Where to SUP in Virginia
Virginia paddle boarding, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, is a fantastic experience. The state's waterways, including the scenic Chesapeake Bay, the tranquil James River, and the picturesque Smith Mountain Lake, offer paddleboarders a variety of environments to explore. Virginia's blend of coastal, river, and lake settings provides something for everyone, from serene paddles through historical sites to more adventurous outings in the state's beautiful natural parks. Paddleboarding in Virginia is an opportunity to experience the state's charm and natural beauty from a unique perspective.
Now let's discover where to paddle board in Virginia!
New River
City
Radford
Type
River
Best Time
June-September
Fee
Free
City
Radford
Type
River
When To Go
June-September
Fees
Free
The New River, flowing through Radford, Virginia, offers a picturesque paddleboarding experience with its clear waters and scenic river views. As one of the oldest rivers in North America, it provides a mix of gentle currents and challenging sections for paddleboarders of all skill levels. The river's lush surroundings and peaceful ambiance make it an ideal location for exploring nature and enjoying the tranquility of the water. Paddleboarders can expect a memorable experience on the historic and beautiful New River.
Lake Anna
City
Spotsylvania
Type
Lake
Best Time
April-October
Fee
$7 per vehicle
City
Spotsylvania
Type
Lake
When To Go
April-October
Fees
$7 per vehicle
Lake Anna, located near Spotsylvania, 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. Lake Anna's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Back Bay
City
Virginia Beach
Type
Bay
Best Time
April-October
Fee
Free
City
Virginia Beach
Type
Bay
When To Go
April-October
Fees
Free
Back Bay, located near Virginia Beach, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning coastal views. The bay 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. Back Bay's natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Shenandoah River
City
Front Royal
Type
River
Best Time
April-October
Fee
Free
City
Front Royal
Type
River
When To Go
April-October
Fees
Free
The Shenandoah River, flowing through Front Royal, 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 Shenandoah River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Virginia.
Claytor Lake
City
Pulaski
Type
Lake
Best Time
April-October
Fee
$7 per vehicle
City
Pulaski
Type
Lake
When To Go
April-October
Fees
$7 per vehicle
Claytor Lake, located near Pulaski, 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. Claytor Lake's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Rappahannock River
City
Fredericksburg
Type
River
Best Time
April-October
Fee
Free
City
Fredericksburg
Type
River
When To Go
April-October
Fees
Free
The Rappahannock River, flowing through Fredericksburg, 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 Rappahannock River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Virginia.
Smith Mountain Lake
City
Moneta
Type
Lake
Best Time
April-October
Fee
$7 per vehicle
City
Moneta
Type
Lake
When To Go
April-October
Fees
$7 per vehicle
Smith Mountain Lake, located near Moneta, 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. Smith Mountain Lake's natural beauty and peaceful environment make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
Potomac River
City
Alexandria
Type
River
Best Time
April-October
Fee
Free
City
Alexandria
Type
River
When To Go
April-October
Fees
Free
The Potomac River, flowing through Alexandria, 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 Potomac River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Virginia.
James River
City
Richmond
Type
River
Best Time
April-October
Fee
Free
City
Richmond
Type
River
When To Go
April-October
Fees
Free
The James River, flowing through Richmond, 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 James River's natural beauty and serene environment make it a top destination for paddleboarding in Virginia.
Chesapeake Bay
City
Virginia Beach
Type
Bay
Best Time
April-October
Fee
Free
City
Virginia Beach
Type
Bay
When To Go
April-October
Fees
Free
Chesapeake Bay, located near Virginia Beach, offers a picturesque paddleboarding destination with its clear waters and stunning coastal views. The bay 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. Chesapeake Bay's natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite spot for paddleboarding enthusiasts.