North Carolina’s lakes and rivers aren’t just scenic, they’re full of character. Think mirror-still mountain reservoirs, wide-open rushing rivers, and lively lakes lined with sandy shores. Whether you seek adventure or retreat, these waters will transform your state of mind.
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Go With the Flow
North Carolina’s rivers and lakes are an opportunity to explore the world from a unique point of view. From high-altitude reservoirs to winding coastal waterways, these inland escapes offer endless ways to make a splash.
Wild moments meet wide-open scenery on NC’s rivers. With Class I–III rapids and soul-stirring scenery, the Nantahala invites first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike to follow its wild rhythm.
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Pause by the Water
Lakeside lodges across North Carolina offer more than just a view, they offer perspective. Imagine waking to mirrored skies and birdsong at places like Lake Mattamuskeet Lodge, where history, habitat and horizon stretch as far as you can see.
Kayaking & Paddling in NC
Many Ways to Water
Kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding are favorite hobbies of many NC locals, and everyone has their own favorite spot. Some routes are slow and serene, others are fast-moving and full of twists. It's an experience that offers more than just scenery, it gives a sense of freedom, rhythm and real connection to the landscape.
Along NC’s rivers and lakes, fishing and hunting aren’t just pastimes, they’re deep-rooted ways of engaging with the land, water and everything that lives in between. Cast from a dock at sunrise, wade into a hidden creek, paddle to a backwater cove or head out at first light in pursuit of waterfowl.
