Visit Elizabeth City joins the Outdoor NC movement

 

Paddle the Heart of the Harbor

At Visit Elizabeth City, we believe some of the best views of our beautiful town are seen from the water. Whether you’re gliding past cypress trees, exploring winding creeks, or paddling along the peaceful Pasquotank River, there’s no better way to experience the natural side of Elizabeth City than from a kayak.

That’s why we’re proud to announce that Visit Elizabeth City has officially joined the Outdoor NC Stewardship Initiative, a statewide movement encouraging residents and visitors alike to enjoy North Carolina’s natural beauty responsibly.

Get on the Water with Ease

To help more people experience the joy of paddling, Visit Elizabeth City hosts a self-serve Kayak Kiosk at College Park (600 Southern Avenue). This convenient kiosk makes it easy for anyone to rent a kayak and launch directly into the calm waters surrounding our city.

With just a few taps on your phone, you can:

• Reserve a single kayak
• Unlock your boat and gear
• Paddle at your own pace
• Discover the hidden charm of our coastal landscape

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, our waterways offer an ideal mix of gentle current, scenic views, and quiet escapes.

Collaborating for Progress: Green Saves Green

Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at the shoreline. We’re proud to work alongside of Green Saves Green, a regional nonprofit dedicated to building stronger, greener communities. Through this collaboration, we’re working to promote environmental awareness.

From waterway cleanups and community education to encouraging low-impact outdoor fun, Green Saves Green helps ensure that our natural spaces remain vibrant and accessible for everyone. This collaboration supports our shared goals with Outdoor NC and strengthens our stewardship message by taking real action to preserve the resources that make Elizabeth City so special.

Why Paddling in Elizabeth City is Special

Elizabeth City’s location on the Pasquotank River offers a perfect launchpad for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here, you can:

• Watch herons and egrets soar as you drift past marshy banks
• Explore tucked-away creeks and canals that wind through our coastal plain
• Experience serenity just minutes from the bustle of downtown
• See historic homes and waterfront landmarks from a whole new perspective

After your paddle, you’re just a short walk or drive from local coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, art gallery and museum making it easy to pair your outdoor adventure with everything else Elizabeth City has to offer.

Stewardship on the Water

By joining Outdoor NC, we’re committed to promoting sustainable, responsible outdoor recreation. We encourage all paddlers to follow Leave No Trace principles while enjoying our waterways:

• Leave no trash behind—pack it in, pack it out
• Respect wildlife and habitats—observe from a distance
• Be kind to fellow paddlers—share the space with care
• Leave it better—if you see litter, help us clean up

Plan Your Paddle Today

Ready to hit the water? The Kayak Kiosk at College Park is available for use daily. It’s a perfect activity for individuals, couples, families, or small groups looking to experience the outdoors in a new way.

Visit our kayak rental page for rental instructions, tips for first-time paddlers, and suggested kayak routes.

We can’t wait to see you out on the water. Tag your photos with #PaddleEC and #OutdoorNC so we can follow along on your adventure!