NorthEast Kayaking Circuit

The NORTHEAST kayaking CIRCUIT

Figuring out the details of kayaking events can be a challenge. This is your one-stop shop for all the details you need.


Parking Pins - Google Maps for each event

Weather - Climate & link to local 7-day

Vibe Videos - In a short punchy format

Curated Links - Beta videos & relevant content

Event Time State
1 Tohickon Festival March: 3rd Weekend PA
2 Top Yough Race April: 1st Weekend MA
- New Haven Race (⎘) April: 1st Weekend VT
- Cuyahoga Falls Fest (⎘) April: 4th Weekend OH
3 Cheat Fest May: 1st Weekend WV
4 New River Fest (⎘) May: 2nd Weekend WV
5 Stonycreek Rendezvous May: 3rd Weekend PA
6 Spring Moosefest May: 4th Weekend NY
7 Upper Yough Race (⎘) July: 4th Weekend (of 5) MD
8 Deerfield Fest August: 1st Weekend MA
9 Great Falls Race (⎘) August: 2nd Weekend DC
- West Forks River Fest (⎘) Aug: 2nd Weekend ME
10 Lehigh Classic Race Aug: 4th Weekend PA
11 Beaverfest Rendezvous Sep: 1st Weekend NY
12 Gauley River Fest Sep: 3rd Weekend WV
- Moosefest II (⎘) Oct: Varies NY
- Holtwood Rodeo (⎘) Oct: Varies PA
13 Lord of the Fork Race Oct: 4th Weekend KN
14 The Green Race Nov: 1st Weekend NC
15 Bonus - Tallulah Releases Nov: All Weekends GA
Garrett Scott paddling oceana rapid
By Garrett Scott May 5, 2024
A great post-Green Race bonus to try to catch if you can.
Garrett paddling through a narrow slot in the river
By Garrett Scott May 5, 2024
It's the Green. 🦍
By Garrett Scott May 4, 2024
Most remote, under the radar, event I have been to. Absolutely worth getting on your radar.
surfing on the gualey river
By Garrett Scott May 2, 2024
Known as the largest paddling party in the world. Get your karaoke crew ready.
Cheat River Festival race briefing
By Garrett Scott April 29, 2024
Many runs to choose from for any skill class. Large river festival that is unique in that only half (or less) of people are paddlers.
kayaking augers falls at beaverfest
By Garrett Scott April 28, 2024
Let's GO! Most hype, great V creeks, and well-run event.
deerfield dam put in for kayaking and rafting
By Garrett Scott April 13, 2024
Fun class III run with boofs for days and class IV+ options.
Group of participants of the Top Yough Race
By Garrett Scott April 2, 2024
Grassroots event great for meeting advanced paddlers.
garrett scott kayaking over crypto rapid
By Garrett Scott March 23, 2024
Small event with big runs. Personal favorite.
Kayaker boofing on the tohickon creek
By Garrett Scott March 16, 2024
Short class II-III run with a lot of people. Great event to bring friends new to boating.
kayaking on a surf wave under the lights at stonycreek rendezvous
By Garrett Scott March 12, 2024
Stonycreek Rendezvous has the most chill vibes. Low key surf days and most family-friendly event.
Mass start of the lehigh classic
By Garrett Scott January 15, 2024
Small sized event perfect for the family and dog. 40min of exercise guaranteed!

Purple: Suggested events   Grey: Alternate events

The Northeast is a great place for kayaking and arguable has longer and warmer season than the West. One thing that is incredible about the kayaking festivals in the Northeast is that there is very little overlap between all the festivals. With a lot of hutzpah, you can absolutely charge them all! I manage to get to 12 of the 15 of them and ironically missed some of the ones closest to me! In addition to my recommended route in purple, I have also added alternative paddling events in grey but they tend to be on competing weekends. This circuit lasts 8 months starting with kayaking in March as the snow thaws in the Northeast and extends into the warmer Southern regions into early November. 


Good luck and god speed!

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