10 Best Family-Friendly Float Trips on Virginia's Rivers and Lakes
Virginia boasts an abundance of paddling opportunities—from slow-moving blackwater streams flowing into the Atlantic coastal plain, tidal waters along the ocean, Piedmont rivers through the state's heart, to crystalline mountain streams in the highlands.
Floating Virginia's rivers and lakes offers families a serene way to immerse in stunning surroundings, gliding over waters that provide a refreshing escape from everyday life.
photo credit: Bill Crabtree, Jr.
Family floating in Virginia ranges from spotting dragonflies on a small lake with kids to propelling a canoe or kayak while basking in the sun. It's an accessible way to enjoy diverse aquatic adventures across the state's waterways.
Discover these 10 exceptional family float trips to craft your own “Virginia is for Outdoor Lovers” paddling memories.
—THE WATER: POHICK BAY—
Where: Woodbridge
The Float: Greater Pohick Bay
Distance/Time: Varies, put-in and takeout are the same
Outfitter: Pohick Bay Regional Park
Pohick Bay is ideal for families exploring the tidal Potomac River. Rent canoes, kayaks, or standup paddleboards to navigate the south shore of Pohick Bay, up Pohick Creek, around the north bay, and back to the park's non-motorized launch. Enhance your trip with hiking, picnicking, or nature study in this 1,000-acre preserve.
Nearby Attractions:
- Mount Vernon
- George Washington’s Gristmill
—THE WATER: SMITH RIVER—
Where: Martinsville
The Float: Philpott Dam to Bassett Access
Distance/Time: 6.5 miles, 2-4 hours
Outfitter: Smith River Outfitters
Cool off on the Smith River's chilly 45-degree waters from Philpott Dam, often shrouded in mist. Share the river with trout anglers. Rent kayaks, canoes, or rafts; rapids intensify during dam generation. Slower flows occur without generation.
Nearby Attractions:
- Fairy Stone State Park
- Martinsville Speedway
- Martinsville Grand Prix
- Virginia Museum of Natural History
—THE WATER: ROANOKE RIVER—
photo credit: Sam Dean, IG account: @sdeanphotos
Where: Salem
The Float: Salem’s Rotary Park to Roanoke Mountain Adventures in Roanoke
Distance/Time: 5.5 miles, 3-4 hours
Outfitter: Roanoke Mountain Adventures
This straightforward float begins at Rotary Park and ends at the outfitter's base. Paddle the Roanoke River Blueway through Salem's parks and greenway, past Mill Mountain on Class I riffles and pools. Convenient to Salem and Roanoke attractions.
Nearby Attractions:
- Dixie Caverns
- Mill Mountain Zoo
- Thunder Valley
- Blue Ridge Parkway
—THE WATER: UPPER JAMES RIVER—
photo credit: Shannon Terry
Where: Buchanan
The Float: Horseshoe Bend to Buchanan
Distance/Time: 9 miles, 3-4 hours
Outfitter: Twin River Outfitters
Launch at Horseshoe Bend for mostly Class I rapids on a Virginia State Scenic River section. The only moderate challenge is Class II Richie's Falls. Enjoy relaxing floats amid mountain scenery and farms.
Nearby Attractions:
- Natural Bridge
- National D-Day Memorial
- Virginia Safari Park
- Foamhenge
—THE WATER: SHENANDOAH RIVER—
photo credit: Cameron Davidson
Where: Page County
The Float: Bixlers Bridge to Bealers Ferry
Distance/Time: 8 miles, 3-4 hours
Outfitters: Shenandoah River Outfitters, Front Royal Outdoors, Appalachian Adventures, Mudkat Outfitters
This Class I float suits novices. Paddle kayaks, tubes, or canoes through farms framed by Appalachians, over gentle rapids and ledges. Spot wildlife mornings or evenings; swim midday.
Nearby Attractions:
- Fort Valley Ranch
- Page Valley Fly Fishing
- Shenandoah Caverns
- Bear Mountain Zipline
—THE WATER: OCCOQUAN RESERVOIR—
Where: Manassas
The Float: Occoquan Reservoir
Distance/Time: Varies
Outfitter: Fountainhead Regional Park
Near D.C., this serene 2,100-acre reservoir offers family paddling with wooded coves. Rent canoes or kayaks at Fountainhead Park; hike or picnic too. Part of the Occoquan Water Trail.
Nearby Attractions:
- Prince William Forest Park
- Skate N Fun Zone
- Manassas Battlefield
—THE WATER: MATTAPONI RIVER—
Where: Aylett
The Float: Zoar State Forest to Aylett
Distance/Time: 5 miles, 3 hours
Outfitter: Mattaponi Canoe & Kayak
Near Richmond, paddle the tree-lined Mattaponi from Zoar State Forest. Watch it transition from freshwater to tidal, observing shoreline changes and wildlife. Swim or picnic on sandbars; end in historic Aylett.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kings Dominion
- Virginia State Fair
- Lowery’s Seafood Restaurant
- Rainbow Acres Campground
—THE WATER: NOTTOWAY RIVER—
photo credit: Kyle LaFerriere IG account: @laferriere.photography
Where: Courtland
The Float: Courtland to Cypress Bridge Road
Distance/Time: 4.5 miles, 3.0 hours
Outfitter: Blackwater Outfitters
Gently float the Nottoway, stopping at sandbars like Devils Bend for picnics, swims, or wildlife tracks. Lined by cypress and tupelo, it borders Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kathara Spa
- Southampton Outfitters
- Davis Lakes & Campgrounds
—THE WATER: STUMPY LAKE NATURAL AREA—
Where: Virginia Beach
The Float: Stumpy Lake
Distance/Time: Varies
Outfitter: Wild River Outfitters
Near Virginia Beach attractions, rent canoes or kayaks at Stumpy Lake's no-motor zone, ringed by cypress trees. Spot wading birds from the accessible dock in this natural haven.
Nearby Attractions:
- Stumpy Lake Golf Course
- Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
- Virginia Zoological Park
- Children’s Museum of Virginia
—THE WATER: BACK BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE—
photo credit: Sam Dean, IG account: @sdeanphotos
Where: Sandbridge
The Float: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Distance/Time: Varies, put-in and takeout are the same
Outfitter: Wild River Outfitters
Launch from Little Island Park into Back Bay's tidal estuary with islands and channels teeming with wildlife. Explore Little or Long Island, or visit Horn Point launch at Back Bay NWR (entrance fee applies).
Nearby Attractions:
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Virginia Beach Fishing Center
- Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle
- North Bay Shore Family Campground
