The water clouds as a group of teenagers step into the Tar River and disturbs the silty bottom with their sandaled feet. The party makes a clumsy, splashing entry with their sea green kayaks on an otherwise serene morning. A cacophony of laughs echoes across the smooth water, a canopy of green overhangs on both banks of the river stretched before them. The group is ready for their three-and-a-half-mile paddle down the Tar River in Nash County.
Under an hour from Raleigh and easily accessible via U.S. Route 64 or I-95, the Tar River is a convenient destination for day paddlers in central North Carolina. It winds through several small towns, though once on it, you can't tell you're close to anything but nature. Paddlers venture here for peace from urban pressures, all within a short drive from home.
"Typically, it's about a two-hour kayak trip," said Megan Greer, manager at Tar River Life, an outfitter that has been running trips on the river since 2014. "There are plenty of sandbars and rocks where paddlers can land and play. And, depending on the recent amount of rain, the river could be swift or slow."
Great for beginners, this stretch of the Tar River is easy to navigate on a self-guided tour. Tar River Life makes it even easier. Peruse their website for the trip that best suits your group--the Tar River Paddle Trail being one of the most popular--and book online the day that works best. On the day of, show up at the Tar River Life headquarters, park, and check-in.
"We give all our paddlers a rundown of the river that day, fit them with a life vest, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or tube," said Greer.
Day trippers then pile on the shuttle bus for a quick 10-minute ride up the river, where the staff helps them launch. Once on the water, the river is wide and ripe for exploring.
Rundown short rapids. Bank upon the shore and swim. Launch off rocks and splash into the cool river waters. Float through the woods and under railroad bridges. Relax and keep your eyes out for river creatures.
"There's a ton of wildlife to see on the trip," said Greer. "Turtles, river otters, fish. And people have reported seeing all kinds of birds like bald eagles and cranes."
Tar River Life also offers a shorter trip with a shuttle from and to Rocky Mount Mills (call or email to make a reservation). Right by River and Twine Tiny House Hotel, the staff checks the group in for the day and shuttles them seven minutes upriver to the launch point. A one-hour trip, this paddle is great for folks who are staying at River and Twine or want a briefer river experience. Tubes and stand-up paddleboards are also available to rent in addition to kayaks. After the paddle is over, the staff helps the group off the river and shuttles them the short ride back to Rocky Mount Mills, where paddlers may recharge at one of the myriad restaurants and breweries.
Craft beer fans can mark several new varieties off their list with a visit to Goat Island Bottle Shop and Koi Pond Brewing Company. Many choose to unwind with a beer flight and a bite at TBC West Taproom and Tacos. Teens can refuel and relax on the deck of Tipsy Tomato with a brick oven pizza.
"People enjoy doing their own thing," said Greer. "We're always happy to give advice, but the great thing about the Tar is how easy it is to play out there and make your own day."
Reserve your paddle trip:
Tar River Outfitters
919-496-9237