Free Concierge Service
    Text or call 1-877-GREET-WELL
    Ask AIAI
    Ask AIAI
    1. Local experiences/
    2. Things to do in Saxapahaw…/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Kayaking Tours/
    5. Paddle a 5.5-Mile Whitewater Kayak Trip in Saxapahaw
    Why travelers choose Greetwell

    Curated by our team

    Every experience is hand selected and approved by Greetwell.

    Personal concierge

    Real humans available to help before, during, and after your booking.

    Intimate & authentic

    Including unique in-home experiences you won't find anywhere else.

    Easy booking & cancellation

    Reserve in minutes with free cancellation on most experiences.

    Greetwell

    Experiences that stay with you long after the trip

    Greetwell curates authentic local experiences and provides personal concierge support in over 500 destinations, helping you explore confidently wherever you go.

    About

    • Our Story
    • For Experience Providers
    • For Hospitality Partners
    • For Developers

    Concierge Support

    • Help Center
    concierge@greetwell.com1-877-GREET-WELL

    Safe & Secure Payments

    © 2026 Greetwell, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Privacy PolicyTerms
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Product image 3
    Product image 4
    Product image 5
    Product image 6
    Product image 7
    Gallery image
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2
    Gallery image 3
    Gallery image 5

    Paddle a 5.5-Mile Whitewater Kayak Trip in Saxapahaw

    Paddle Class I–II rapids from Saxapahaw to Union Bridge

    From$53/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    2-4 Hours

    Includes

    Kayak, paddle, PFD

    Highlights

    Run a self-guided 5.5-mile downriver trip with scattered Class I/II rapids, starting at the Saxapahaw Mill Race Paddle Access and ending at Union Bridge. You paddle a single sit-on-top kayak and call for shuttle pickup at the takeout.

    • Launch from the Saxapahaw Mill Race Paddle Access behind the main office
    • Paddle a 5.5-mile stretch with minimal development and moving water
    • Navigate numerous Class I/II rapids depending on water levels
    • Call for shuttle pickup when you reach the Union Bridge takeout
    • Climb stairs and steps at the takeout to reach the pickup area
    • Follow a staff safety briefing and basic whitewater instruction before you launch

    What's Included

    • Single sit-on-top kayak
    • PFD (life jacket)
    • Paddle
    • Safety briefing
    • Basic whitewater paddling instruction
    • Shuttle back to the Saxapahaw Mill Race Access parking lot

    Things to know

    This trip is currently not running due to historic flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal. Ages 14+ and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; single sit-on-top kayaks only with a 225 lb weight limit, and you must carry a cell phone to call for pickup.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to receive full in-store credit. No credit or refund for cancellations or no-shows within 24 hours.

    FAQs

    No. You paddle this downriver trip self-guided, but staff provide a safety briefing and basic whitewater paddling instruction before you launch.

    Plan on having some paddling experience. Staff cover basic whitewater safety and paddling, but moving water is more challenging than flatwater.

    Ages 14+ only. Minors must be accompanied by a parent, and anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

    Meeting details

    6079 Swepsonville-Saxapahaw Rd. Saxapahaw, NC US 27340

    Experience provided by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.
    Experience provided by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Reference #RQFSBE

    Sit On Top Kayak

    $53

    For 1 Person • 225lb Weight Limit • Minimum 8 Years Old

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    The staff here clearly makes this operation shine. Reviews consistently praise guides like Jacob, Ben, Chandler, Jason, and Evan for being patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Whether you're booking a solo canoe lesson, joining a guided stargazing trip, or taking their Quick Start Kayak Class, you'll find instructors who can read your skill level and tailor the experience accordingly. Several reviewers mention how welcoming the team is, even to complete beginners who've taken an unexpected dip in the water. The company offers both self-guided rentals and specialized tours like their Wildflower and Wildlife excursions or evening starlight paddles on the calm lake waters. The Haw River itself is a peaceful spot without motorboats, and the operation handles logistics smoothly so you can just show up and paddle. It's conveniently located near town and works well for families or anyone looking for a relaxing few hours on the water. One tubing guest felt frustrated by how much paddling was required to keep moving, though kayakers and canoers seem consistently happy with their experiences. The business recently dealt with hurricane flooding but continued serving customers throughout.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 3
    5/5

    Haw River Canoe & Kayak is a wonderful local business making access to river adventures possible with good equipment, clear instruction, friendly staff, and great values. We love their RiverQuest camp!

    Photo of Christopher Paul

    Christopher Paul

    November 11, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Haw River Canoe & Kayak is a wonderful local business making access to river adventures possible with good equipment, clear instruction, friendly staff, and great values. We love their RiverQuest camp!

    Photo of Christopher Paul

    Christopher Paul

    November 11, 2025

    Nearby activities

    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours

    Guided Kayaking Tour in Saxapahaw, NC

    From$42/ boat
    Thumbnail
    Canoeing

    Paddle the Haw River to Saxapahaw Lake

    From$53/ kayak
    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours

    Spirit Island Overnight Paddle-In Camping

    From$74
    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours

    Sunset & Moonlight Guided Paddle on Saxapahaw Lake

    From$42/ boat
    Thumbnail
    Tubing

    Haw River Tubing in Saxapahaw with Shuttle

    From$29/ person
    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours

    Saxapahaw Kayaking: Glencoe Dam Calm Waters

    $35/ person