THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Lake Moomaw’s pristine 42 miles of shoreline with a full-day rental kayak or paddleboard near Covington, Virginia. Experience quiet, undeveloped mountain waters perfect for paddling, swimming, and wildlife watching.
Discover Lake Moomaw’s pristine 42 miles of shoreline with a full-day rental kayak or paddleboard near Covington, Virginia. Experience quiet, undeveloped mountain waters perfect for paddling, swimming, and wildlife watching.
Book with Alleghany Outdoors
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Alleghany Outdoors · Covington, Virginia
Lake Moomaw, located near Covington, Virginia, stands out as a rugged escape for paddlers seeking a true backcountry lake experience. With 42 miles of largely undeveloped shoreline, this mountain reservoir offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in quiet water exploration, surrounded by forested hills and dramatic rock formations. Renting a kayak, paddleboard, canoe, or even a floating dock for the day provides an ideal way to cover more ground on water and soak up the scenic beauty this area preserves. The lake’s deep, cool waters are framed by cliffs and coves distinguished by dense hardwood forests, including native oaks and hickories that enhance the autumn color palette.
What makes Lake Moomaw special is not just its pristine waters but its solitude. Unlike crowded, commercial lakes, Moomaw maintains an undeveloped character with few facilities, drawing visitors who appreciate naturalistic settings. The rental operation located at 1903 Dressler Drive in Covington offers a seamless way to enjoy the lake without needing your own gear. Rentals include essential paddles, life jackets, and even a dry bag to keep belongings safe and dry. Unique to this experience is the option for delivery to Coles Point, enabling the start of your trip directly on the water with a convenient shuttle back.
Whether you choose to glide silently under clear blue skies or relax on the floating dock anchored in a quiet cove, the lake’s considerable size means ample opportunity to find private bays for swimming or picnicking. Anglers also appreciate the peacefulness here, and though fishing isn’t included in the rental, it’s a favored pastime given the variety of freshwater species.
This rental experience welcomes families, solo adventurers, and groups of up to 26, opening doors for shared adventure or solitary reflection alike. Its location approximately 15 minutes from Covington provides easy access to local dining and lodging, supporting a full day of exploration without logistical hassle.
Visiting Lake Moomaw also offers insight into a man-made reservoir completed in the 1980s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, created to control flooding and support local ecology without sacrificing natural beauty. The area is committed to low-impact, sustainable recreation, encouraging visitors to Leave No Trace.
For anyone chasing a genuine wilderness paddle in the Appalachian region, Lake Moomaw Day Rental stands out as an accessible yet remote experience, perfect for reconnecting with the water and woods on your next outdoor trip in Virginia.
moderate.
Full day (6–8 hours).
Moderate fitness recommended for paddling several hours and handling rental gear comfortably
Yes, multi-day rentals are available especially when combined with camping packages.
Deliveries can be arranged to Coles Point for an added convenience pick-up at 9 AM.
Yes, each rental includes life jackets that must be worn while on the water.
Rentals are available for ages 6 and up, making it family-friendly.
Fishing is allowed on the lake, though fishing gear is not provided with rentals.
Pets are generally allowed but it is best to confirm with the rental provider ahead of time.
Lake Moomaw was created in 1981 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and recreation.
The area promotes Leave No Trace practices to preserve the lake’s pristine environment and wildlife habitats.
Alleghany Outdoors is a full-service outdoor outfitter based on the Jackson River corridor that specializes in guided paddling trips, bike excursions, equipment rentals, and group camping. The outfitter runs family-friendly paddle trips on the upper Jackson River — including a signature 7.5-mile route with class I–II rapids that takes about three to four hours — plus shorter 1.5–2-hour family paddles. Rentals include kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with delivery and shuttle options for Lake Moomaw outings across 42 miles of shoreline. Bike services range from electric-bike tours and self-guided rentals to shuttle-supported rides along the Jackson River Scenic Bike Trail, including a 26-mile round trip and Cedar Creek shuttle runs. Alleghany Outdoors organizes multi-activity combos (bike+kayak, bike+tube), multi-day youth programs with camping, and special events such as river cleanups, volunteer trail maintenance, intro-to-paddling clinics, and Riverbank Music Chronicles. Facilities include a 28-person riverfront deck with grill and a manicured field for games, riverside restrooms, and primitive camping access for overnight stays. Safety and accessibility are emphasized through experienced guides, straightforward rapids for beginners, clear shuttle logistics, and equipment quality. Alleghany Outdoors supports responsible recreation and local stewardship by hosting regular cleanups and educational events. The outfitter’s diverse program mix makes it easy for families, groups, and outdoor clubs to plan tailored trips — from a relaxing float and sound bath to an action-packed day of biking, paddling, and tubing. Booking is available online, by phone, and through local visitor centers for flexible scheduling and group rates and seasonal guided departures daily.
Book with Alleghany Outdoors