If you want to learn to kayak this spring, there's no better place than at a Virginia State Park.

Our guides are trained to teach you how to handle a paddle and to have fun doing it, plus we have the best locations across the state. Simply put, Virginia has a lot going on, and we invite you to pick your paddle and join us.

Paddle the Potomac from Westmoreland State Park

This is a great way to think outside and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Virginia State Parks offers a plethora of recreational water opportunities for young and old, beginner to advanced, and with great programming in the warmer months.

If you already know how to paddle, but don't own a kayak yourself, or just don't want the hassle of hauling it out, then you can easily rent one at many of our Virginia State Parks in season.

These 6 parks are perfect for beginning paddlers this spring.

1. | BURNING OF THE SOCKS

Say bye bye to winter and burn those socks!

York River State Park literally kicks off the paddling season with a Burning of the Socks ceremony. The annual Burning of the Socks has become a fun tradition, as we say goodbye to cold weather and embrace spring at York River State Park. It's held annually around early May and all levels of paddlers are welcome to take to the water. Beginners are encouraged.

A quirky tradition that began in the late 1970's by mariners in the northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay is a great way to kick off the canoe and kayaking season, by freeing your feet from being cooped up all winter in socks, and is also the first guided paddle trip of the year at the park.

2. | SPRING KAYAK PROGRAM

Hungry Mother State Park invites you to join a park interpreter for an spring paddle around the lake. Kids to Parks Day 2024 - Kayaking for Kids lets kids learn valuable paddling skills that can make their time in nature much more thrilling, May 18, 2024. 

These programs run throughout the warmer months, plus many more in and off the water at this beloved mountainous state park.

3. | SUNSET PADDLE WITH EAGLES

Mason Neck State Park offers beautiful scenery for morning, evening and twilight paddles with the opportunity to view Bald Eagles as they majestically fly over the Potomac River. These magnificent birds of prey love Belmont Bay and often may be seen soaring over the open water, so bring your binoculars.

There is also the 26th annual Eagle Festival on May 11, 2024.

4. | VISIT A SANDBAR

Belle Isle State Park has seven miles of shoreline on the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River and provides access to Mulberry and Deep creeks. The park lets visitors explore a wide variety of tidal wetlands interspersed with farmland and upland forests. You never know what you will find when you kayak Belle Isle State Park, like this sandbar at low tide.

Earth Day this year is on Monday April 22, 2024 if you'd like to participate in a community service project before or after you paddle.

5. | GO FOSSIL HUNTING

Westmoreland State Park you can pick a paddling program, or rent a kayak on your own to glide along the cliffs to Fossil Beach. Once there, take advantage of the time to hunt for fossils. Shark's teeth and even Megalodon fossils have been found here. The cool thing is you get to keep any fossilized shark's teeth you find.

This park is located along the shores of America's historic Potomac River, a meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp.

You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and 6 miles of trails.

6. | PADDLE WWII SHIPS

Kiptopeke State Park is an ideal place to kayak. It's on the Chesapeake Bay and is a great place to explore unique migratory bird habitat along the Atlantic flyway. The park fishing pier itself was originally a ferry dock, and there are WWII concrete ships located just offshore. Kiptopeke is translated "Big Water" from the Accawmack Indians.

The park offers many opportunities to learn and explore. Programs include beach safaris and owl prowls and sessions on fishing, kayaking, crabbing, seine netting, lure-making and campfires. These are great for all ages.

FIND A PARK TO PADDLE

We're convinced Virginia State Parks offers the best beginner kayaking locations in Virginia. Learn more with our Let's Go Adventures Kayaking program. Search our events database for another near you, as we have parks on lakes, rivers, bays and even the Atlantic Ocean. 

Plan your kayak trip today, and if you want to stay a few nights in a cabin or campground click here, or call 800-933-7275 to inquire.