Best Kayaking Destinations Columbia, South Carolina

Kayaking Broad River South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina is a city of creativity, excitement and promise. Located where the Saluda and Broad Rivers merge to form the Congaree in town, Columbia offers a range of opportunities for outdoor adventures. 

Columbia Kayaking Destinations

Escape the bustle of Columbia and get lost amidst the fresh air, cool waters and old growth hardwood forests at these top-rated places to kayak and canoe in the natural beauty that surrounds the city.

Congaree National Park

Gadsden, SC

Congaree National Park is a 26,692-acre national park in central South Carolina, about 18 miles from Columbia. Winding through the heart of the park is Cedar Creek, a blackwater stream that offers a unique kayaking experience. Paddle past the park’s old-growth bottomland hardwoods which are some of the tallest trees in eastern North America and diverse wildlife that includes otter, deer, turtles, wading birds, and even the occasional alligator. The entire marked Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is about 15 miles and starts at Bannister’s Bridge and goes all the way to the Congaree River.

Lake Murray

Columbia, SC

Lake Murray near Columbia, SC, is a popular kayaking destination that offers calm waters and scenic views. The lake is massive, with 650 miles of shoreline.  You’ll find everything from wide open spaces with gentle waves to small islands and coves to explore. Dreher Island State Park is a popular launch site, offering access to 12 miles of Lake Murray Shoreline, calm waters and many scenic coves and inlets. You’ll also have a chance to spot lots of wildlife including egrets, herons, turtles, river otters, muskrats, eagles and even deer. 

Saluda River

Columbia, SO

The Saluda River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River and offers diverse kayaking experiences that range from gentle floats to more challenging whitewater sections. Near downtown Columbia, you’ll find the Lower Saluda, a 10-mile section that’s been designated a State Scenic River. There are several access points including Saluda Shoals Park and the Saluda Riverwalk. Rapids, up to Class IV, can be found downstream of the I-26 bridge.

Broad River

Columbia, SC

The Broad River is another principal tributary of the Congaree River. It runs through the heart of Columbia but with pines and hardwoods lining both sides of the river, you’d never know it. Fifteen miles of the upper Broad River have been designated as a State Scenic River. Here you’ll find abundant wildlife including a variety of birds and fish as well as river otters, muskrats, deer and coyotes. You can also launch from Saluda Shoals Park and enjoy a scenic route dotted with boulders and islands. 

Congaree River

Columbia, SC

The Congaree River itself is also a popular spot for paddling, with a designated blue trail that offers a longer route and scenic areas such as sandbars, bluffs and floodplains. Beginning in downtown Columbia, the swift and wide river flows for 46 miles without another access point. You’ll enjoy thickly forested banks, Congaree National Park, as well as plenty of opportunities to spot river otters, birds, deer and other wildlife. It’s possible to complete the paddle in two days, but with abundant camping options it’s more enjoyable as a three-day trip.

Columbia, SC Kayak Storage Racks

Keep your kayak high and dry with Log Kayak Rack. Our beautiful and practical kayak storage racks are made from cedar logs and are designed to keep your kayaks, canoes, SUP and surfboards neat and orderly while providing stunning storage. Perfect for shorelines, cabins, beachfronts, backyards, cities, parks, campgrounds and more, shop our kayak racks online now. Custom kayak storage racks and free shipping are available.

How to Assemble Your Log Kayak Rack

Single Sided Log Kayak Rack Assembled

Log Kayak Rack handcrafts heavy-duty kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board (SUP) storage racks from northern white cedar logs. Our kayak racks can be shipped free of charge anywhere in the continental United States and hassle-free to Canada. When your package arrives, it will be unassembled in a box. Assembly is easy and can be done in less than an hour.

What You Need to Assemble Your Log Kayak Rack

You will find assembly instructions along with most of the materials you need inside the box.

Each kayak rack comes with:

  • Feet, Cross Rails, Legs, Upper and Lower Arms, and Lower Support Posts (all labeled)
  • Instruction Pack
  • 3 Inch GRK Screws
  • 4 Inch GRK Screws
  • Two Tips, Green and Black for Drill or Screw Gun (in the bag with 3 inch screws)
  • Decking Screws
  • Glue

Materials needed, but not Included:

  • Rubber Hammer/Mallet
  • Power Drill or Screw Gun
  • Gloves (optional)

Assembling Your Log Kayak

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to start putting your Log Kayak Rack together. We have created several assembly videos to assist. You can watch them here and follow along.

Step 1. Open the box up and unpack materials

Remove the feet, cross rails, legs, upper and lower arms. You will have a different number depending on what size and style rack you purchased, but the assembly follows the same basic instructions. You will also find an instruction pack that has all the screws and glue you will need to complete the assembly.

Step 2. Ready the posts

Grab the parts labeled posts. They are the ones with tenon or protruding end and located the angled holes and apply glue to the inside, wiping around with your finger or glove. Repeat for the second post and place on the floor along a wall that you can use for support.

Step 3. Put the arms in

Start with the pieces labeled lower arms. They will have one hole drilled in the top. Slip them into the glued hole on the post and tap with hammer. Lean it against the wall and then repeat with the top arms.

Then you’ll secure the arms with screws. You’ll need either a drill or ratchet for this part. First, you’ll use the 4-inch GRKs and the black tip to screw the base of each arm to the post. Then, using the green tip and the deck screws, you’ll put two more screws into each arm, one from each side of the post. Repeat for the other side.

Step 4. Connect the base

Now that the sides are done, you’ll want to lay them out on the floor how they are going to go with space for the base in between. Grab the feet or bases and just like you did for the posts, circle the glue around in the hole and wipe it around with your finger or glove.  

Then with the longer side under the arms, slip the post into the hole and use the hammer to secure. And do the same thing with the other foot.

5. Attach the cross rails

Start by applying glue to the rail holes in both of the posts. Grab the piece labeled upper rail. Slip it into the upper hole of one of the posts and secure with a 4-inch GRK screw, using the black tip on your drill. Then grab the piece labeled lower rail, slip it into the glued hole and again secure with a 4-inch GRK screw using your drill.

Go ahead and stand that side of the rack up and attach the cross rails to the other post, putting the upper rail in the upper hole and the lower rail in the lower rail. Center them on the post and secure using two more GRK screws.

6. Screw the posts to the feet and add supports

First make sure the base is lined up, tapping it back and forth until the base is parallel with the arms and it’s square on the back. Then put the 3-inch GRKs into the base, one on each side.

Next, you’ll put in the bottom support post, tapping it in and making sure it’s square on the back of the post. Then screw in place from the top with one of the GRK screws and at the bottom with three of the decking screws. Repeat for the other side and now your log kayak rack is complete.

Step 7. Enjoy

Naturally weather resistant, our kayak storage systems will keep your equipment lasting longer, your property looking cleaner, and get you back out on the water faster. Shop our full selection of free-standing, ground buried, wall-mounted and dock-mounted single and multi-kayak racks online now. If you have any questions or concerns while assembling your kayak storage rack, give us a call at 1-715-543-2006. We’d be more than happy to help you through the process.

Organize Your Garage with a Log Kayak Rack

Owning your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard is loads of fun. You’re free to paddle whenever and wherever you want but figuring out where to keep your kayak when you’re not using it is not nearly as fun.

Their awkward shape and bulky size can make it difficult to find just the right spot.  If you have the space, storing your kayak in your garage is an excellent option. It’s protected from the snow, rain, and UV rays. It’s much better protected from theft, and it is less likely to be damaged. The right rack or storage system can help keep your garage neat and orderly and your kayak easily accessible.

Kayak Storage Options for Your Garage

The right kayak storage system will be determined by your space, needs and preferences. Many people like to hang their boats from the garage ceiling. It certainly takes up less floor and wall space, but it’s not always very practical when you want to use your kayak. We’re all for keeping your garage organized and your kayak out of the way, just not so far out of the way that it becomes a hassle to use it. Our ideal kayak storage keeps your boats and accessories orderly, but also easily accessible.

Wall-Mounted Kayak Racks

We offer a wall mounted storage rack that keeps your kayaks, canoes and paddleboards safe and secure, while only needing a small amount of space. This sturdy, handcrafted storage rack can be mounted right to your garage wall and will leave enough space for you to still park both of your cars in your garage. It will not only help you maximize the space of your garage, but it will keep your canoe, kayak or SUP high, dry and easily accessible!

Free-Standing Kayak Racks

Our free-standing kayak racks are self-supporting and do not need to be attached or anchored to the ground or a wall, making them perfect for inside your garage. You can move it around as needed to clean, organize or rearrange your garage.  Our single sided option offers a reduced footprint and can be pushed flush against one wall for even more space saving.

Accessory Organization Racks

If trying to keep your garage organized is your top priority, it’s important to have a designated place for your paddles, life jackets and other accessories. Log Kayak Rack has the perfect rack for that too. Check out our wall mounted paddle rack and our life jacket wall rack for the perfect storage solution to keeping all your accessories neat and orderly.

Keep Your Kayak in Great Shape with Proper Storage

No matter where you decide to keep your kayak or what kind of rack you go with it’s important to remember to keep it off the ground, support the hull, store it upside down and always dry it thoroughly before storing. Shop our entire collection of Log Kayak Racks online now or check out more of our blog posts for other kayak storage tips.

Ground Buried Vs Free Standing Kayak Racks

Freestanding Kayak, SUP & Canoe Rack

At Log Kayak Rack, we handcraft heavy-duty kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board (SUP) storage racks out of northern white cedar logs. We offer a huge selection of commercial-grade kayak racks that can store and display anywhere from one to eight kayaks at a time. Two of our most popular styles include our freestanding and ground buried kayak racks.

Both are great options, but depending on your specific storage location and needs, one could outperform the other. Let’s take a closer look at these two styles and see how they stack up.

Ground-Buried Kayak Racks

As the name suggests, these kayak racks are meant to be buried in the ground. Ours are crafted from weather-resistant cedar logs and have a 4 5/8-inch post that can be buried up to 48” deep.

Benefits & Uses for Ground Buried Kayak Racks

  • Ground-buried models must be used for outdoor storage.
  • Once installed, they cannot be easily moved or relocated.
  • Ground-buried kayak racks can be used on hills and uneven outdoor surfaces where freestanding racks would be difficult to level.
  • Not only can the posts be buried in the ground, but they can be attached directly to your dock for convenient on the water storage.
  • They provide added security.
  • They are ideal for heavier watercraft.

Freestanding Kayak Racks

These racks are self-supporting and do not need to be attached or anchored to the ground or a wall. Ours are each constructed with 4 5/8-inch posts and feet made from weather-resistant cedar logs to keep the rack stable.

Benefits & Uses for Freestanding Kayak Racks

  • Freestanding kayak racks can be used indoors or outdoors.
  • There is no need to screw or drill into your walls or the ground.
  • They can be single sided or double sided.
  • Freestanding racks require a level surface.
  • They can be moved much easier than ground buried racks when needed.
  • In windy locations, ground anchors might be necessary.

Choosing the Right Kayak Rack for You

Before you purchase your kayak rack, it’s important to know where you are going to be keeping it. Our freestanding racks provide great flexibility for indoor and outdoor storage, and they can be easily relocated. But if you are looking to install on a hillside or other uneven surface, on a dock or need the added security, ground-buried is probably the better option. You’ll also want to think about how many kayaks or canoes you are storing and your own style preferences.

Shop our ground buried and freestanding kayak racks online now or contact us for help in select the perfect kayak storage rack for your needs? We’d be happy to talk through the different design options or come up with a custom rack to meet your specific needs. Call Log Kayak Rack at 715-543-2006 or contact us online.

Kayaking Destinations in Stamford, Connecticut

Cove Island Park Stamford, CT

Located along the Long Island Sound in Connecticut, Stamford is a populous city that offers a blend of urban excitement and suburban charm. With 19 miles of shoreline, parks, beaches, rivers and scenic views, this spirited city is the perfect place for your next kayaking adventure.

Best Places to Kayak Near Stamford

From state parks and scenic rivers to the bay, here are some of the best places to kayak in and around Stamford, CT.

Cove Island Park

Stamford, CT

Cove Island Park is a beautiful 88-acre park with a wildlife sanctuary, two beaches, paths, trails and more right on the Long Island Sound in Stamford. A tranquil oasis, it offers breathtaking natural scenery, a wide diversity of wild life and a stunning rocky coastline. Launch your kayak from the marina and enjoy exploring Holly Pond, Cove Harbor and out into the Long Island Sound.  

Sherwood Island State Park

Westport, CT

Sherwood Island is Connecticut’s first state park, and one of its finest with 235 acres of beach, wetlands and coastal forest to explore. It’s located on the state’s picturesque shoreline, making it a popular destination for kayaking and other water sports.  The park has a launch for kayaks and canoes on the far west end of West Beach. From here you can explore Mill Creek and the saltmarsh.

Bigelow Hollow State Park

Union, CT

Bigelow Hollow State Park is a literal hidden gem, hidden among one of the largest unbroken stretches of forest in eastern Connecticut. The park is 516 acres of rugged, remote forest, perfect for hiking, boating, fishing and even scuba diving during the summer. For kayakers, explore the shallows of the natural 25-acre Bigelow Pond, the secluded 97-acre Breakneck Pond or the massive 297-acre Mashapaug Lake.

Nissequogue River State Park

Kings Park, New York

This six-mile, one-way journey down the Nissequoque River is filled with winding adventure, scenic views and lots of wildlife. Start from the banks of Nissequogue River State Park, which is located on the north shore of Long Island across the sound from Stamford.  You’ll head out into the sound for a bit before the river narrows into small canal paths and finally winds the rest of the way to Paul T. Given County Park.

Hudson River in Cold Spring

Cold Spring, New York

About an hour from Stamford in Cold Spring, New York is an excellent section of the Hudson River for kayakers of all experience levels. You’ll paddle the narrowest section of the Hudson River, traveling past tall cliffs and through the Constitution Marsh. You’ll enjoy exceptional views, lots of opportunities to spot wildlife as well as wading pools and waterfalls. Tours are available through Hudson River Expeditions.

Shop Kayak Racks Online with Shipping to Connecticut

Keep your kayak high and dry with Log Kayak Rack and our beautiful, practical kayak storage racks. Made from cedar logs, they’ll keep your kayaks, canoes, SUP and surfboards neat and orderly, providing stunning storage for shorelines, cabins, beachfronts, backyards, cities, parks, campgrounds and more. Shop any of our kayak and canoe racks online now and enjoy free shipping to Connecticut or contact us for a custom design.

Can You Store Your Kayak Outside?

Owning a kayak and being able to head out on the lake whenever and wherever you want is great, but kayaks are big and bulky and finding a place to store them inside can be challenging and inconvenient. Keeping them closer the water and at the ready would be ideal, but is it OK to store them outside?

Indoor vs Outdoor Kayak Storage

Keeping your kayak indoors offers the best protection. It’s better protected from the elements like direct sunlight, rain, high winds, hail and snow. It’s harder for someone to steal or vandalize and it’s less likely to become inhabited by a small critter. But it’s not always very practical. Storing your kayak outdoors is fine, as long as you take a few precautions. 

How to Safely Store Your Kayak Outdoors

Proper storage is key to keeping your kayak in tip-top shape and protected from damage. A good storage location is one that limits exposure to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight and moister. You’ll also want to keep it off the ground. Here are some tips for storing your kayak outside. 

Keep it Shaded

A nice shady spot will help protect your kayak from harmful UV rays and excessive heat. If your property doesn’t offer a lot of natural shade, consider placing it below the eaves of a roof or under a strung-up tarp. We do not recommend wrapping the kayak in the tarp. This can create a wet environment that promotes mold or fungal growth as well as hold snow or rainwater, which can deform the boat and exceed the weight limits if using a kayak rack.

Protect from Moisture

Constant exposure to rain and snow can degrade hull materials overtime. When storing your kayak outside, make sure you store it upside down so water can’t collect in the kayak. You can also wrap each kayak in a waterproof and UV-protected kayak cover for additional protection. 

Keep it Off the Ground

Use a kayak rack or suspension cords to keep your kayak off the ground. Storing your kayak directly on the ground or floor can cause hull deformation and exposes it to dirt and moisture.

Keep it Clean

You should always give your kayak a rinse off before storing it to remove dirt, sand, salt and grime.

Distribute the Weight

Uneven weight distribution or even tight straps can cause hulls to deform over time. A quality rack can help make sure your kayak is properly and evenly supported.

Protect it from Theft

With outdoor storage, unfortunately, you may need to consider protecting your kayak from being stolen. Keep it hidden from view, if possible, and consider adding a security cable and lock.

Outdoor Kayak Racks

Log Kayak Rack handcrafts heavy-duty outdoor storage racks for kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board (SUP) from northern white cedar logs. We offer a huge selection of commercial-grade kayak racks that can store and display anywhere from one to eight kayaks at a time. Our kayak racks are naturally weather resistant and designed for indoor or outdoor use to keep your equipment lasting longer, your property looking cleaner, and get you back out on the water faster. Shop our full selection of free-standing, ground buried, wall-mounted and dock-mounted outdoor kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom solution to your outdoor storage needs.

Canoe & Kayak Storage Solution for Campgrounds

Lakeside Campground

From hiking and biking to kayaking and canoeing to bird watching and fireside sitting, campers are generally outdoor enthusiasts. Their love of nature and the great outdoors is what keeps them going and we see a lot of campgrounds and RV parks offering kayak, canoe and standup paddle board rental as an added amenity for campers. But we know having an entire fleet of boats can get cumbersome without a sturdy storage rack to keep them organized. Our 24-place log kayak and canoe racks provide the ideal storage solution for campgrounds.

Why Log Kayak Racks are Great for Campgrounds & RV Parks

Finding kayak storage for your campground is not always easy. Durable, commercial-grade storage that can handle heavy use is a must. And if you’ve got an entire campground to run, more than likely you won’t want to deal with a lot of maintenance. And to keep your kayak and canoes in the best shape possible, you’ll probably want to offer convenient, outdoor storage that’s close to the water.

Log Kayak Racks offer durable, practical storage for kayaks, canoes and SUP with serval styles that can hold more than 10 crafts. But that’s not all that makes them the perfect storage solution for campgrounds.

Rated for Outdoor Use

Constructed from Northern White Cedar, our kayak and canoe racks are rated best for weather resistance. They will last for many, many years outside whether you stain them or leave them to weather naturally.

Commercial Grade Construction

Our canoe and kayak racks have commercial-grade construction. We use 2-inch mortise and tenon joinery, plus glue and galvanized screws for an even stronger finished rack. Each arm of the rack can hold up to 100lbs, easily supporting even the heaviest kayaks and canoes.

Easy to Use

If your campground caters to families, you’ll want a kayak rack that’s intuitive for kayakers and canoers of all experiences. Our storage racks are designed to make it easy for even unfamiliar users to lift the kayak or canoe in and out. This makes for happy campers and reduces the risk of your equipment getting damaged.

Designed to Hold a Lot of Boats

We have a variety of kayak and canoe rack designs that can hold anywhere from a single boat to 24. The majority are meant to provide neat and orderly storage for multiple kayaks and canoes. No matter how many kayaks and canoes your campground has available for rent, we are sure to have a rack to hold them.

Beautiful & Practical

If you own or work at a campground or RV park, you probably love the great outdoors as much as we do. And chances are, you probably don’t want a kayak rack that’s going to stand out and ruin the view. Made from beautiful, natural cedar logs, our kayak racks blend into the natural surroundings, adding to the beauty of your campground. The cedar logs can be left to weather naturally or they can be stained to match your camp store or other buildings.

Exceptional Customer Service

We take great pride in both quality of our kayak racks and our exceptional customer service. When you contact Log Kayak Rack with questions or concerns, we’ll be there to offer a solution.

Made in the USA

Log Kayak Rack is family owned. Our kayak racks are proudly designed and produced in Wisconsin, USA.

Shop Log Kayak Rack for Campground Kayak & Canoe Storage Solutions

Built for frequent use and the great outdoors, our multi-place kayak racks are the perfect storage solution for campgrounds and RV parks. Keep your campers happy and your campground looking great.  Shop our kayak racks online now. Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Contact us for a custom canoe storage rack built to the exact needs of your campground.

Best Kayak Rack for City, Town or Village

Heavy Duty Kayak Storage Rack

Kayaking and canoeing are popular pastimes. A great way for cities and towns to get in on this trend and increase the usage of their parks and lakes is by offering kayak, canoe and standup paddleboard rental. If purchasing and maintaining a fleet of kayaks is not in your city plan or budget, another option is to offer storage rental for residents with their own equipment.

Why Log Kayak Racks are Great for Cities, Towns & Villages

Finding kayak storage for your city, town or village is not always easy. You’ll want durable, commercial-grade storage that can handle heavy use. More than likely, you won’t want to deal with a lot of maintenance, and you’ll probably want to offer convenient, outdoor lakeside storage.

Log Kayak Rack offers durable and practical storage racks for kayaks, canoes and SUP. We even offer several styles that can hold up to 24 kayaks. But what makes them so perfect for cities and towns?

Weather Resistant for Outdoor Use

Our kayak racks are constructed from Northern White Cedar, which is rated best for weather resistance. Whether stained or left to weather, your kayak rack will last for many years.

Strong & Durable Storage

We use 2-inch mortise and tenon joinery, plus glue and galvanized screws for an even stronger finished product. Each rack is commercial-grade, able to support up to 100lbs on each arm for even the heaviest kayaks, canoes and SUPs.

Easy to Use

The racks are designed to make it easy for even unfamiliar users to lift the kayak or canoe in and out of reducing the risk of damaging the rack or the city’s equipment.

Hold a Lot of Boats

We have kayak and canoe rack designs that can hold two kayaks and ones that can hold up to 24, offering neat and orderly organization no matter how many kayaks your city owns.

Beautiful & Practical

If you are like us and you love the great outdoors, you won’t want a kayak rack that stands out and ruins the view. Our cedar log kayak racks can be stained to match the surrounds or left plan. Either way the natural wood blends into the surrounds, adding to the beauty of your city or town park.

Exceptional Customer Service

Both quality construction and exceptional customer service are vitally important to the team at Log Kayak Rack. When you contact us with questions or concerns, we’ll be here to offer a solution.

Made in the USA

Log Kayak Rack offers quality constructed, American made, commercial-grade kayak, canoe or paddleboard racks that looks good, while also easily storing your equipment.

Shop Our Kayak Racks for Cities, Towns & Villages

Built for heavy use and the great outdoors, our multi-place kayak racks are perfect storage options for cities, towns, villages, and parks. Keep your city looking great and shop our kayak racks online now. Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? Contact us for a custom kayak storage solution built to the exact needs of your city or town.

Kayaking the Great State of Montana

Kayakers in Montana's Glacier National Park

Montana is famous for its national parks, rugged mountain terrain, alpine lakes and intriguing wildlife. One of best ways to escape the crowds and explore Big Sky Country is by kayak. Home to some truly fantastic kayaking, you’ll find easy floats, crystal-clear waters and even Class IV whitewater rapids in Montana.

Best Places to Kayak in Montana

Enjoy a summer paddle at one of these top kayaking destinations in the wild and beautiful state of Montana.

Glacier National Park Lakes

West Glacier, MT

A showcase of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, carved valleys, and spectacular lakes, Glacier National Park is a paradise for adventure seekers. There are over 700 lakes within the park. The most popular and easiest to access include Two Medicine Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake, Saint Mary Lake and Lake McDonald. The alpine terrain and glacier-fed streams and lakes make an extremely picturesque backdrop for a kayaking adventure.

Missouri Headwaters State Park

Three Forks, MT

This scenic park and National Historic Landmark is where the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers merge to form the 2,300 mile Missouri River. Travel along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail or camp the shores where they stayed on their epic journey. The park preserves the area’s abundant wildlife, lush vegetation and scenic beauty. There are many dams and reservoirs along the upper river, making long paddles more difficult. Below the dams at Great Falls, however, the river flows for 200 miles before entering Fort Peck Lake.

Flathead Lake State Park

Big Arm, MT

Kayak among mature ponderosa pines, juniper trees and spectacular views of the Mission Mountains on largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. The 28-mile long, 15-mile wide lake offers numerous kayaking opportunities. A favorite is Big Arm Bay, along the west side of Flathead Lake where you can paddle out to Wild Horse Island. Enjoy the abundant wildlife, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking.

Kootenai River

Libby, MT

The Kootenai River starts in British Columbia’s Kootenay National Park in Canada before flowing 485 miles into northwest Montana, through the towns of Libby and Troy. From there it flows into northern Idaho and eventually back into Canada to form the Kootenay Lake. Near Libby, Montana, the river offers one of the largest free-flowing waterfalls and numerous whitewater kayaking options. These include the China Rapids, a 30-foot waterfall and a gorge offering several areas of Class III and IV rapids. Surrounded by rugged, mountainous terrain and thick forests, it’s as stunning as it is challenging.

Milk River

Browning, MT 

The Milk River originates in Browning, Montana near Glacier National Park. It is a 729-mile-long tributary of the Missouri River and it’s named for its unique milky color. It is an excellent choice for a secluded paddle and offers a much different backdrop than the rest of Montana. The easy flowing river meanders through flat prairies and Montana’s badlands, giving paddlers a different view of Montana than the usual mountains and cliffs.

Montana Kayak Storage Racks

Exploring Montana’s diverse terrain that ranges from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains by kayak gives a whole new perspective to Big Sky. Make sure your kayak is ready for the many alpine lakes and mighty rivers crisscrossing the state with a proper place to store it. Log Kayak Rack offers cedar log kayak and canoe storage racks that are as beautiful as they are practical. They safely store kayaks and neatly organize shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Montana kayak storage needs.

Best Kayaking Destinations near Charlotte

Catawaba River

Charlotte is home to some of the best kayaking in North Carolina. From rushing white water rapids, calm lakes and scenic parks, there are so many beautiful places to paddle within an hour or two of Charlotte.

Where to Kayak near Charlotte, North Carolina

Stay in touch with nature and enjoy the city’s natural beauty with some of the best kayaking destinations near Charlotte, NC.

Latta Plantation Nature Center

Huntersville, NC

Paddlers from all around come to kayak around Mountain Island Lake in Latta Plantation Nature Center. Enjoy a peaceful paddle with unbeatable views, wooded banks, little coves and flat water. The lake feeds into the Catawba River. The protected waterway and wildlife sanctuary is a great place to spot blue herons and eagles. There’s also hiking and horseback riding trails.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte, NC

The U.S. National Whitewater Center offers comprehensive paddling programs for all levels of paddlers. The non-profit operates on over 1,300 acres of protected land encompassing Long Creek and the Catawba River. Their goal is to make whitewater kayaking accessible to all ages and abilities with guided rapid routes ranging from Class II to IV. Visitors can also enjoy white water rafting, rock climbing, zip lining, and tree top dinning.

Crowders Mountain State Park

Kings Mountain, NC

Crowders Mountain State Park is located about 33 miles west of downtown Charlotte along the Appalachian Trail. Inside the park is a nine-acre lake with wooded shores and views of Crowders Mountain and Kings Mountain. Crowders Mountain State Park is the perfect escape with quiet flat waters and serene views. In addition to sight-seeing and relaxing kayaking, visitors can hike one of the many trails to the summit or climb the vertical cliffs.

Congaree National Park

Hopkins, SC

Kayak through an old-growth forest that contains some of the tallest tress in eastern North America. Cedar Creek, in the heart of Congaree National Park, offers a 15-mile water trail through winding hardwood forests and swamp-like wetlands filled with native flora and fauna. Spot river otters, deer, wading birds and more with tons of inlets and creeks for curious kayakers to explore.

Rock Hill Riverwalk

Rock Hill, NC

Slow moving waters dashed with rapids makes kayaking down the Catawba River near Charlotte an exciting paddle for all. The Rock Hill Riverwalk offers both class I and II rapids on a chain of trails that follow the Catawba River. Enjoy the lush green scenery or fish from your kayak. Visitors can also enjoy biking and jogging along the river or exploring the historical landmarks and museums in Rock Hill.

North Carolina Kayak Storage

Charlotte, NC is a wonderful city to explore by kayak. Make sure your kayak is at the ready for your next North Carolina adventure with proper kayak storage from Log Kayak Rack. Our exquisitely crafted, 100% cedar log kayak racks are as beautiful as they are practical. They safely store and neatly organize shorelines, cabins, resorts and more, holding up to eight kayaks on their durable, naturally weather-resistant frames. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Charlotte kayak storage needs.