Paddle Trips

Jackson River Trips on Kayaks, Canoes, and Rafts

Paddle the beautiful Jackson River by kayak, canoe, or raft. Our paddle trips are by far our most popular activity here at Alleghany Outdoors. We offer a variety of trip lengths and start times to choose from. All our river trips feature impressive scenery, fun rapids, a moving current, generally crystal clear conditions, and amazing cliffs and mountain views. We run these trips daily during paddling season when weather and water levels permit.

The price includes the use of detailed river maps, a safety orientation, the use of boats, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, dry boxes, and shuttles. All our trips are unguided unless specially stated otherwise. Please note the total passenger and gear weight limit for our canoes is 800 pounds, and the weight limit for kayakers is approximately 300 pounds. All customers need to be able to swim and agree to wear a life jacket. Kayaks are by far the most popular rental boat choice. With advance reservations, we can rent canoes or rafts when river conditions permit.

Petticoat Junction to Intervale 4 miles, typically takes 1.5 to 2 hrs

This is our shortest trip on the scenic Jackson River. It’s a great option when you are short on time or don’t want to do an all-day activity. This section normally features crystal clear water, a great current, and excellent mountain views. The rapids are plentiful but fairly straightforward. This trip launches at the Petticoat Junction boat ramp and ends back at our take-out at Intervale Park. This trip typically starts at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily and takes one and a half to two hours to complete.

Indian Draft to Intervale 7.5 miles, typically takes up 3 to 4 hours

Paddle the Jackson River in Alleghany County. This is our most popular river trip, featuring crystal clear water, a great current, and excellent mountain views. Many Class I/II rapids make this section fun and exciting. This trip launches at the Indian Draft boat landing and ends back at our take-out at Intervale Park. This trip typically starts at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily and takes three to four hours to complete.

Smith Bridge to Intervale

This is our longest paddle trip along the Jackson River in Alleghany County. Enjoy the stunning views and crystal clear water. The many Class I/II rapids make this section fun and exciting, yet it is easy for beginners to paddle. This trip launches at the National Forest Smith Bridge shoreline river access point and ends back at our take-out at Intervale Park ramp. This trip typically starts at 9 a.m. with advance reservations only and takes four to five hours to complete. This trip is a custom trip available for groups of four or more, call to book.

MINIMUM AGE
The recommended minimum age for this trip is 8 years old. For insurance and safety reasons, the minimum age for any river trip is 6 years old. There are no exceptions. Small kids must be in boats with their parents or guardians.

ALCOHOL PROHIBITED
To keep all our trips family friendly and to operate within park limits, all trips are alcohol-free. Paddle sports and alcohol don’t mix.