Big Canoe Adventures
Looking for a splash of fun and learning for your school class or youth organization? Big Canoe Adventures is your ticket to an unforgettable day on the water, where teamwork, nature, and a little bit of paddle-powered excitement come together!
What’s so “big” about them?
We’re glad you asked! Our 29-foot-long canoes can hold up to 14 people each. With two big canoes, that’s 28 paddlers on the water at the same time. It’s like a floating classroom, only way cooler (and wetter).
Who can join?
Just a heads up: This program is not for individual rentals. We’re all about group experiences; school classes, scout troops, camps, and other youth organizations, so everyone gets to paddle, learn, and laugh together!
Big Canoe Adventures is best suited for youth ages 7 and up. Whether it’s your 4th grade science class or your group of youth explorers, this program gets young people outside, working together, and connecting with nature in a fun, active way.
Why choose Big Canoe Adventures?
- A unique group bonding experience
- Safe and guided paddling in stable canoes
- Environmental education woven into the journey
- Builds confidence, cooperation, and curiosity
- Safety precautions include properly fitted life vests and expert guides.
Whether you're studying ecosystems, exploring local waterways, or just looking for a memorable group outing, Big Canoe Adventures is ready to float your boat…literally.
Where can I go on a Big Canoe Adventure?
Big Canoe Adventures can be done at the following parks:
Dismal Swamp › Falls Lake › Hammocks Beach › Jones Lake › Jordan Lake › Kerr Lake › Lake James › Lake Norman › Lake Waccamaw › Lumber River › Merchants Millpond › Morrow Mountain › Pettigrew ›
Ready to set sail?
If you're looking to have Big Canoes as part of your field trip, complete a field trip request form, and your selected NC State Park will reach out to the Outdoor Recreation Team to schedule it.
Looking to paddle only?
If your paddle will not be part of a bigger day of activities at the park, reach out to schedule your Big Canoe Adventure with our Outdoor Recreation Team directly by completing a Big Canoes request form.
Have questions before you want to schedule?
Check out our FAQs below. Still have questions? Email our Outdoor Recreation Team.
New adventures await! Let’s paddle together!
Big Canoe FAQ
Canoes fit 28 participants per rotation. If your group is larger, we can do multiple rotations during a trip.
Between 45-60 minutes, but longer paddles are possible if specifically requested and the weather/group conditions allow.
For younger students (3rd grade), plan for extra adult supervision on the canoes, as smaller groups struggle more in windy conditions. We cannot accommodate children under 35lbs (the minimum limit of our Personal Floatation Devices).
Absolutely! Life vests, or personal flotation devices (PFDs), are required to be worn by all participants at all times on the dock and on the water.
Dress for the season and daily conditions, and wear closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
Depending on the location, we may load from a dock or from a beach. Either way, be prepared to get your feet wet. If you have specific considerations for loading your group, let us know on the request form, and we will do our best to accommodate or make suggestions for the best location to schedule your Big Canoe Adventure.
Extreme weather can cause cancellations. If conditions are forecasted to be unsafe (thunderstorms, heavy winds, heat advisories, etc.), our team will reach out to your group 24 hours before your adventure to let you know that there is a possibility of cancellation and work with you to make alternate plans, if possible.
Nope. They are extremely stable, and if conditions do not allow us to be certain of safety, we will not take a group out on the water. Safety first. Always.
Yes. Your adventure will be led by experienced guides and/or Rangers that will walk your group through safety protocols, PFDs, and paddling. If weather conditions do not allow us to be certain of safety, we will not go out adventuring.
Sorry, no. They require an experienced guide to steer and are for groups/organizations only.
At NC State Parks, we love getting people outdoors and exploring, but the Big Canoes require a group to power, and our adventures are designed for youth groups and organizations. Most parks that offer Big Canoes also have tandem canoes and kayak rentals for smaller groups. If you are set on the Big Canoes, keep an eye on the events calendar, as some parks offer public programs throughout the year.
Nothing! At NC State Parks, we want all schools and youth organizations to have access to quality outdoor recreation programs. If you need assistance funding a field trip for your school, consider applying for the YIPEE Grant or the Learning Happens Here Grant.