Looking for locations with the best kayaking around Washington DC? Look no further! Joining the kayaking community in Washington, DC is an excellent opportunity to meet new people, spend a day outside, and promote self-wellness. These locations offer DC metro area residents the convenience of nature right by the city.
Top 8 Places For Kayaking Washington DC
With water access so close to the DC metro area, it’s easy to get out for a short paddle that fits your schedule. Whether you are looking for a good fitness activity, peaceful getaway, or scenic view, you are sure to find it in this list. Her’es our list of locations with the best kayaking in Washington DC!
- Rock Creek
- Little Seneca Lake
- Catoctin Creek
- Key Bridge Boathouse
- Tearcoat Creek
- Laurel Fork of The Potomac River
- Lake Needwood
- The Shenandoah River
1. Rock Creek
Running right through the heart of Washington, DC, the 7-mile section is the perfect trip for locals looking for a short paddle after work or for a few hours on the weekend! Most of the action (including five class III drops in the first half mile) is concentrated in the 2-mile wooded segment at the beginning of the trip.
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Launch: Rock Creek Park Grove
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Take-out: Thompson’s Boathouse
- Thompson’s Boathouse off of the Potomac off of Rock Creek Parkway at the end of Virginia Avenue.
2. Little Seneca Lake
For those who love a calm day on the lake with miles of water to explore, Little Seneca Lake has what you need! This is a great location for fishing and observing wildlife out on the lake. The park has a beach launch point on the lake with no formal boat ramp that is ideal for small boats like kayaks.
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Location: 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841
3. Catoctin Creek
Catoctin Creek is a peaceful body of water located close to Washington DC and Baltimore, Maryland. It provides an enjoyable novice trip with beautiful and varied scenery. Some light-moderate rapids are there but a beginner crew could go a day without tipping.
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Launch: 663 bridge in Taylorstown, VA
- For a 4.5 mile trip, put-in at Poffenberger Rd when you reach a steel bridge. There is a decent parking lot here and easy access to the river across the road from the gauge.
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Take-out: US 15 Bridge
- Paddle to the Potomac and then a quarter mile downstream to the Game Commission landing just upstream on the river right of the US 15 bridge crossing the Potomac.
4. Key Bridge Boathouse
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city! Enjoy the sights of the Potomac River as you kayak past the Georgetown Waterfront, Roosevelt Island, some of DC’s most stunning monuments and under the beautiful Key Bridge.
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Location: 3500 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007
5. Tearcoat Creek
Tearcoat Creek is for small stream connoisseurs. It offers a truly enchanting combination of lovely scenery and lively rapids.
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Launch: US 50
- Watch for traffic on US 50
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Take-out: RT 50/19
- Drive east on US 50 from the put-in about 0.75 miles to country Route 50/19. Turn left onto 50/19. After about 1.5 miles on the dirt/gravel road, you come to a form in the road. Bear to the left and park near where this road fords the creek. If the dirt road at the take-out is muddy, be careful not to get your car stuck at the bottom of the hill at the creekside.
6. Laurel Fork of the Potomac River
Laurel Fork Falls is a gem for advanced and expert paddlers wanting a full day out on the water. This is a 9.5-mile trip with continuous class III-IV with two class IV-V so it’s not for the faint of heart. Don’t get on this creek until you can read turbulent, fast water from your boat and are in good physical shape unless you want several nasty swims.
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Launch: RT 642 (VA)/Buffalo Fork Road (WV)
- The trip starts at the Route 642 bridge deep in the George Washington National Forest at a stone house that appears to have been a water mill many years ago.
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Take-out: RT 644 (VA)/RT 19 (WV)
- It ends on Route 644 when the Laurel Fork joins Straight Fork just above a low-water bridge with a nasty rock jumble below it. Both the put-in and take-out are on private land so ask for permission first.
7. Lake Needwood
Enjoy the beautiful and lively 75-acre lake located in Rockville, Maryland. They have a new accessible/ADA compliant dock and launch system which makes it possible for people with limited mobility to launch their kayaks! Visit the Boat House for daily and seasonal boating permits.
8. Shenandoah River Kayaking
It’s easy for us to be biased with the Shenandoah River right in our own backyard! Kayaking the Shenandoah River is a great way to escape the city and beat the heat. From hourly to multi-day trips, Front Royal Outdoors is certain to have the perfect adventure for you. A short kayak trip followed by a visit to Shenandoah National Park is our favorite way to spend the day. We’re all about family-friendly fun and we offer a variety of add ons to make your trip as comfortable as possible. We even have lodging rentals. Book your Shenandoah River Kayaking trip today!
Visit Our Online Paddle Shop!
Don’t forget! Front Royal Outdoors has all the gear and river knowledge to get you started on your river adventure. We equip you with a kayak, lifevest, paddle, and basic river instructions so you have everything you need! You should always be aware of river conditions before heading out on the water. You can see our frequently updated river conditions page for more information!
For more information Washington DC activities, check out Kayak’s Washington Travel Guide!
