Looking for an easy paddle in Raleigh area for intro to kayak trip for family members
Kerr Lake/Lake Gaston
Along interstate 85, just some 20 miles or so before you get to the Virginia line. Look for Henderson, NC. Great camping, right on the water’s edge at County Line Park. Great swimming area too. Lots of wooded area for shade.
Falls Lake
Jack L
Also Lake Crabtree
Jack L
Jordan Lake
or is it Lake Jordan? Check it out.
Raleigh area paddling
Falls Lake - Larg(er) reservoir located North of Raleigh, East of Durham. Multiple access points. Beaver Dam area of Falls Lake - no power boats permitted.
Jordan Lake - Larg(er) reservoir located West of Raleigh. Multiple access points.
Lake Craptree - smaller lake - no power boats. Located near I-40 between Raleigh and Durham
Neuse River - mostly flatwater river (a couple of class I)
Lots of info from the local clubs
I recommend you join Carolina Kayak Club for flatwater paddling. You will get your monies worth, but a short list of local spots is:
Falls Lake, Nuese River, Jordan Lake, Eno River, Haw River, Lake Crabtree, Lake Wheeler, Little River, Deep River, Kerr Lake.
Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake have many camping spots and more launches than can be easily listed. The Neuse has a lot of canoe launch spots as well and a greenway running along side it for most of the county and part of the next county.