CANOEING / KAYAKING

Canoeing and Kayaking with High Mountain Expeditions in Boone, NC

About High Mountain Expeditions’ New River Outpost

High Mountain Expeditions offers canoe and kayak rentals from its New River Outpost at 4391 Castle Ford Road, just outside Boone, North Carolina. This is the company’s dedicated meeting point for New River tubing and canoe and kayak rentals, rather than its Banner Elk location, which primarily serves its rafting, hiking and caving trips. High Mountain Expeditions has been introducing families and adventure seekers to the rivers and mountains of the region since 1986, so folks are booking with a long-established local outfitter rather than simply picking up a boat from an unattended rental rack.

The New River Outpost provides the boats, paddles, personal flotation devices, basic instruction and return transportation needed for the trip. Guests can choose from solo kayaks, tandem kayaks and tandem canoes, which makes the outing flexible enough for individuals, couples, families and larger groups who want to use a mixture of boats. The company maintains personal flotation devices for children as young as three, and smaller children may be able to ride in the center of a tandem canoe with their family.

What Makes the New River Paddle Special?

The New River is often described as one of the oldest rivers in the world, and this gentle section outside Boone gives paddlers a peaceful way to experience the High Country without having to tackle serious whitewater. The river passes through pretty Appalachian scenery, with clear, free-flowing water, wooded banks and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the view. During the warmer part of the summer, the water can also feel mighty refreshing when the afternoon sun starts bearing down.

This particular stretch generally ranges from about two feet to approximately eight feet deep and contains gently moving Class I and Class II water. That means there may be a few small waves, shallow areas or places where paddlers need to steer around natural obstacles, but it is considered approachable for beginners and families. The rentals are intended for children, parents and grandparents of nearly any age, making this a good choice for a multi-generational outing.

Another nice feature is that guests paddle at their own speed. You are not required to stay packed into a guided tour group or maintain a strict pace down the river. You can take your time, stop paddling and drift for a while, enjoy the scenery or work a little harder and finish more quickly. Depending on the water level, your paddling speed and how often you stop, the trip generally takes between one and three hours.

Guided or Unguided?

The standard canoe and kayak rental is an unguided river trip. Before launching, the staff provides a safety briefing and explains how to paddle, steer and properly handle the selected boat. After that, guests head down the river independently and serve as the captains of their own boats.

People who are uncomfortable paddling alone may ask about hiring an experienced guide to travel with their group. Guides are available separately and require an additional charge. Because guide availability and pricing are not posted as part of the standard rental rate, guests interested in that option should request the current cost while making their reservation.

Operating Season and Hours

Late May/Early June – Mid September

High Mountain Expeditions operates its New River canoe and kayak rentals during the summer season. The company’s published schedule says rentals begin daily at 9:00 a.m., with the final canoe and kayak departure leaving no later than 3:00 p.m.

Those times refer to canoeing and kayaking and should not be confused with the separate tubing schedule, which may begin and end at different times. Guests should arrive at the time shown on their reservation confirmation rather than assuming they can arrive at any point during the operating window.

 Operations are also dependent on weather, river levels, water flow, staffing and other safety considerations. Heavy rain, flooding, unusually low water or severe weather can delay or cancel trips, so calling ahead is wise when conditions look questionable.

Canoe and Kayak Rental Prices

The currently published rental rates are:

Solo kayak: $35

Tandem kayak: $65

Tandem canoe: $65

The solo kayak is designed for one paddler, while tandem kayaks and canoes generally accommodate two primary paddlers. A small child may be able to sit in the center of a tandem canoe, but families should confirm the boat’s passenger and weight limits directly with the staff before booking.

The published price covers the rental trip and the standard equipment associated with it, including the boat, paddle and personal flotation device. It also includes the company’s safety and paddling orientation and the shuttle ride from the take-out back to the New River Outpost.

Discounts and Additional Charges

High Mountain Expeditions does not presently publish a standard child, senior, military, local-resident or weekday discount for its New River canoe and kayak rentals. The posted price is based on the type of boat rather than the age of each passenger.

Large families, school groups, Scout troops, churches, summer camps, corporate outings and other organized groups should call and ask whether a group rate or custom arrangement is available. Special offers may occasionally be announced through the company’s website, email list or social-media pages, but guests should not count on a discount unless it is confirmed at the time of booking.

Hiring a private guide costs extra and is not included in the regular boat rental price. Guests should also ask whether taxes, online reservation fees or any other charges will be added during checkout, since the advertised prices may not represent the final total in every circumstance.

How the Trip Works

Guests begin by checking in at the New River Outpost outside Boone. After completing any required paperwork, the staff helps each group select its canoe or kayak and issues paddles and properly sized personal flotation devices.

Before anyone gets on the water, the crew provides a safety talk and instruction on controlling the boat. Guests then launch and paddle downstream at their own pace. The route ends at High Mountain Expeditions’ designated New River take-out, where the company provides shuttle transportation back to the outpost.

The total experience generally lasts from one to three hours, although actual travel time varies with current river flow, water depth, guest ability and how much time a group spends floating or stopping along the way. The sample itinerary may be changed when weather or river conditions require it.

Reservations and Booking

Advance reservations are required before guests arrive at the New River Outpost. Reservations can be made through the canoe and kayak rental page on the High Mountain Expeditions website or by calling the company’s Boone-area reservation staff.

The canoe and kayak page lists 828-202-7292 for reservations, while the company’s location page lists 828-202-7294 for the New River Outpost and Boone booking office. Either number may be useful, but guests should follow the phone number shown in their booking confirmation if the company provides one.

When reserving, guests should specify whether they need a solo kayak, tandem kayak, canoe or a mixture of boats. They should also provide the number and ages of all participants, especially when young children are coming, and ask about a guide at that time if one is needed. The most popular summer dates and departure windows may fill up, particularly on warm weekends and holidays, so booking early is a good idea.

Age and Experience Requirements

The published minimum age is three years old. Personal flotation devices are available for children as young as three, and young passengers may be able to sit between adults in a tandem canoe.

No previous canoeing or kayaking experience is required for the standard trip. The water is classified as calm, although it does include gentle Class I and Class II movement. Guests should still be comfortable around water, able to follow the safety instructions and prepared to help steer or paddle their boat.

Parents and guardians should remember that a minimum age does not automatically mean the trip will be appropriate for every child. A child’s swimming ability, comfort on the water, maturity and the day’s river conditions should all be considered before booking.

What to Wear and Bring

Wear clothing that can get completely wet. A swimsuit or quick-drying shirt and shorts generally work better than denim or heavy cotton, which can stay cold and soggy for a long time. Secure water shoes, river sandals or old athletic shoes are better choices than loose flip-flops that can float away or come off in shallow water.

Bring sunscreen, drinking water, a hat and any necessary medication. Sunglasses should be secured with a retainer strap. Towels and a dry change of clothing are handy to leave in the vehicle for after the trip.

Anything carried onto the river should be considered capable of getting wet or being lost. Phones, keys and small personal items should be stored in a properly sealed waterproof container or dry bag and securely attached to the boat. Expensive jewelry, wallets and other valuables are better left locked out of sight in the vehicle or at home.

Guests should ask before bringing coolers, fishing gear, pets, alcohol or unusually large personal items. Rules and boat capacity may vary, and bringing extra equipment can affect stability and available passenger space.

Important Things to Know Before Going

The trip begins and ends at the New River Outpost, but the river portion itself ends at a separate downstream take-out. High Mountain Expeditions handles the return shuttle, so guests do not need to arrange a second vehicle.

Because the experience is normally unguided, paddlers are responsible for paying attention to the river, steering their boats and following the route and instructions provided by the staff. Groups should remain aware of one another, particularly when children or inexperienced paddlers are involved.

River conditions can change from one day to the next. Low water may expose rocks and require more active steering, while recent rain can increase the current and change the length or difficulty of the trip. Always follow the outfitter’s decision if a trip is delayed, modified or canceled for safety reasons.

Every participant or a parent or legal guardian may be required to complete a liability and acknowledgment-of-risk waiver. Completing online waivers before arrival can help make check-in quicker. Guests should carefully review their confirmation email for arrival time, meeting location, cancellation rules and any activity-specific instructions.