys Springs, NC10 miHudson, NC11 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Hickory include Rhodhiss, Hager Creek, Beatties Ford. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, reservoirs, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Hickory?

Near Hickory 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 Hickory?

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