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overview
Looking for flat water river kayaking in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains on one of the cleanest rivers in the state? Book today with NCOA for a one-of-a-kind, Blue Ridge Mountain experience! We have several kayaks for you including, the Mini-Cat Tube/Boat Vessel, Fishing Oar boats, Inflatable kayaks, Youth Kayaks, and a 3-person Canoe!
The Toe River is one of the USA’s last free flowing rivers and is also a world class trout stream. We boast views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with NO CROWDS and a unique experience to see wildlife including eagles, osprey, deer and perhaps even a hellbender! Seasonally you can see the monarch butterfly migration and rhododendron blooms along the river’s banks.
Who:
No experience, no problem! Beginner kayaking! Kids 3-5 years old must be in the boat with an adult. Your cooler must fit under a van seat or in your lap, if not it will not be allowed. Cooler tubes are rated for 40 pounds.
PFDs (i.e. life jackets) are provided and required. Shoes are required on all guests and flip flops are not recommended and will wash off your feet! All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult!
When & Where:
Trips meet at the NCOA River Outpost (link) at 1173 Whitson Branch Rd, Bakersville NC. Kayak rentals Start April 1st and run through September/October and run hourly from 10 AM – 2 PM. Any adventure trip necessities can be purchased at our river outpost and store.
We encourage guests to book in advance & earlier in the day. Generally, folks recreating earlier in the day avoid those summer popup storms (best times 10am-12pm)! Booking in advance allows us to pack floats before guest arrival and creates a better customer experience with less wait time for guests waiting to get on and off the water.
2025 HELENE UPDATE: ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED THIS YEAR, SORRY! We are unable to staff the outpost in hopes of Walk-ins due to post Hurricane Recovery rebuilding efforts. Most businesses in the area are down in revenue 50+% or more. We will TRY TO accommodate walk-ins but please note you might have to wait a bit to get on a scheduled time slot or the office could be closed if we have no bookings scheduled.
Update Hurricane Helene 2025: We have a 2-3 hour float this year, depending on water levels for our kayaking. Our takeout 1, 2, & 3 literally washed away. The areas are still recovering so we have a new take-out location.
Most: FAQ
Is the river safe after the storm? Yes, the river is safe along the sections we are operating. We have had the water and soil tested and it has tested safe for recreation. We have cleared or marked most surface hazards and trash from our river sections as well.
Here are a few safety tips to stay extra safe when recreating in open bodies of water:
*Wear shoes. This year NO sandals or flip flops, period! Protect your feet folks. We experienced a 1000-year flood in September 2024 so foot protection in our waterways is crucial. We sell river shoes!
*Shower after recreation
*Don’t get in with open wounds etc
*Check swimguide.org and other area info for safe swim reports!
Cost:
Includes boat, PFD and round-trip shuttle.
Pricing charts
| Name | Rate |
| Inflatable Kayak & SUP | $58 |
| Mini-Cat: Catamaran inflatable for kids/adults/ mobility challenged/heavier individuals | $55 |
| Fishing Oar Raft: Inflatable | $100 |
| Fishing Canoe: sits 3 people | $125 |
| Cooler Tube | $20 |
| Ride along child under 75 lbs | $25 |
| Inflatable kayak youth/small adult | $58 |
| Tandem 2- person ducky: | $110 |
| RAFT seats 6 adults: (not available 2025 Due to Helene) | $250 |
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