Fontana Lake is a large, meandering body of water in western North Carolina that offers miles of unique and undeveloped shoreline for exploration. The narrow channels and protected bays are an ideal setting for paddlers in search of secluded and protected waters. The lake has over 240 miles of shoreline with multiple launch areas and campsites located at different points around the lake. This paddling trip starts from the Lemmon Branch launch which is a developed ramp with parking and a restroom located in the southeast section of the lake.

Portsmouth Island is a small southern island on the Outer Banks that offers a very secluded and remote destination for paddlers. The island located south of Ocracoke Island is known for beautiful sandy beaches and great shelling opportunity. The trip to the island from Atlantic requires good paddling skills and thorough trip planning as there is a 2-3 foot tide and the area is very secluded. The island is completely undeveloped so come prepared with plenty of food and water and check tide charts before heading out.

Hammocks Beach State Park consists of very diverse natural habitats, both on the mainland as well as on two islands, and is an excellent destination for paddling and exploration. Starting from the launch on the mainland, the Bear Island paddling trail follows a creek south to Bear Island which is known for its secluded and scenic beaches. The island makes a great camping spot and is only accessible by water so the setting is very peaceful. The route is short and the waters are mostly protected but paddling conditions are greatly affected by the tide so be sure to check the tide charts before setting out.

Cape Lookout National Seashore is an area of three barrier islands that are almost completely undeveloped and offer opportunity to explore wild and scenic beaches just a short distance off the mainland. The uninhabited islands are great for birding, viewing historic lighthouses, camping, and visiting miles of secluded beach. This paddling trip starts from a public launch on Harkers Island and travels south to the island of Shackelford Banks and over along the shoreline of South Core Banks which is where the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is located. There is strong tidal influence from the inlet so always check the tide charts and plan your trip accordingly. Also watch out for boat traffic and do not paddle near the inlet where strong currents and shoals are present.

The Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary is a protected area of diverse Outer Banks habitats where paddlers can enjoy viewing a wide variety of birdlife from the water. The sanctuary offers lots of small islands and protected water passages for exploration. The maze-like setting can get confusing so be sure to pay attention to where you are going when venturing off. Tidal influence is not a concern in this area and the waters are mostly protected but a northeast wind can make some areas impassible.

Located on a peninsula that juts out into the southern end of Pamlico South, Cedar Island NWR is an excellent destination for sea kayakers. The large refuge consists of brackish marsh and woodland habitat that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. A ferry provides access to the island that has only minor development and overall is very primitive and rugged. Be cautious and pay attention to possible boat traffic, especially near the ferry port. The ferry ride is a few hours long and reservations are recommended.

Paddling the creek through Kitty Hawk Woods Preserve offers the opportunity to explore one of the most interesting and scenic maritime forests in all of the world. The area is great for viewing lots of diverse wildlife and vegetation and the creek is protected from the wind and is a great place for a relaxing peaceful paddle. From the public access site on Bob Perry Road, paddlers can explore the creek both to the north and to the south into Kitty Hawk Bay.

Fontana Lake is a large, meandering body of water in western North Carolina that offers miles of unique and undeveloped shoreline for exploration. The narrow channels and protected bays are an ideal setting for paddlers in search of secluded and protected waters. The lake has over 240 miles of shoreline with multiple launch areas and campsites located at different points around the lake. This paddling trip starts from the Flat Branch ramp which is a wilderness ramp located in the southeast section of the lake.

Fontana Lake is a large, meandering body of water in western North Carolina that offers miles of unique and undeveloped shoreline for exploration. The narrow channels and protected bays are an ideal setting for paddlers in search of secluded and protected waters. The lake has over 240 miles of shoreline with multiple launch areas and campsites located at different points around the lake. This paddling trip starts from the marina docks which is located just east of the dam on the most west side of the lake.

Calderwood Lake is one of three finger lakes on the Little Tennessee River in northwestern North Carolina that offers excellent paddling opportunity in a rugged wilderness setting. Calderwood Lake is located just below Cheoah Dam and is a long narrow lake that has completely undeveloped shoreline. The launch is located in North Carolina but much of the lake is actually over the state line in Tennessee. There is only one road that provides access to the lake and many of the primitive camping areas are only accessible by boat so there is plenty solitude that can be found here.