Whitewater kayaker with Cape Fear River Adventures in Class III rapids near Lillington, NC

Whitewater Kayaking

Whitewater Kayaking



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  • It is dangerous!

    River is an uncontrolled wilderness environment! At higher water level there are numerous dangers that can harm you or be life threatening.

  • Must be able to swim!

    You must be able to swim and feel very comfortable in water.

  • Prior paddling and whitewater experience strongly suggested!

    We ask you to have prior paddling experience and some experience in whitewater even if it was a rafting trip.

  • Good physical shape

    You must be in good physical shape. In particular, we ask you to be able to pull yourself up on a kayak in moving water in case of capsizing.

  • We are in Central NC...

    We are in Central NC where Piedmont meets Coastal Plain - one of the reasons we have rapids in this area. Depending on the water level there will be Class II+ or even Class III rapids, but there is also several miles of flat water paddling before the section with rapids starts.

Whitewater Kayaking
Guided whitewater kayaking river trip


Enjoy several miles of calm water in a secluded environment before entering the biggest rock garden of the entire Cape Fear River. Go through some Class II, II+ and possible III rapids (depends on the water level) in the second part of the trip. Get a glimpse of a soaring Bald Eagle or Great Blue Heron as you paddle on remote section of the Cape Fear. Use one of our sit-on-top self-bailing whitewater kayaks. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater kayaking while practicing your skills with a guide along your side.

Please note: Whitewater kayaking on the Cape Fear River is possible only at particular water levels, making it only occasional service that we offer. Typically, we see appropriate water levels in spring; however, sometimes the water will be high enough during other seasons. We announce when we are running rafts on social media and right here on our home page. You can reserve your spot in advance and we will contact you as soon as the river conditions are acceptable. Otherwise, this is a first come first serve option based on river conditions that day.


Things to know before you go!

  • It is dangerous!

    River is an uncontrolled wilderness environment! At higher water level there are numerous dangers that can harm you or be life threatening.

  • Must be able to swim!

    You must be able to swim and feel very comfortable in moving water.

  • Prior paddling and whitewater experience strongly suggested!

    This is not a beginner's trip! We ask you to have prior paddling experience and some experience in whitewater.

  • Must be able to perform self-recovery

    In the very beginning of the trip we ask you to capsize and than climb back in your kayak from deep, moving water. We do this exercise at least twice. You must be in good physical shape to be able to perform the recovery! If you are unable to perform self-recovery, or if our guides finds your paddling or recovery not sufficient, we will end your trip short at a 2-mile mark, for safety reasons.

  • We are in Central NC...

    We are in Central NC where Piedmont meets Coastal Plain - one of the reasons we have rapids in this area! Depending on the water level there will be Class II+ or even Class III rapids, but there is also several miles of flat water paddling before the section with rapids starts.

Trip Cost Prices are per person



We require day's notice for this guided activity
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What to wear

  • Dress for the weather with layered clothing if necessary, and expect to get wet.
  • Wet suit or splash jackets might be required in colder months; they are available for rent.
  • 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.
  • Spare clothes

Trip F.A.Q.

Yes, the reservations are required for guided activities.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your reservation, please contact us at least 24-hours before your scheduled activity. No changes allowed and no refunds will be issued less than 24-hours prior to the activity. If we must postpone your activity due to water conditions or severe weather, we will issue you a full credit valid to be used for an activity in the future. We don't stop operations due to rain in the forecast!
12 years old and up.
250lb per person for any kayak or canoe; 220lb for paddle board
No! Alcohol is not allowed on this trip.
Yes! We offer 10% discount for military, EMS, Fire, Police and Teachers. Use "hardwork21" code when making your online reservations. Be sure to have your military or relevant ID when checking in.
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. Frankly, that's where they live, they are non-aggressive type and they are more frightened of you and will try to stay out of sight.
Dogs are not allowed on this trip.
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.
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.
No! This is a very demanding trip. We require for you to have prior paddling experience and be a good swimmer. We'll teach you about the rapids.
Yes indeed! There are many dangers and unpredictable situations that you may encounter; however, our guides will do their best to steer you away from those dangers!
We use sit-on-top self bailing whitewater kayaks, Dagger Roam 9.5
Yes! You must feel very comfortable in water and able to swim up to 50 yards.
No! You will use a sit-on-top whitewater kayak with nothing that will trap you in!
We go as a group. It can be a mix of kayaks and whitewater rafts. There is always a guide that goes with the group.
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