Whitewater Kayaking

This half-day kayaking trip follows the same course as our popular Whitewater Rafting trip and is the perfect option for guests in good physical condition, looking for a more challenging adventure. White water kayakers get to explore Class I and Class II rapids (and sometimes, Class III) on this 7-mile stretch of the beautiful Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers near Harpers Ferry.

Kayak the river in a Duckie

Don’t be fooled by the funny name! Duckies are inflatable kayaks that seat one person each. The trip begins with a short flat water section on the Shenandoah River where you can practice paddling and steering before reaching the white water. No previous experience is necessary, and our guides will be available for questions, kayak instruction, basic paddling skills tips and river safety orientation.

Scenery & History

On your kayaking trip, you’ll be in one of the most scenic river areas in North America. On top of that, our guests sometimes catch sight of blue herons, ospreys, and once in a while, even a bald eagle! As you paddle downstream you’ll get to brave the drop at Bull Falls, and navigate the twists and turns of Lunch Rock Follies and the moody current of Mad Dog.

As you continue your whitewater kayaking trip, you’ll encounter Bull’s Tail, the Shenandoah’s mile-long Staircase, Mad Dog, White Horse, Hesitation Ledge, Roller Coaster, and more!

You’ll paddle right by the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and experience the section of the river that has the view Thomas Jefferson claimed was “worth a trip across the Atlantic”. You’ll then continue your trip on the Potomac starting at the world-renowned gap between Bolivar West Virginia, Maryland Heights Maryland, and Loudoun Heights, Virginia.

At the end of your kayak journey, ride in style and comfort with an ATV ride back to the top from our exclusive private take-out. If you prefer to enjoy a walk after your trip – no problem at all, and you will enjoy more of the gorgeous views as you finish your outdoor activities.

Combine a kayaking trip with a visit to Old Town Harpers Ferry WV and you can enjoy a great day of river adventure and civil war history combined! It all makes for an awesome day trip from Washington DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylania.

Included in your Trip

• Duckie Kayak Rental, Kayak Paddle, and Helmet
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device, sometimes called a life jacket)
• Shuttle to and from the river

Our River guides are there to assist from a kayak or raft.
No previous experience is necessary.