Where to SUP in North Carolina

Paddle Boarding in North Carolina, with its beautiful coastline and serene inland waterways, is a paddleboarding paradise. The state boasts a variety of paddleboarding spots, from the bustling waters of the Outer Banks to the tranquil lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Paddleboarders can explore the scenic Cape Fear River, the adventurous waters of the US National Whitewater Center, and the peaceful Lake Norman. North Carolina's blend of coastal charm and mountain serenity provides a diverse range of paddleboarding experiences, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Now let's discover where to paddle board in North Carolina!

Kelpie SUP

US National Whitewater Center

City

Charlotte

Type

Artificial Whitewater River

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Entry and activity fees

City

Charlotte

Type

Artificial Whitewater River

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Entry and activity fees
The US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte offers an exhilarating paddleboarding experience in a controlled whitewater environment. Paddleboarders can navigate through various channels and rapids designed to challenge and thrill. The center provides a unique opportunity to practice paddleboarding skills in dynamic water conditions. With its state-of-the-art facilities, beautiful surroundings, and numerous outdoor activities, the US National Whitewater Center is a premier destination for adventure seekers.

Badin Lake

City

New London

Type

Lake

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

New London

Type

Lake

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
Badin Lake, located near New London, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning lakeside views. The lake provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Badin Lake's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Outer Banks

City

Kitty Hawk

Type

Ocean

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Kitty Hawk

Type

Ocean

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
The Outer Banks, located near Kitty Hawk, offer a unique paddleboarding experience with their clear waters and stunning coastal views. The area provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Outer Banks' natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere make them a top destination for paddleboarding in North Carolina.

Falls Lake

City

Durham

Type

Lake

Best Time

April-October

Fee

$7 per vehicle

City

Durham

Type

Lake

When To Go

April-October

Fees

$7 per vehicle
Falls Lake, located near Durham, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning forest views. The lake provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Falls Lake's natural beauty and serene environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Neuse River

City

Raleigh

Type

River

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Raleigh

Type

River

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
The Neuse River, flowing through Raleigh, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and stunning river views. The river provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Neuse River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in North Carolina.

Lake Lure

City

Lake Lure

Type

Lake

Best Time

April-October

Fee

$8 per vehicle

City

Lake Lure

Type

Lake

When To Go

April-October

Fees

$8 per vehicle
Lake Lure, located near Lake Lure, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning mountain views. The lake provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Lure's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

Lake Norman

City

Cornelius

Type

Lake

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Cornelius

Type

Lake

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
Lake Norman, located near Cornelius, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning lakeside views. The lake provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Lake Norman's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.

French Broad River

City

Asheville

Type

River

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Asheville

Type

River

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
The French Broad River, flowing through Asheville, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and stunning mountain views. The river provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The French Broad River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in North Carolina.

Cape Fear River

City

Wilmington

Type

River

Best Time

April-October

Fee

Free

City

Wilmington

Type

River

When To Go

April-October

Fees

Free
The Cape Fear River, flowing through Wilmington, offers a unique paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and stunning river views. The river provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the gentle currents, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. The Cape Fear River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in North Carolina.

Jordan Lake

City

Apex

Type

Lake

Best Time

April-October

Fee

$7 per vehicle

City

Apex

Type

Lake

When To Go

April-October

Fees

$7 per vehicle
Jordan Lake, located near Apex, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning forest views. The lake provides a convenient launch point with easy access to the water. Paddleboarders can explore the calm waters, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even spot local wildlife. Jordan Lake's natural beauty and serene environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.