Best Places to Kayak Near Highlands, NC

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

30 nearby20 Lakes10 Rivers
← All paddling in North Carolina

Top Picks Near Highlands

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

Cedar Cliff

Standout kayak fishing on Tuckasegee River (Cedar Cliff Lake)

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a small boat sitting on top of a body of water2

Bear Creek

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

LakeBeginner15 mi away
a body of water with trees around it3

Powerhouse Site

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, restrooms

LakeBeginner9 mi away
red and white kayak on lake during daytime

Pine Creek

North Carolina · 8.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Powerhouse Site

North Carolina · 9.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Lake Emory

North Carolina · 12.3 mi

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

Cedar Cliff

North Carolina · 14.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Public Boat Ramp

North Carolina · 14.1 mi

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

Bear Creek

North Carolina · 14.8 mi

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

East LaPorte River Access Park

North Carolina · 16.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A large body of water surrounded by trees

Wolf Creek

North Carolina · 16.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Devils Fork 1

South Carolina · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Devils Fork 2

South Carolina · 16.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown boat on water

Lena Davis Landing River Access

North Carolina · 17.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Jocassee 1

South Carolina · 17.3 mi

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

Jocassee 2

South Carolina · 17.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Locust Creek Access Area

North Carolina · 18.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

C J Harris

North Carolina · 20.3 mi

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

Fall Creek

South Carolina · 20.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A person standing on a paddle board in the water

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 21.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of people in a small boat on a lake

Tallulah River

Georgia · 22.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
white canoe on river surrounded by trees

Barkers Creek

North Carolina · 22.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Keowee Town Access

South Carolina · 22.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

Stamp Creek

South Carolina · 22.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 23.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Crow Creek

South Carolina · 23.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Mile Creek

South Carolina · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Hall's Marina

Georgia · 24.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees in the background

Stoneplace

Georgia · 24.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green and brown trees beside river during daytime

Unnamed Ramp

North Carolina · 24.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

High Falls

South Carolina · 25.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by trees and clouds

Murray Cove

Georgia · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Warpath

South Carolina · 26.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Highlands.

Scaly Mountain, NC6 miCashiers, NC8 miOtto, NC10 miGlenville, NC11 miDillard, GA11 miSapphire, NC12 miFranklin, NC12 miCullowhee, NC12 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Highlands include Cedar Cliff, Bear Creek, Powerhouse Site. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers.

What types of paddling can I do near Highlands?

Near Highlands 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 Highlands?

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