Best Places to Kayak Near Smithers, WV

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

30 nearby18 Rivers9 Lakes3 Creeks
← All paddling in West Virginia

Top Picks Near Smithers

an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees1

Plum Orchard Lake

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner17 mi away
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees2

Queen Shoals

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

LakeBeginner20 mi away
A bridge over a body of water with trees in the background3

Glasgow

Well-equipped launch with boat ramp, parking, fishing pier

RiverBeginner7 mi away
River flowing between hills under a clear blue sky

Kanawha River

West Virginia · 0.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

USACE London Locks and Dam Tailwater Access

West Virginia · 3.5 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

Gauley Mountain

West Virginia · 7.3 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

USACE Marmet Locks and Dam Tailwater Access

West Virginia · 15.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
an aerial view of a lake surrounded by trees

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #14

West Virginia · 16.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Orgas

West Virginia · 16.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Plum Orchard Lake

West Virginia · 17.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Fosterville

West Virginia · 17.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #13

West Virginia · 17.8 mi

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

Daniel Boone Park

West Virginia · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Dorfee

West Virginia · 18.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Elk Twomile Creek Dam #12

West Virginia · 18.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with a waterfall in the background

John Slack Park

West Virginia · 18.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Whitesville

West Virginia · 18.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Kanawha State Forest Pond

West Virginia · 19.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Big Chimney

West Virginia · 19.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jack Bend Upstream

West Virginia · 19.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Jack Bend Downstream

West Virginia · 19.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
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

Thurmond

West Virginia · 20.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Hartland Bridge

West Virginia · 20.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river running through a lush green forest

Dun Glen

West Virginia · 20.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

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 Plum Orchard Lake, Queen Shoals, Glasgow. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, creeks.

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.