Explore Virginia’s unique bodies of water by participating in the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest at one of 31 Virginia State Parks.
Virginia features a unique mixture of bays, lakes, rivers, and creeks, many of which can be found in Virginia State Parks. To help Virginians explore the commonwealth’s bodies of water, the Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program was established.
Here’s your guide to paddling your way through 31 state parks and earning prizes in the process.
History
Launched in 2023, the program was the brainchild of Sammy Zambon, a visitor experience specialist with Virginia State Parks. He drew upon his more than 40 years of canoeing experience (20+ of which he served as a canoe and kayak guide) to conceive of the program. The idea was to create a water-based counterpart to Trail Quest.
For those unsure of where to begin, Zambon’s top three parks for paddling include Caledon State Park, Kiptopeke State Park, and New River Trail State Park. Caledon is ideal for watching sunsets on the water, as well as eagle spotting, he said. Kiptopeke, with its concrete ships that form the breakwater, allows for excellent fishing from a kayak, and the scenery of the New River with its ledges and rocks is well worth the visit, he added.
The harmony between the water, boat, paddle, and paddler, Zambon noted, is what draws many to participate in the program. His hope for the program is that participants see the parks from a new perspective, as things look and feel different from the vantage point of the water.
Zambon encourages those interested in the program to take a ranger-led paddling tour because they’re able to provide knowledge and a unique experience that will make the visit memorable. Ranger guides provide experiences for those of all experience and comfort levels.
Participating parks
Although there are 44 state parks in Virginia, only 31 of them offer the Paddle Quest program.
The parks include Belle Isle State Park, Caledon, Machicomoco State Park, Westmoreland State Park, Kiptopeke, First Landing State Park, False Cape State Park, Chippokes State Park, York River State Park, Widewater State Park, Lake Anna State Park, Leesylvania State Park, Mason Neck State Park, Raymond R. “Andy Guest, Jr. State Shenandoah River State Park, Seven Bends State Park, James River State Park, Pocahontas State Park, Powhatan State Park, Bear Creek Lake State Park, Twin Lakes State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, Fairy Stone State Park, Occoneechee State Park, Staunton River State Park, Douthat State Park, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Claytor Lake State Park, New River Trail State Park, Hungry Mother State Park, Clinch River State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park.
The three parks Zambon mentioned are a good place to start if you need recommendations. Belle Isle State Park and Smith Mountain Lake State Park are also worth a visit.
Caledon State Park
Location: 11617 Caledon Rd., King George, VA 22485
Part of the Chesapeake Bay Parks group, Caledon State Park is situated along the Potomac River. The park only offers ranger-led paddling. Known for its old growth forest, it’s the ideal park for birdwatching while paddling. Keep an eye out for eagles, owls, and Great Blue Herons.
Plan to overnight at one of the waterfront campsites.
Kiptopeke State Park
Location: 3540 Kiptopeke Dr., Cape Charles, VA 23310
Part of the Coastal VA-Eastern Shore Parks group, Kiptopeke State Park offers access to areas of the Chesapeake Bay that were explored by Capt. John Smith in 1608.
Enjoy learning about the bay’s unique ecology. Birding opportunities are plentiful at the park, given that migratory birds have habitats along the Atlantic flyway. The park also offers two beaches along the bay, one of which is a half mile long.
The park has all three options, including ranger-led, rental equipment, and bring your own equipment.
New River Trail State Park
Location: 116 Orphanage Dr., Max Meadows, VA 24360
Part of the Blue Ridge Highlands Parks group, New River Trail State Park follows a 57-mile stretch of abandoned railroad right-of-way along the New River through four counties and one city in Southwest Virginia. While on the river, look for the 30 bridges and trestles that line the trail, as well as the 200-year-old shot tower where ammunition used to be made.
The park has all three options, including ranger-led, rental equipment, and bring your own equipment.
Belle Isle State Park
Location: 1632 Belle Isle Rd., Lancaster, VA 22503
Part of the Chesapeake Bay Parks group, Belle Isle State Park features seven miles of shoreline along the Rappahannock River on the Northern Neck. Visitors will find a unique combination of wetlands, farmlands, and upland forests that are home to such animals as osprey, white-tailed deer, turkeys, and reptiles.
The park has all three options, including ranger-led, rental equipment, and bring your own equipment.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Location: 1235 State Park Rd., Huddleston, VA 24104
Part of the Virginia Mountains Parks group, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is the commonwealth’s second-largest freshwater lake. After going canoeing or kayaking, cool off by taking a swim in the lake’s calm waters. The lake is also ideal for paddleboarding.
The park has all three options, including ranger-led, rental equipment, and bring your own equipment.
Getting started
There are three ways to participate in the program: joining a Ranger Guided paddle program, renting paddle equipment from the park and going on a self-guided tour, or bringing your own equipment and going on a self-guided tour.
Prior to your visit, you’ll want to create an account on the State Park Adventures page. Following your visit, you’ll record your visit by selecting the correct state park, the date of your visit, and the method you used to participate. The system will keep track of your progress and will provide email confirmations. Note that trips taken prior to the start of the program in May 2023 do not count towards the program.
Tips
New paddlers are encouraged to follow some simple tips to ensure they have a fun and safe time. It’s always recommended to wear a personal flotation device. Additionally, paddlers should expect to get wet even if they’re experienced because canoes and kayaks can overturn. Rangers can give you a good idea of what to expect while on the water so that you’re prepared.
Above all, though, Zambon advises new paddlers to simply have fun.
Participation perks
Those who participate in the quest are eligible to receive a number of perks. By paddling in five parks, you’ll get a sticker. A patch is given to those who paddle at 10 parks. Paddling at 20 parks will earn you a mesh gear bag. Finally, those who paddle at all 31 parks that are included in the program will receive a cellphone dry bag and a certificate.
