Kayak and canoe enthusiasts, if you’re looking to kayak or canoe in Virginia, check out Franklin County.

Just 20 minutes from Roanoke, VA, Franklin County in southern central Virginia offers a variety of blueways, rivers and water trails. Flatwater, whitewater – paddlers of all skill levels can find a great ride in Franklin County.

Rivers in Franklin County VA include the Pigg River, Blackwater River, Smith River and the Roanoke River Gorge.

If you love whitewater kayaking, you’ll be glad to know that Franklin County has the Veteran’s Memorial Whitewater Facility. Also, the Pigg River Whitewater Park is partially complete and useable with additional park areas currently under development.

Find out more about kayaking in Franklin County and even more places to paddle in Virginia on our Places to Paddle in Virginia page.

If You Go…Let Us Know! Click here to send us a note about the Blueways of Franklin County Virginia and we may publish your report right here on BornToPaddle.com!

For more information on kayak and canoe events, please check our BornToPaddle.com Kayak & Canoe – Races & Events Calendar pages.

Looking for paddling locations in your state?

Search our places to paddle page for places to kayak or canoe for flatwater or whitewater.  Kayaking and canoeing paddling locations are listed by U.S. State

Here are some great Kayaking & Canoeing Races and Events for May 2009!

Washington (State):
Go Wild Kayak Event, Saturday, May 2.
Inside Passage Kayak Expedition: The expedition will leave from Gig Harbor, Washington and continue on all the way up the coast of Washington, through the islands of Canada, and into the ports of Alaska.

Reno, Nevada
The 6th annual Reno River Festival, May 8-10.
This festival takes place in the heart of downtown Reno at the Truckee River Whitewater Park. Some of the events scheduled are, most extreme whitewater competition, charity raft race, open free style competition and whitewater clinics.

Michigan:
The Bushwhacker 2009 May 16 – May 21.
There are three different races. Solo or tandem teams and any type of canoe or kayak can be used. These events will start at Lumberjack Park, Riverdale, Michigan. The park is located on the pine river.
The Bushwhacker Sprint is a 10 mile paddle down the pine river to Sumner Park. Rental canoes will be available
The Bushwhacker Cruise is a 40 mile paddle. Paddle down the pine river to the town of Alma. This paddle is for boaters that do not wish to do the full 150 mile race, but want to spend a little more time on the water than the 10 mile sprint.
The Bushwhacker 150, this is a 150 mile race plus 7 miles portage. This race is on the Pine River and the Chippewa River.

New Jersey
The 37 annual Toms River Canoe and Kayak Race, Sunday May 17, 2009.
This event is held annually on the Toms River from Riverwood Park to Huddy Park. The race course is 8 miles. Categories are men’s, women’s, solo, tandem, family, youth, experienced and novice. According to their website, there will be free transportation for you & your boat to the starting point.

Maine
The 2nd Annual Aroostook River 60 mile canoe & kayak race, Sunday, May 17.
Paddlers will put in at the Ashland Boat launch area next to the Ashland Fish and Game Club. Kayaking and canoeing down the river to the finish line located at the boat loading area in Fort Fairfield. According to their website, this is the largest river race in the State Of Maine.

Click here to visit our kayak, canoe races and events page to find the links to these websites and to find many other races and events that are going on all year all over the U.S.

Do you have a kayak, canoe and paddling event you’d like us to feature on BornToPaddle.com? If so, click here to send us the info using our handy contact form.