Best Places to Kayak Near Greensboro, NC (2026 Guide)
Paddle, Canoeing, and Kayaking in Greensboro
One of Greensboro’s best-kept secrets is its incredible paddling scene. Between the city lakes, quiet coves, wildlife-filled waterways, and nearby rivers, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water without driving far from home.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a calm paddle or an experienced kayaker searching for a longer adventure, Greensboro offers some of the best kayaking opportunities in the Triad. You might also like our Best Lakes for Boating Near Greensboro, NC (2026 Guide)
City of Greensboro Boat Rental Pricing:
Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available May 1 to October 31.
Rowboat: $15
Solo kayak (one person) $15
Tandem kayak (two people) $25
Paddle board (one person) $15
Canoe (two people): $25
Private Sailboat or Motorboat Launch: $10
Private Kayak, Paddle board, or Canoe Launch $6
Greensboro Night Paddles
Weekly Night Paddles are offered on a rotating schedule between Lake Brandt, Lake Higgins, and Lake Townsend. Bring your own boat or rent one. Reservations are required and space is limited. These paddles are open to ages 13 and up.
Night Paddle’s at Lake Brandt are guided. Please arrive before 8 pm. Click here to register
Solo kayak rental $20
Tandem kayak rental $30
Personal boat launch $8
Kids and Kayaks
Introduce a kid to the joy of paddling! Rent a two-person kayak (a grown up and a child, ages 4-12) and explore Lake Brandt. Each child will be given a laminated book with things that are found on the lake. This event will be guided by lake staff. Cost is $30. Dates: June 13, July 11, August 15 Click here to register
Why Greensboro Is Great for Kayaking
Greensboro’s watershed lakes offer:
- Calm water for beginners
- Scenic wooded shorelines
- Bald eagle sightings
- Fishing opportunities
- Paddleboard access
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Rental options available
Many locals are surprised to learn there are over 1,000 acres of paddleable water within city limits.
Lake Brandt
Address: 5945 Lake Brandt Rd, Greensboro, NC 27455
Named after a former Greensboro mayor, Lake Brandt is a beautiful spot to visit. You can rent kayaks, rowboats, paddle boards, and canoes to enjoy for the day. Also, Lake Brandt staff members love to host special events in the summer, like Night Paddles or Kiddies and Kayaks, so you can learn to kayak from an experienced instructor.
Why paddlers love it:
- 816 acres of water
- Kayak rentals available
- Paddleboard rentals available
- Multiple launch points
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Bald eagle sightings
The lake’s winding shoreline creates plenty of quiet coves that feel surprisingly remote despite being within Greensboro city limits.
Best for:
- Beginners
- Families
- Wildlife viewing
- Paddleboarding
Lake Higgins
Address: 4235 Hamburg Mill Rd, Summerfield, NC 27358
Although Lake Higgins is the smallest of the Greensboro lakes, it has some of the best fishing in the area. With kayaks, rowboats, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and an accessible boat launch, there are tons of water activities to try here.
You’ll find:
- Less boat traffic
- Fishing opportunities
- Wooded shorelines
- Calm waters
- Easy launches
Many locals prefer Higgins when looking for a more peaceful paddle.
Best for:
- Relaxing paddles
- Fishing
- Nature lovers
Lake Townsend
Address: 6332 Lake Townsend Rd, Greensboro, NC 27455
At Lake Townsend, you can rent kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats. There is also a fishing pier, boat launch spot, and night paddles on certain dates in the summer.
Highlights include:
- Nearly 1,500 acres
- Large coves
- Fishing access
- Scenic shoreline
- Long-distance paddling
If you’re looking for a longer kayak trip, Townsend is one of the best options in the region.
Best for:
- Experienced paddlers
- Longer excursions
- Fishing
Paddle, Canoeing, and Kayaking in Guilford County
Guilford County Pricing:
Canoe for 1/2 Day: $13
Canoe for Full Day: $20
2 Seat Kayak for 1/2 Day: $15
2 Seat Kayak for Full Day: $20
Single Kayak for 1/2 Day: $12
Single Kayak for Full Day: $15
10′ Two Person Jon Boat: $15
14’ Three Person Jon Boat: $21
Private Motorized Launch: $7
Private Canoe & Kayak Launch: $5
Floating Pier Fishing: $3
Southwest Park
ADDRESS | 6309 Southwest Park Dr., Greensboro
At Southwest Park, you can launch your own craft or rent canoes, kayaks, and Jon boats. Snacks, drinks, and fishing tackle are also available for purchase!
Note: Swimming, water skiing, jet skis, bank fishing, and gasoline motors are strictly prohibited, and the lake is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Hagan-Stone Park Lake
Address: 5920 Hagan-Stone Park Rd, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
Website: https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/parks/parks/hagan-stone-park
While Hagan-Stone Park is best known for its hiking trails, camping, fishing, and scenic picnic areas, it also offers a peaceful lake that is popular for paddling and enjoying nature. Located just south of Greensboro, this Guilford County park provides a quieter alternative to some of the larger city lakes.
Visitors can spend the day kayaking, fishing, hiking, or exploring the park’s wooded trails. The calm water and natural surroundings make it a great option for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxing paddle away from busier waterways.
Amenities include:
- Lake access
- Fishing
- Hiking trails
- Picnic shelters
- Campgrounds
- Playground
- Scenic nature views
Best for: Beginners, families, nature lovers, camping weekends, and combining kayaking with other outdoor activities.
Pro Tip: Plan a full day at Hagan-Stone Park by bringing a kayak, packing a picnic lunch, and exploring the park’s extensive trail system after your paddle.
Kayaking and Paddling Near Greensboro
Paddle, Canoeing, and Kayaking in Burlington
Lake Mackintosh
Located in Burlington, Lake Mackintosh is worth the short drive from Greensboro.
Why people love it:
- Large lake
- Kayak rentals
- Quiet coves
- Excellent fishing
- Less crowded than some Greensboro lakes
Best for:
- Day trips
- Fishing
- Scenic paddling
Haw River
The Haw River offers a completely different paddling experience than Greensboro’s lakes.
Popular sections near Greensboro provide:
- Flowing river paddling
- Wildlife viewing
- River access points
- Scenic natural landscapes
The Haw River is particularly beautiful during spring and fall.
Best for:
- Adventure seekers
- River paddling
- Nature enthusiasts
Paddle, Canoeing, and Kayaking in High Point
High Point Boat rental Pricing:
Private Boat Launch: $7
Private Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Launch: $4
Solo Kayak: $12
Tandem Kayak: $20
Stand-up Paddleboard: $15
Canoe: $12
Fishing Boat: $10
Fishing Boat with Motor: $30
High Point City Lake Park Marina
ADDRESS | 602 W. Main St., Jamestown
At The High Point City Lake Park Marina, you’ll find kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, paddle boats, and pontoon boat tours. There are snacks and refreshments available for purchase, and you can even pick up some bait and tackle equipment if you decide to fish!
High Point City Lake Park Marina Hours
May 11 – August 2 – 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
August 3 – September 6 – 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Rental boats need to be off the water 1 hour before closing.
- The 2026 rental season will begin Monday, May 4.
- Private boats
- Private boats need to be off the water 30 minutes before closing.
- Private boats must have a 9.9 horsepower motor or less to boat on the Arnold J. Koonce, Jr. City Lake.
- Pontoon Boat Tours (up to 30 passengers) are also available.
Oak Hollow Lake
Oak Hollow Lake is a great place to enjoy some fun in the sun. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, sailboats, and more when the water temperature is above 65 degrees. With a picnic area, playground, and beautiful views, the whole family is sure to love this spot!
Features include:
- Public access
- Rental opportunities
- Large paddling area
- Fishing
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Best for:
- High Point residents
- Beginner paddlers
- Weekend adventures
Best Places for Beginner Kayakers
If you’re new to kayaking, start with:
- Lake Brandt
- Lake Higgins
- Oak Hollow Lake
- Lake Mackintosh
These locations offer calm water and easy access.
Wildlife You Might See While Kayaking
One reason Greensboro paddlers love the local lakes is the wildlife.
Common sightings include:
- Bald eagles
- Great blue herons
- Osprey
- Turtles
- Deer
- River otters
- Beavers
Bring binoculars if you’re interested in birdwatching.
Kayak Rentals Near Greensboro
Several local lakes offer rental options if you don’t own a kayak.
Popular rental locations include:
- Lake Brandt Marina
- Lake Higgins Marina
- Lake Townsend Marina
- Oak Hollow Marina
Many locations also rent:
- Paddleboards
- Canoes
- Fishing boats
Kayaking Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I kayak in Greensboro?
The most popular places are Lake Brandt, Lake Higgins, and Lake Townsend.
Can you rent kayaks in Greensboro?
Yes. Rentals are available at Greensboro’s city lakes including Brandt, Higgins, and Townsend.
What is the best lake for beginner kayakers?
Lake Brandt is generally considered the most beginner-friendly lake due to its calm water and rental availability.
Are there rivers to kayak near Greensboro?
Yes. The Haw River offers river kayaking within a short drive of Greensboro.
What should I bring kayaking?
Recommended items include:
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Dry bag
- Life jacket
- Phone case
- Snacks
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- Check our our other Guides on Recreation and the Outdoors and explore all that Greensboro has to offer the adventurous.
