NC River Riders
201 Big Bend Rd, Ronda, NC 28670 (336) 244-6220 Rentals & Services: Tube, Kayak, Canoe, Shuttle
River Daisy Outdoor Co.
4021 NC-109, Troy, NC 27371 704-985-6002 Rentals: Kayak, Canoe
YADKIN RIVER
___
The Yadkin River State Trail begins at the tailrace of the Kerr Scott Reservoir in Wilkes County and travels 163 miles to its confluence with the Uwharrie River at Lake Tillery where it becomes the Pee Dee River. The upper Yadkin River State Trail includes fish weirs built by native people, riffles and small Class 1 & 2 rapids that make for a fun paddle.
The river’s scenic beauty is enhanced by the surrounding rolling hills, lush forests, and occasional granite outcrops, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploration. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of bird species, including bald eagles and herons, as well as the chance to spot deer, beavers, and other animals along the riverbanks. Although there are no advanced adventures on this river, there are plenty of sights worth seeing! To learn more check out the Yadkin Riverkeeper.
YADKIN RIVER TRIP IDEAS
These paddles are great for the whole family. These segments are also great if you are new to paddling and looking to get a taste of the paddling world! These segments will be under 2 hours and will have few if any rapids, no dam portages, and are generally calmer areas to paddle in a canoe, or flat water kayak. When its possible, we pick accesses that have bathrooms and formal river accesses. Want to learn more about paddling with the family? REI has an amazing guide.
These segments will have a great payoff for the hard work you put into paddling. These routes will range from beginner to intermediate depending on rapids and length. Always bring extra water, snacks, and safety supplies. Check out the homepage for a packing list and safety information. Don’t forget to tag @Piedmontlegacytrails or #Piedmontlegacytrails in your pictures!
These are the sections for you! These segments will cover our Advanced level of paddling with class 2+ rapids. These sections will typically require gear like whitewater kayaks, sprayskirts, helmets, and skills like the ability to wet exit your boat. If you are paddling in advanced rapids, consider taking a swift water rescue course at the White Water Center or Landmark Learning or Cape Fear River Adventures.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
10) Old US 421 River Park to Huntsville
Put in: Old US 421 River Park: 7699 Yadkinville Rd, Lewisville, NC 27023
Take out: Hunstville: 5600 Courtney-Huntsville Rd, Yadkinville, NC 27055
This river access is located in a park with volleyball nets, playground, port-a-potty, and picnic tables. The paddle includes long stretches of flat water and a few class 1 rapids.
For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access
- Miles: 5.4
- Hours to Paddle: 2
- Difficulty: Beginner
05) Crater Park to Burch Station
Put in: 310 Standard St, Elkin, NC 28621
Take Out: 116 Greenwood Circle, Elkin, NC, 28621
The take out at Burch Station is river left. When you approach the final island of the stretch you must paddle on the left side to reach the take out. Before heading to the put in, walk down to the river take out section to see the takeout and make note of what landmarks to look for.
For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access
- Miles: 6.1
- Hours to Paddle: 2
- Difficulty: Beginner
08) Bean Shoals River Access to Donnaha (Donnaha Access closed through Spring 2024)
Put in: 4454 Shoals Rd, East Bend, NC 27018
Take Out: NC-67, East Bend, NC 27018 (Temporarily Closed)
This section of the Yadkin River, Bean Shoals River Access at Pilot Mountain State Park to Donnaha Access, is one of our favorites. The shallower waters and islands of Bean Shoals make for some interesting views and rapids at the start of the trip. After the shoals, you can relax for a spell with some calmer waters as the river slows down.
This paddle begins on river right at Pilot Mountain State Park lands. The river is calm at the put in, but the rapids of bean shoal start about half a mile down river and continue for about a mile. After this section, the river is generally an easy float with an occasional rapid to navigate.The first bridge you cross under marks the end of the section as you’ll find the Donnaha River Access point on river right just after the bridge. There are no dams or portages on this route.
For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access
- Miles: 6.9
- Hours to Paddle: Approximately 2.5 to 4
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: Bean Shoals islands and moderate rapids
15) Boone's Cave Park to Hannah Ferry
Put in: Boone’s Cave Park: 3552 Boones Cave Rd, Lexington, NC 27295
Take Out: Hannah Ferry: 955 Hannah Ferry Rd, Salisbury, NC 28144
Put in at the state park and paddle nearly 5 miles of relaxing flat water. The takeout on this one is a little tricky- you will need to paddle upstream to the right where the south Yadkin river blueway converges with the Yadkin. Once you are paddling up the south Yadkin the takeout will be on your left. Be diligent about your navigational landmarks on this segment.
For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access
- Miles: 4.9
- Hours to Paddle: 2
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: Confluence of Yadkin and South Yadkin
YADKIN RIVER INTERACTIVE MAP
Click on the map icon to see the Yadkin River Onlne Map and the nearest USGS gauge station.
Yadkin River State Trail Brochure Map
Click image to view the PDF.
- Visit USGS
- Scroll to the nearest water gauge to the put in.
- Check the “Daily Discharge, Cubic Feet Per Second”
- See where that number fits within the suggestions below
YADKIN RIVER ACCESSES AND TRIP DETAILS
ONLY AVAILABLE ON DESKTOP OR TABLET.
VISIT INTERACTIVE MAP FOR INFO. DATA AVAILABLE ON DESKTOP OR TABLET.
| River | Put in Access | Put in Address | Miles | Paddle | Mile ID | Difficulty | Put in | Take Out | Notes |
| Yadkin | 01) Kerr Scott Dam | 202 Ranger Rd, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 | 6.8 Miles | 2.5 Hours | 163 | Beginner | Left | Right | Family Friendly: Concrete boat ramp at put-in. Restrooms available. This section features a series of class 1 rapids. About 5.5 miles in, Reddies River enters from the left just before passing the 268 bridge. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 02) Smoot Park | 202 Chestnut St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 | 10.5 | 3.5 Hours | 156 | Beginner | Right | Right | There are 2 entrances to the river. #1 hand carry on steps #2 gravel ramp. Enjoy a series of class 1 – 1+ rapids for a small section then finish the paddle with flatwater. Take-out left at Roaring River. Keep an eye out for Church’s Rock, a large rock outcrop on river left approximately halfway through this stretch. Large islands in this section of river. The first island should be navigated river left, and the second island should be navigated river right. Watch for and avoid low hanging tree limbs. Smoot Park has bathrooms and a playground! For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 03) Roaring River Access | 9214 Elkin Highway, Roaring River, NC 28669 | 5.2 Miles | 2 Hours | 145 | Beginner | Right | Right | For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 04) Ronda Memorial Park | 238 Clingman Rd, Ronda, NC 28670 | 7 Miles | 2.5 Hours | 140 | Beginner | Right | Left | Paddle-in camping available at Carter Park access. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 05) Carter Park | 310 Standard St, Elkin, NC 28621 | 6.1 Miles | 2 Hours | 133 | Beginner | Left | Left | The take out at Burch Station is river left. When you approach the final island of the stretch you must paddle on the left side to reach the take out. Before heading to the put in, walk down to the river take out section to see the takeout and make note of what landmarks to look for. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 06) Burch Station | 116 Greenwood Circle, Elkin, NC, 28621 | 4.7 Miles | 1.5 Hours | 127 | Beginner | Left | Right | Mainly flat water but will pass through a series of class 1 rapids. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 07) Yadkin Shore Access at US-601 | 8420 US 601 Hwy, Boonville, NC 27055 | 16.9 Miles | 5.5 Hours | 122 | Intermediate | Right | Right | This is a very long section and will take a full day of paddling. Be mindful of the time it will take you to get on and off the river which can be up to an hour on either end. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 08) Shoals at Pilot Mountain State Park | 4454 Shoals Rd, East Bend, NC 27018 | 6.9 Miles | 2.5 Hours | 105 | – | Right | TBD | Do not paddle until Donnaha is officially open. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 09) CLOSED UNTIL Spring 2024 – Donnaha | 6131 Donnaha Park Rd, East Bend, NC 27018 | 6.6 Miles | 2.5 Hours | 99 | – | TBD | Left | Do not paddle until Donnaha is officially open. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 10) Old US 421 River Park | 7699 Yadkinville Rd, Lewisville, NC 27023 | 5.4 Miles | 2 Hours | 92 | Beginner | Left | Right | Family Friendy: This river access is located in a park with volleyball nets, playground, port-a-potty, and picnic tables. The paddle includes long stretches of flat water few class 1 rapids. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 11) Hunstville | 5600 Courtney-Huntsville Rd, Yadkinville, NC 27055 | 10.8 Miles | 3.5 Hours | 87 | Beginner | Right | Left | Gravel lot with 10 parking spaces. Entry is hand carry down a gravel ramp and natural steps. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 12) Tanglewood Park | 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012 | 16.7 Miles | 5.5 Hours | 76 | Intermediate | Left | Left | DAM AHEAD! DO NOT FLOAT OR PADDLE OVER THE DAM. Portage at Idol’s Dam about 4 miles downstream at mile #72. Exit river right just before railroad trestle. This is a very long section and will take a full day of paddling. Be mindful of the time it will take you to get on and off the river which can be up to an hour on either end. This section was ranked intermediate due to the length and dam portage. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 13) US-64 | 6970 US 64, Lexington, NC 27295 | 9.4 Miles | 3 Hours | 59 | Beginner | Left | Right | Take the steps down the bridge to access the river. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 14) Concord Church (NC-801) | 5897 NC801, Mocksville NC 27028 | 3.5 Miles | 1 Hour | 50 | Beginner- Intermediate | Right | Left | Sights Worth Seeing: When you get to the takeout, explore Boone’s Cave Park trails! Check out this brochure https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/DocumentCenter/View/487/Boones-Cave-Brochure-PDF?bidId= For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 15) Boone’s Cave Park | 3552 Boones Cave Rd, Lexington, NC 27295 | 4.9 Miles | 2 Hours | 46 | Beginner | Left | Left | Sights Worth Seeing: Put in at Boone’s cave park and paddle nearly 5 miles of relaxing flat water. The takeout on this one is a little tricky- you will need to paddle upstream to the right where the south Yadkin river blueway converges with the Yadkin. Once you are paddling up the south Yadkin the takeout will be on your left. Be diligent about your navigational landmarks on this segment. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 16) Hannah Ferry | 955 Hannah Ferry Rd, Salisbury, NC 28144 | 4.9 Miles | 2 Hours | 41 | Beginner | Right | Left | At the very end of the paddle you will approach an island. Paddle the left side of the island to access the take out at Yadkin River Park. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
| Yadkin | 17) Yadkin River Park (York Hill #1) | 11418 Old Salisbury Rd, Linwood, NC 27299 | Take Out | – | 37 | – | Take out | Take Out | York Hill marks the beginning of High Rock Lake. There are multiple boat ramps on the lake, not specific for canoes/kayaks. Paddlers will encounter the High Rock Dam about 15 miles downstream. For more info visit https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/yadkin-river-access |
RIVER RENTALS
Rocky Forest River Run
Shop at top of hill, Rocky Forest Trail, Elkin, NC 28621 336-469-8652 Rent or Purchase: Kayak / Tube / Shuttle
Foothills Outdoor Adventures
2618 NC-268, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 Rentals: Kayak / Tube / Shuttles & More
Hometown River Co.
474 N. Bridge St. Jonesville, NC 28642 336-404-1616 Rentals: Kayak / Tube & Shuttles
GetOutdoors Pedal & Paddle
1515 W Gate City Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27403 336-294-3918 Rent or Purchase: Kayak / SUP
YADKIN RIVER RESOURCES
Disclaimer: This information is used entirely at the reader’s discretion and is made available on the expressed condition that no liability, expressed or implied, is accepted by the author or publisher or any of its associates, employees, branches, or subsidiaries for the accuracy, content, or use thereof. River channels are dynamic features and thus change frequently; the boater must be aware that hazards exist and be wary of them. Paddling poses significant potential hazards, including the risk of injury or death, and each person participating in this activity needs to understand the risks involved, obtain the necessary training, and take all the needed precautions. This guide provides general information on the topic of paddling, and by providing this information, we do not assume any liability for its use.
