{"id":3783,"date":"2026-03-06T18:21:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T18:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/?p=3783"},"modified":"2026-05-21T14:03:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T14:03:47","slug":"paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/","title":{"rendered":"Paddle through North Carolina: 6 NC Waterways to Explore"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Paddle responsibly: 6 NC Waterways to Explore<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

IN THIS POST<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

6 NC waterways to explore<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Leave no Trace: Learning from the experts<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

As temperatures shift throughout the year, North Carolina\u2019s waterways come alive with changing sights and sounds. Along riverbanks and lake shores, eastern blue star blooms attract bees, hummingbirds, and coral hairstreak butterflies. Black bears wander toward cool mountain streams for a drink, while the call of birds, including buttercup-yellow prothonotary warblers, echoes through coastal cypress swamps and over Piedmont creeks.<\/p>

North Carolina\u2019s natural world is constantly in motion, and one of the best ways to experience it is out on the water. Whether you\u2019re kayaking a stretch of the Coastal Plain\u2019s 2,500 miles of paddle trail, spotting bald eagle nests while canoeing a quiet Piedmont lake, or chasing whitewater thrills on a Pisgah rapid, paddling offers a chance to awaken your senses and reconnect with the state\u2019s diverse landscapes.<\/p>

As we explore NC\u2019s delicate aquatic ecosystems, we can practice stewardship to help native plants and wildlife thrive. Below, we\u2019ll share a few special spots across the state for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting, along with tips for preserving the health of our waterways for years to come.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

6 Waterways to explore through the old north state<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

The Nantahala River<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Location: Bryson City<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Rafting the Nantahala\u2019s crisp rapids is a rite of passage for whitewater enthusiasts.The Nantahala National Forest bursts into life with a carpet of white bloodroot blooms and the calls of visiting neotropical birds. Sticking to designated raft put-ins, take-outs, and paths helps us minimize erosion\u2019s impact on this vital ecosystem and protect native plants, including rare species growing in the river basin\u2019s Southern Appalachian bogs. They\u2019re some of the only such wetlands found on public NC lands, and they support equally rare animal life, like North America\u2019s smallest turtle.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Lassiter Swamp<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Location: Gatesville<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

At Merchants Millpond State Park, home to Lassiter Swamp and a historic millpond, you can tranquilly paddle through a moss-draped maze of old-growth cypress and tupelo trees while the world around you hums with activity. Watch beavers build dams and river otters play in the shallows. Above you, barred owls, second in size only to the great horned owl and seen in the daytime more than other nocturnal owls tend to nests. Paddling quietly reduces stress on these creatures while letting you listen for the owls\u2019 distinctive eight-to-nine note calls. They famously sound a bit like, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” Before you go, check to see if park rangers are leading a paddle trip to the \u201cBig Tree\u201d, an ancient cypress and the second-largest tree in NC. It\u2019s deep in the swamp, but you can see it safely with an experienced guide.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

The Haw River<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
location: Saxapahaw<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Paddling the Haw River will wind you through rolling hills, historic Alamance County mill towns, and stretches of both calm and whitewater. Water levels can fluctuate, so be sure to check conditions before launching. After time spent on the water, consider cleaning and drying all gear before heading home. Even mud or sand can carry invasive organisms and pathogens that aren\u2019t visible to the eye, and careful cleaning helps prevent their spread.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

The Davidson River<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Location: Brevard<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

In Western NC, Joyce Kilmer<\/a>\u2019s old-growth poplar trees, some over 400 years old, tower above a rich cove forest filled with mosses, ferns and salamanders. With its short, shaded loop and gentle elevation, it\u2019s a great place to for the entire family to understand how forests are layered, living systems, from canopy to forest floor.
After rain, you might spot a Blue Ridge Two-Lined Salamander crossing the trail or glimpse a Jordan\u2019s Salamander near mossy roots. We can talk with kids about how many salamanders breathe through their skin \u2014 and how observing, not touching, helps protect their fragile bodies and habitats. Encourage slow steps, careful footing and a \u201clook but leave\u201d mindset. Even fallen branches and fungi support this ecosystem \u2014 and leaving things as we find them helps keep it thriving.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Lake Mattamuskeet<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
location: Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

At the largest natural freshwater lake in NC, look for flocks of egrets and herons, while in the nearby wetlands, black bears, bobcats, and the world\u2019s only population of wild red wolves roam. As showstopping as the area\u2019s mammals are, the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge may be even more well known to birders. The lake, marsh, and woodlands provide a habitat to more than 240 bird species, and spring is a delicate nesting season for many. While paddling, using binoculars and keeping a respectful distance from waterfowl and wading bird colonies helps us avoid disturbances that could cause stressed parents to abandon their nests.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Lake Tillery<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Location: Norwood<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Nestled beneath the Uwharrie National Forest, this 5,000-acre lake offers stunning views of North America\u2019s oldest mountain range. In tall trees you might spy an osprey or bald eagle nest. Head to a quiet cove and look up to see if you can spot one. When stopping to rest, land boats on designated pull-up zones or, when not possible, areas with minimal vegetation instead of tying them to trees helps us avoid damage to bark and tree growth.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Outdoor NC - Leave No Trace: Learning from the Experts\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Family Fishing Tips from ONC Guide Danielle Ennis<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Taking guidance from NC\u2019s seasoned outdoor experts can help us learn how to savor our wild, natural world while safeguarding it for the future. That\u2019s exactly why we wanted to hear from Outdoor NC Guide Danielle Ennis.<\/p>

As Head Paddling Guide and Instructor at Headwaters Outfitters<\/a>: a family-owned paddle sport and fly fishing outfitter that\u2019s operated in Rosman, NC, for 32 years, we knew Danielle would have the inside scoop on paddling out with care. Below, she shared her top tips for keeping NC\u2019s waterways wild while making the most of your paddling adventure. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
1. Know before you go:<\/h6>

Following the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principle \u201cPlan Ahead and Prepare\u201d means getting familiar with where we plan to paddle and gathering as much pre-trip information as possible. Before heading out on the water, we can set ourselves up for a safer and more rewarding experience by ensuring we have a map of the area, checking water conditions and anticipated weather forecasts, seeking local knowledge of any hazards or obstacles, and acknowledging our own skill levels.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
2. Dress for the conditions:<\/h6>

Considering water and air temperatures when deciding what to wear is key. A rule of thumb for adventures out on the water is that the combined water and air temperature should add up to 120 degrees or greater; anything under that can significantly increase hypothermia risk in the event of capsizing and taking an unexpected swim. Another good rule of thumb is that it\u2019s best to avoid cotton. Wearing moisture-wicking, quick-dry clothing and carrying extra layers in a waterproof dry bag helps us ensure a comfortable body temperature when dry or wet.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
3. Pack your paddling essentials:<\/h6>

Like any good adventure, having our basic essentials and safety gear readily on hand will help contribute to a safe, comfortable, and successful trip. We can pack according to our paddling environment and duration of the trip, but at a minimum, it\u2019s always best to have water and food as well as a map, whistle, first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, rain jacket, and extra layers in a dry bag. It’s good practice to bring along a cell phone, throw rope and extra paddle, too, for any unexpected incidents.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
4. Paddle Responsibly:<\/h6>

Not only can we as paddlers practice safety on the water, we can act responsibly while off the water, too. Paddling safely and responsibly means following Outdoor NC Leave No Trace-informed tips like knowing and obeying any local rules and regulations for our paddling destination, using designated access areas, being considerate of others, packing out all the trash we pack in, and keeping a restful distance from wildlife.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
5. Always wear your life jacket:<\/h6>

Regardless of age or experience, we should always wear life jackets, or Personal Floatation Devices (PFD), while on the water. Wearing a life jacket doesn’t mean you’re a bad swimmer \u2014 it acts as a floatation aid to assist and save energy in case you take an unexpected swim or need to self-rescue. It\u2019s nearly impossible to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water! When paddling as a group, make sure everyone has a United States Coast Guard-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling that\u2019s well-fitted, comfortable, and in good working order.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Want to learn more ways to explore North Carolina\u2019s natural world, from the High Country to the coast, while being a good steward of it?<\/strong><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up for our e-newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Inside our Evergreen E-Newsletter you’ll find useful tips on how to responsibly enjoy all kinds of outdoor adventures, highlights from local guides, and recommendations on destinations to explore throughout North Carolina for adventurers of all abilities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

You\u2019re invited to join the outdoor nc movement<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Join the movement to preserve and protect North Carolina\u2019s beloved outdoor spaces and you\u2019ll be entered to win a ENO double nest hammock and hanging straps! Together we can preserve our beloved outdoor spaces for generations to come. Click to learn more.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoin the Movement<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Find spots across the state for springtime kayaking, canoeing and rafting, along with tips for preserving the health of our waterways for seasons to come.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3784,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","region-coast","region-mountains","region-piedmont","activity-camp","activity-fish","activity-paddle"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPaddling in North Carolina | Kayaking in NC | Outdoor NC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We share some of our favorite spots across NC for kayaking, canoeing and rafting, along with tips for preserving the health of our waterways for seasons to come.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Paddling in North Carolina | Kayaking in NC | Outdoor NC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We share some of our favorite spots across NC for kayaking, canoeing and rafting, along with tips for preserving the health of our waterways for seasons to come.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OutdoorNC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-06T18:21:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-21T14:03:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1348\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"derek@uproarconcept.com\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"derek@uproarconcept.com\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a4b694332a2eec76333c666beb1aeb48\"},\"headline\":\"Paddle through North Carolina: 6 NC Waterways to Explore\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-06T18:21:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-21T14:03:47+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1567,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/\",\"name\":\"Paddling in North Carolina | Kayaking in NC | Outdoor NC\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-06T18:21:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-21T14:03:47+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a4b694332a2eec76333c666beb1aeb48\"},\"description\":\"We share some of our favorite spots across NC for kayaking, canoeing and rafting, along with tips for preserving the health of our waterways for seasons to come.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg\",\"width\":1800,\"height\":1348,\"caption\":\"Friends kayak at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines, NC.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Paddle through North Carolina: 6 NC Waterways to Explore\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"OutdoorNC\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoornc.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a4b694332a2eec76333c666beb1aeb48\",\"name\":\"derek@uproarconcept.com\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/fee99b04c479f9865df3ffc2671caabe25aba71dc1a84a47f6219259eb8c6fc9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/fee99b04c479f9865df3ffc2671caabe25aba71dc1a84a47f6219259eb8c6fc9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/fee99b04c479f9865df3ffc2671caabe25aba71dc1a84a47f6219259eb8c6fc9?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"derek@uproarconcept.com\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Paddling in North Carolina | Kayaking in NC | Outdoor NC","description":"We share some of our favorite spots across NC for kayaking, canoeing and rafting, along with tips for preserving the health of our waterways for seasons to come.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Paddling in North Carolina | Kayaking in NC | Outdoor NC","og_description":"We share some of our favorite spots across NC for kayaking, canoeing and rafting, along with tips for preserving the health of our waterways for seasons to come.","og_url":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/","og_site_name":"OutdoorNC","article_published_time":"2026-03-06T18:21:22+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-21T14:03:47+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1800,"height":1348,"url":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"derek@uproarconcept.com","Est. reading time":"1 minute"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/"},"author":{"name":"derek@uproarconcept.com","@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a4b694332a2eec76333c666beb1aeb48"},"headline":"Paddle through North Carolina: 6 NC Waterways to Explore","datePublished":"2026-03-06T18:21:22+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-21T14:03:47+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/"},"wordCount":1567,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/","url":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/","name":"Paddling in North Carolina | Kayaking in NC | Outdoor NC","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg","datePublished":"2026-03-06T18:21:22+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-21T14:03:47+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a4b694332a2eec76333c666beb1aeb48"},"description":"We share some of our favorite spots across NC for kayaking, canoeing and rafting, along with tips for preserving the health of our waterways for seasons to come.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OutdoorNCReservoirPark20408.jpg","width":1800,"height":1348,"caption":"Friends kayak at Reservoir Park in Southern Pines, NC."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/paddle-through-north-carolina-6-nc-waterways-to-explore\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Paddle through North Carolina: 6 NC Waterways to Explore"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/","name":"OutdoorNC","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/#\/schema\/person\/a4b694332a2eec76333c666beb1aeb48","name":"derek@uproarconcept.com","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fee99b04c479f9865df3ffc2671caabe25aba71dc1a84a47f6219259eb8c6fc9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fee99b04c479f9865df3ffc2671caabe25aba71dc1a84a47f6219259eb8c6fc9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fee99b04c479f9865df3ffc2671caabe25aba71dc1a84a47f6219259eb8c6fc9?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"derek@uproarconcept.com"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3783"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3783\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoornc.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}