Virginia is home to many lakes, rivers, creeks and tributaries for kayakers and boaters. Although the larger rivers (such as the Potomac River) are more well-known, new and experienced kayakers have a wide variety of natural waterways to choose from in the state. Each contains unique views, wildlife and a new adventure for a weekend getaway or a relaxing day trip.
Blackwater River is a Nature Conservancy Preserve located in Zumi, Virginia, that offers a calm kayak ride on its flat waters. It's easy to see where the river got its name, as the water is dark.
The river is for beginners, as there are fallen trees about 2 miles out of shore that will keep paddlers from going out further. Stay close and enjoy the trees, Lilly pads and nature.
Blackwater River
Zuma, Southampton County, VA
434-295-6106
The Great Dismal Swamp in Chesapeake, Virginia, has campgrounds and wildlife, making for a fun weekend paddling trip.
The "Feeder Ditch" canal off of the main waterway is calm for easy paddling, unless the spill gates are open, which then creates a quicker current. Bears, beavers and many beautiful birds can be spotted in the area.
The Great Dismal Swamp
3100 Desert Road
Suffolk, VA 23434
fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp/
Bull Run is a portion of the Occoquan Water Reserve in Manassas, Virginia, and is a 12-mile stretch of flat water perfect for kayaking. The upper section of the run is smooth, but the current is somewhat quick, which makes for an easy and fun paddle.
The bottom section has some bumps and turns, then ends up with calm dead water. There are places to eat lunch along the way and forests for hiking surrounding the river. There is a $7 fee to enter the reserve as of 2010.
Bull Run Regional Park
7700 Bull Run Drive
Centreville, VA 20121
703-631-0550
Queens Creek is a short, 1.6-mile kayaking stretch coming off of the York River in Williamsburg, Virginia. Riding along this flat-water creek, you'll possibly see many wild animals such as raccoon, deer and many birds, making the trip worthwhile.
There are no fees to enter the park area, and if you're looking for more than kayaking, there are many trails for biking and hiking, along with nice places to picnic.
Queens Creek Marina
Chester, VA 23831
804-748-6506
Cat Point Creek stretches 7 1/2 miles by the Rappahannock River in Warsaw, Virginia. The draw of this creek is the abundance of nature. The marshes offer a unique variety of wildlife and birds.
Be careful venturing out into these marshes, though, as you might get stuck in the low tide and have to wait 6 hours to return.
Cat Point Creek
2570 Newland Road
Warsaw, VA 22572
804-333-4038
heritagepark.com/catpointcreek.html
