Kayking from lillington to erwin, NC

10 Mile Challenge

  • Activities

    Kayaking or canoeing

  • Duration

    10 miles; average 4.5 hours on water

  • River features

    numerous shallow Class I and some Class II rapids, a lot of flat water

  • Skill level

    prior paddling experience recommended

  • Age

    8+

  • Weight limit

    kayaks or canoes: 250lb/person




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Trip Cost
Prices are per vessel and include vessel, paddles, life jackets, return shuttle, and safety brief



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10 Mile Challenge
Kayaking or canoeing river trip


If a day of action on the river is what you crave, this is the trip for you! Expect to encounter numerous Class I, and several Class II rapids mixed in with lazy stretches of peaceful water. There are plenty of places along the way to stop for lunch or to just sit back and take in the scenery. This is a ten mile voyage down the river from our office in Lillington to the NC 217 bridge in Erwin, NC. Small groups of 1 to 3 canoes/kayaks should expect about 4 to 4.5 hours on the river. Larger groups should allow for longer times on the water. Our shuttle will bring your group, boats and equipment back to Lillington.


The typical water level in summer-time is low creating very slow currents! In general, the river is very shallow and the bottom is very rocky. There is a great chance your boat will get stuck on rocks. Rapids are also shallow and rocky at summer normal level. You have to paddle vast majority of this 10 mile section with very little help from the river's current. As river comes up, these conditions change.


What to wear

  • Dress for the weather with layered clothing if necessary, and expect to get wet.
  • Wear long sleeves or opt out for sunscreen.
  • Bathing suit is a great option in warmer months, but don't forget sunscreen!
  • Paddling booties or water shoes are great! You can also wear old gym shoes, or strap-on sandals, but no flip-flops!
  • Any hat is recommended.

What to bring

  • Bring plenty of water! Plan on taking one 12oz bottle of water per person per river hour. Absolutely no glass containers!
  • Sunscreen, unless you are wearing protective clothing
  • Nutritious snacks or a full lunch, especially for longer trips. You can easily fit a mid-sized coolers in our 16’ Old Town canoes. Small, insulated fabric coolers may be strapped to the back of our kayaks or paddle boards.
  • At least one phone per group.
  • Optional spare clothes for after the trip. We have changing rooms and spray showers available.
  • Water toys, cameras, speakers, etc.



Picture Gallery

Trip F.A.Q.

We strongly recommend making online reservations! It allows you to complete all the required paperwork online and it will speed up your check-in! That's also the only way we can guarantee the equipment you need.
IF YOU MUST CANCEL or reschedule your activity, please contact us at least 48-hours before your scheduled activity with your request. There are no fees to reschedule, and you are entitled to 100% refund, given the request is made at least 48-hours prior to the activity. No changes are allowed, and no refunds will be issued less than 48-hours prior to the scheduled activity.
IF WE MUST CANCEL your activity due to unfavorable water conditions or severe weather, we will reschedule the activity at your convenience without any penalties, either by offering a different activity or a different date. If you are unable to reschedule, you can request a full refund.
8 years old and up. For younger children check out Leisure Paddle or Easy Float with age limit of 3.
250lb per person for any kayak or canoe
We promote healthy living and healthy enjoyment of the great outdoors! Alcohol is not recommended to have an amazing time on the river, however if you must… Responsible, moderate consumption is strongly enforced. All North Carolina and Waterways laws apply and are closely monitored by local and Wildlife Law Enforcement. ABSOLUTELY NO GLASS CONTAINERS OR LIQUOR, it's one of the state laws!
You have to have at least one 18 year old individual in your party out on the water. Anyone else under 18 must have consent from a parent or legal guardian.
We offer 10% off for groups 12-23 people and 20% off for groups of 24+ people ONLY if reservation is made and paid online at least 48 hours before the trip. Contact us via phone or email to request a large group discount code that we set up just for your group. You can make as many separate online reservations as needed depending on how many people are paying. Be sure to complete waiver forms online!
Yes! We offer 10% discount for military, EMS, Fire, Police and Teachers. Use Promo Code "service" when making your online reservations. Be sure to have your military or relevant ID when checking in.
The trip can be ended early only at a 2-mile mark. After that you are committed to 8 more river miles before the next take-out.
Yes, we do! We accept all major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
There are no gators or sharks, but there are water snakes. They are mostly non-aggressive type, but we ask you to respect wildlife and keep your distance. Checking your surroundings while on water goes a long way. Any incidents with wildlife are extremely rare and generally it is a unique experience to spot any wildlife while out on the river!
Dogs are allowed but not recommended. If your furry friend has never been in a boat, you might find yourself fighting to keep your pup onboard instead of enjoying the day ;) Only dogs with prior boating experience are allowed on 10 Mile Challenge and Epic Overnight.
1 person per single kayak; 2 people per tandem kayak; 2 people per canoe. No riders in canoe allowed on this trip.
Canoes have plenty of storage. You can bring a cooler, backpack or other accessories. Kayaks however, have more limited storage. A smaller backpack or small cooler will fit ok, but not much more than that.
Maybe! The river is an unpredictable environment and there is always a possibility of capsizing. You must be prepared for it, dress and gear up accordingly.
Yes. But 10 Mile Challenge is much more physically demanding trip. While we can show you basic paddling concepts, you still have to do all the work covering 10 miles!
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