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Not All Trails Run Dry

North Carolina’s waters were made for paddlers with slow-moving rivers, high-country lakes, picturesque marshes and everything in between. 

  • Itinerary

    Flatwater Paddling in Eastern North Carolina

    More than 2,500 miles of paddle trail meanders through eastern North Carolina, making it one of the richest paddling destinations in the country. East of Interstate 95, you’ll find opportunities to satisfy every paddling interest, from sea kayaking on the big water of the sounds to Class III whitewater kayaking on the Roanoke River at Weldon. But it’s the quiet paddling on the tannic waters of lazy coastal rivers, amid ancient bald cypress in old millponds and on intimate creeks that make the region one of the nation’s top flatwater paddling destinations.

  • Listicle

    Birding, Kayaking & Fishing at Wildlife Refuges

    North Carolina's wildlife refuges offer undisturbed environments where you can go bird watching, kayaking, fishing and more.

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Points of Interest

Sunrise paddle at Pettigrew State Park, home to 16,000-acre Lake Phelps.
Start Early, Drift Deep

Every one of North Carolina's river and lakes has it's own character to discover. Launch into the water at Pettigrew State Park and follow the shoreline into the cypress. In the still morning light, you’ll find glassy water, untouched backcountry and the kind of silence that makes you forget your phone's even in the boat.

Explore Rivers & Lakes
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Plan Your Trip

Family peering into a pond at North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill

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