Best Places to Kayak Near Smithers, WV

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

30 nearby21 Rivers9 Lakes
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Smithers

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

Fayette Station

A top-rated river launch on New River

RiverBeginner24 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss2

Thurmond Depot

A top-rated river launch on New River

RiverBeginner26 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees3

Plum Orchard Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Kanawha River

West Virginia · 0.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Hansford

West Virginia · 5.3 mi

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

Kanawha Falls

West Virginia · 5.6 mi

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

Glasgow

West Virginia · 7.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Jodie

West Virginia · 9.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Hawks Nest State Park

West Virginia · 11.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Chesapeake

West Virginia · 12.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 16.5 mi

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

Daniel Boone Park

West Virginia · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

John Slack Park

West Virginia · 18.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Cunard River

West Virginia · 20.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Queen Shoals

West Virginia · 20.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Dun Glen

West Virginia · 20.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river running through a lush green forest

C&P Telephone

West Virginia · 20.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Clendinin

West Virginia · 21.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Stone Cliff

West Virginia · 21.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Battle Run

West Virginia · 21.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Summersville Lake

West Virginia · 21.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Gauley River (Summersville Lake)

West Virginia · 23.4 mi

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

Fayette Station

West Virginia · 24.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Thayer Acces Point

West Virginia · 24.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Salmon Run Boat Ramp

West Virginia · 24.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

South Charleston

West Virginia · 25.2 mi

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

Mary L Chilton Road Side Park

West Virginia · 25.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

McCreery

West Virginia · 25.8 mi

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

Thurmond Depot

West Virginia · 25.8 mi

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

Dunbar

West Virginia · 26.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with rocks and trees

Grandview Sandbar Campground

West Virginia · 26.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by mountains

Lake Stephen Marina

West Virginia · 27.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Lake Stephen (Winter)

West Virginia · 27.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Smithers.

Cannelton, WV1 miMount Carbon, WV2 miBoomer, WV2 miMontgomery, WV3 miHandley, WV3 miLondon, WV3 miAlloy, WV4 miKimberly, WV4 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top picks near Smithers 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 Smithers?

Near Smithers 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 Smithers?

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