Best Places to Kayak Near Kanawha Falls, WV

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

30 nearby23 Rivers7 Lakes
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Kanawha Falls

Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss1

Fayette Station

Just 15 miles from Kanawha Falls — the closest quality launch

RiverBeginner15 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss2

Thurmond Depot

A top-rated river launch on New River

RiverBeginner17 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Plum Orchard Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner12 mi away
a river running through a lush green forest

Hawks Nest State Park

West Virginia · 2.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Gauley Mountain

West Virginia · 3.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Kanawha Falls

West Virginia · 3.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Jodie

West Virginia · 8.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Kanawha River

West Virginia · 9.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Cunard River

West Virginia · 10.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 11.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 11.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Thurmond

West Virginia · 11.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Dun Glen

West Virginia · 11.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

USACE London Locks and Dam Tailwater Access

West Virginia · 12.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Stone Cliff

West Virginia · 13.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Hansford

West Virginia · 14.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Boley Lake (Babcock SP)

West Virginia · 14.6 mi

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

Fayette Station

West Virginia · 15.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Thayer Acces Point

West Virginia · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Summersville Lake

West Virginia · 15.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Battle Run

West Virginia · 16.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background

Glasgow

West Virginia · 16.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Summersville Lake: Winter Ramp

West Virginia · 16.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Summersville Tailwaters

West Virginia · 16.6 mi

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

Thurmond Depot

West Virginia · 17.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Gauley River (Summersville Lake)

West Virginia · 17.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Grandview Sandbar Campground

West Virginia · 18.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

McCreery

West Virginia · 18.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Salmon Run Boat Ramp

West Virginia · 19.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Glade Creek Campground

West Virginia · 20.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Chesapeake

West Virginia · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Whitesville

West Virginia · 22.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dorfee

West Virginia · 22.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Kanawha Falls.

Charlton Heights, WV4 miAnsted, WV4 miGlen Ferris, WV4 miGauley Bridge, WV5 miRobson, WV5 miFayetteville, WV5 miDeep Water, WV6 miAlloy, WV6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Kanawha Falls, WV?

Top picks near Kanawha Falls include Fayette Station, Thurmond Depot, Plum Orchard Lake. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Kanawha Falls?

Near Kanawha Falls 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 Kanawha Falls?

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