1. Jamestown Island - Williamsburg VA - Ramp launch at private marina (Master Marina see Map 1 in the photo gallery)- very small fee and plenty of parking. Photo gallery with full screen slideshow Paddle out of the marina under a concrete bridge and then under the bridge to the island out into the bay. Turn right toward old Jamestown and see the "square sail" ships in the harbor. Amazing trip. This is a must do!! We followed a Bald Eagle around the island and shot several pictures...they are in the photo gallery. We landed on Black Point and took a short break. There are pics of the Flagships on the beach. The trip is 11 miles around the island. The water in the bay was calm and the wakes from the ferries were mild. There was little power boat traffic the day we went, but the return around the inland side of the island has blind corners in the narrow channel so watch and listen and stay to the side to protect yourself from high speed power boats.
2. Chincoteague - Osyter Bay - Assateague Lighthouse - ramp launch on Chincoteague at the municipal ramp on Fir Landing Rd. off of Deep Hole rd. - pay a small fee at the community center/Police station at 6150 Community Rd. There is not a lot of parking at the ramp so get there early. Photo gallery with full screen slideshow This is a beatiful trip and combined with some biking or hiking makes a great weekend get away. Ride your bike on a paved trail from downtown to the lighthouse and to the beach along the Atlantic. *** GO TO Chincoteague for a weekend outing...you won't regret it..Hotels abound and are reasonable. Lots of places to eat and all in walking/biking range. You can take several kayak trips around Oyster Bay and Toms Cove or maybe into open water if you are equiped to cross the surf.
3. Smith Mountain Lake Virginia - small launch fee at State Park ramp - Photo gallery with full screen slideshow - Jewel of Viginia - Beautiful mountain setting with abundant wildlife. Go early in the morning to avoid the power boat traffic. Some sections of the lake are not as developed and may provide better kayaking during mid day. Camping and other state park amenities are available.
4. Virginia Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge - ramp launch - small fee - or a rooftop launch - Photo gallery with full screen slideshow Great wildlife viewing or take a trip to the lighthouse around the corner of the island. Go toward the bridge and then cross the bay. Currents can be strong so beware if you are not a strong paddler.
5. Back Bay Wildlife Refuge VA - beach launch - small fee to enter park - the launch is not the best, but doable...be prepared to get a little muddy. Photo gallery with full screen slideshow The water level was very low when we arrived and we elected not to go out, however we do believe this is an excellent kayak destination. Go to the Atlantic side to see the beach but no launching into the ocean is allowed in the park. Call ahead to ensure the Bay has water before you drive very far. The winds can evacuate the bay in certain weather conditions. Search the internet for park information.
6. Mason Neck Park - Belmont and Occoquan Bay - Photo gallery with full screen slideshow - Just north of Quantico - search the park on the internet for the address - Rooftop car launch area - $4 to enter the park - restroom and plenty of parking. Reasonably protected waters. There is a lot of power boat traffic on nice days. Cane Creek is a good option if the water is choppy or the boat traffic is too heavy...head north (turn right along the shore) after launching.
7. Lake Hartwell, South Carolina ...Photo gallery with full screen slideshow There are several ramps around Lake Hartwell and some parks as well. We launched from George Smith Mill Rd, right off I-85 on Clemson - Public Ramp - 24 hrs. - free, no facilities. Hwy (76) near Anderson, SC. We went early and the steam from the lake created a magnificent surreal environment as we cruised slowly along the shores marveling at the blooming foilage. This is a beautiful lake and the water level has recovered from the drought suffered from 2007-2009. Find a ramp or a park and check out Lake Hartwell while you're in South Carolina.
8. Jacksonville, North Carolina - New River....Photo gallery with full screen slideshow Put in and go left toward USMC Camp Lejune and Morgan Bay or right to go inland. There are alligators in the area and lots of wildlife. Travel to Wilmington, NC and tour the USS North Carolina Battleship and take your kayak, becuase there are several locations to launch in the area. USS North Carolina
