Welcome to North Carolina, the land of scenic waterways and charming coastal towns.
Ever considered gliding on glass-like lakes or exploring hidden coves?
Discover the best places to paddle board in North Carolina, where adventure and serenity unite.
Embark on a journey through NC’s enchanting waters and picturesque landscapes. Are you in?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in North Carolina
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Wrightsville Beach
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Wrightsville Beach Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents, gentle winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, turtles, seabirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, Masonboro Island
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, heed lifeguard warnings
Wrightsville Beach is a popular North Carolina destination for paddle boarders of all skill levels. With its crystal-clear waters and picturesque views, it’s an ideal spot for both novices and experienced enthusiasts.
Explore the nearby Masonboro Island or glide under the historic Johnnie Mercer’s Pier for an unforgettable paddle boarding experience.
#2 Lake Norman
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Ramsey Creek Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, herons, osprey
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Expansive shoreline, small islands
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to designated zones
Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, offers miles of shoreline and countless coves to explore on your paddleboard. With its calm waters and picturesque surroundings, it’s an inviting destination for paddle boarding enthusiasts.
Experience the serenity of gliding across the lake and marvel at the lush scenery and abundant wildlife inhabiting the area.
#3 Beaufort
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- ???? Access Point: Taylor’s Creek Access Area (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, tidal currents, light winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic homes, Carrot Island, Rachel Carson Reserve
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, avoid sensitive areas and private properties
Beaufort, a charming coastal town, offers calm bay waters perfect for paddle boarding. Glide past historic homes and take in picturesque views of Carrot Island and the Rachel Carson Reserve.
Dolphins and sea turtles frequenting the area make for special wildlife encounters, ensuring a memorable paddleboarding experience.
#4 Lake James
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Lake James State Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, turtles, herons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Blue Ridge Mountains, pristine forests
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow state park regulations, be aware of swimmers
Lake James, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a stunning North Carolina destination for paddle boarders. The breathtaking mountain backdrop and pristine forests surrounding the lake make for a tranquil and picturesque paddling adventure.
Discover secluded coves, enjoy the abundant wildlife, and soak up the serene beauty of the area.
#5 Carolina Beach
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Carolina Beach Access (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, ocean currents, afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Fishing Pier
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Heed lifeguard warnings, respect beachgoers
Carolina Beach, located near Wilmington, is an ideal spot for oceanfront paddle boarding. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views, this beach is perfect for a day on the water, whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler.
Watch for dolphins and sea turtles while enjoying the stunning ocean backdrop and lively surroundings.
#6 Currituck Sound
- ????️ ️ Location Type: Channel
- ???? Access Point: Whalehead Club (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle currents, light winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Herons, egrets, osprey
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic Corolla Village, Currituck Beach Lighthouse
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, heed local regulations
Currituck Sound offers a unique paddleboarding experience in North Carolina with its calm, protected waters and picturesque surroundings. The historic Corolla Village and the iconic Currituck Beach Lighthouse add to the charm of the area.
Birdwatchers will delight in the herons, egrets, and osprey that call the region home, ensuring an unforgettable paddleboarding journey.
#7 Fontana Lake
- ????️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
- ???? Access Point: Fontana Village Resort (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, trout, herons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Appalachian Trail
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Wear a PFD, respect park regulations
Fontana Lake, located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers an incredible mountain lake paddleboarding experience. With its calm waters and stunning mountain views, this spot is perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.
Access the lake from Fontana Village Resort and enjoy a day of exploring the shoreline, surrounded by pristine forests and abundant wildlife.
#8 Jordan Lake
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Seaforth Beach (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Bass, catfish, bald eagles
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded shores, idyllic islands
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, watch for boats
Jordan Lake, located near Raleigh and Durham, offers a calm and scenic paddleboarding destination. With its wooded shores, idyllic islands, and calm waters, this lake is perfect for those seeking peaceful surroundings.
Access the lake from Seaforth Beach and enjoy a day of exploration, wildlife encounters, and picturesque paddling.
#9 Hammocks Beach State Park
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- ???? Access Point: Hammocks Beach State Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm intracoastal waters, tidal currents, mild wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Bear Island, Bogue Inlet
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of tidal currents, respect wildlife
Hammocks Beach State Park offers a unique paddleboarding experience along the intracoastal waterway and the surrounding islands. Glide through calm waters while enjoying views of Bear Island and Bogue Inlet.
With the opportunity to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds, this paddleboarding spot is perfect for nature lovers.
#10 Goose Creek State Park
- ????️ Location Type: River
- ???? Access Point: Goose Creek State Park Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, gentle currents, light wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, waterfowl, alligators (rare)
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Swamps, marshes, cypress trees
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for wildlife, respect park regulations
Located near Washington, NC, Goose Creek State Park offers a unique paddleboarding experience through swamps, marshes, and cypress-lined shores. The park’s calm waters and gentle currents create a serene paddling environment.
Enjoy peaceful river views, encounter diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature that this idyllic park has to offer.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in North Carolina?
Popular spots for paddle boarding in North Carolina include Lake Norman, Jordan Lake, and the Outer Banks region.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in North Carolina?
No, North Carolina does not require paddle boards to be registered.
When is the best time to paddle board in North Carolina?
The ideal time for paddle boarding in North Carolina is from late spring to early fall, thanks to warm temperatures.
