THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend two hours paddling calm water on Lake Hickory with single/double kayaks or SUPs, all safety gear included. Finish the outing with a scoop of ice cream—an affordable, family‑friendly way to experience the Catawba River.
Spend two hours paddling calm water on Lake Hickory with single/double kayaks or SUPs, all safety gear included. Finish the outing with a scoop of ice cream—an affordable, family‑friendly way to experience the Catawba River.
Book with Lake Hickory Pub and Marina
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Lake Hickory Pub and Marina · Hickory, North Carolina
On glassy mornings at Lake Hickory, just east of downtown Hickory, North Carolina, you can trade traffic for a paddle and a scoop of ice cream. Pick Your Paddle and Scoop is a two‑hour experience that puts single and double kayaks and paddleboards into calm water on an impoundment of the Catawba River. For $25 the outing includes safety gear, basic instruction, a guided or self‑guided paddle option, and — unusually — a scoop of ice cream to reward your effort. Most of the route hugs the shoreline where low wooded coves give way to open water; expect gentle wakes, rock outcrops along pocket beaches, and shoreline trees that funnel migrating songbirds. On any trip you might spot great blue herons stalk the shallows, painted turtles sunning on logs, and white‑tailed deer drinking at the water’s edge. The lake’s placid surface and sheltered inlets make it an ideal introduction to paddling for families, new paddlers, or anyone wanting a short, restorative escape without a long commitment. Logistics are refreshingly simple: the program runs roughly 75–120 minutes on the water, and the gear provided covers paddles, boards, and life jackets. The experience makes a convenient afternoon add‑on for visitors staying in Hickory or travelers exploring the broader Catawba Valley. Because the route stays close to shore, conditions are forgiving — but guests should still expect variable wind, passing boat traffic, and changing temperatures through the seasons. Why this little trip stands out is its mix of low‑barrier access and local character. On many southeastern lakes paddling offerings are either full‑day rentals or high‑cost guided trips; this format lets you get a proper waterborne taste of Lake Hickory, then dry off with a scoop from a local shop. It’s social, affordable, and flexible: singles, doubles, and SUPs let couples or families mix gear, and the short duration fits into a half‑day itinerary. Insider advice: aim for early morning light to avoid afternoon breezes and capture reflections; bring water shoes and a small dry bag for essentials. Whether you’re easing into paddling for the first time, looking for a gentle workout, or planning a casual outing with kids, the Pick Your Paddle and Scoop offering is an easy, memorable way to experience this stretch of the Catawba River. At $25 per person the trip is a low‑cost way to add an outdoor highlight to a weekend in Hickory; the fee covers life jackets and paddles, simplifying packing and letting new paddlers jump in. Small children can ride tandem with a parent; inexperienced paddlers will appreciate calm water and on‑site staff who handle launches. Bring a refillable water bottle, a light windlayer, and a phone in a waterproof case for safety and easy logistics.
easy.
1.25–2 hours.
Light: suitable for beginners, families, and casual paddlers; basic balance and ability to sit for an hour are helpful
The $25 fee covers a 2‑hour paddle session, use of single/double kayaks or paddleboards, paddles, and life jackets plus a scoop of ice cream.
Age limits are not specified in the listing; small children can usually ride tandem with a parent—confirm at booking for specific rules.
The listing does not specify a meeting point; booking confirmation will provide exact check‑in and launch details.
Cancellation and reschedule policies aren’t listed here—check the booking platform for weather protocols and refund rules.
No prior experience is required; the calm coves are forgiving and staff assist with launches and basic instruction.
Accessibility details were not included in the listing; contact the operator directly to discuss specific mobility needs.
Lake Hickory is an impoundment on the Catawba River created in the early 20th century; the lake shaped local recreation and boating patterns.
Keep it clean: pack out trash, use refillable bottles, and avoid disturbing shoreline habitat to protect water quality and wildlife.
Lake Hickory Pub and Marina is a waterfront rental and event operator located on Lake Hickory in Hickory, North Carolina. The business offers a range of on-water experiences including single and two-person kayak rentals, 10.5ft inflatable stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals, a unique pontoon pedal boat, and a variety of pontoon boat rentals. Pontoon options include a 20ft Suntracker, 22ft Suntracker with a Mercury 115hp engine, a 25ft Crest pontoon with Mercury 115hp, and a 22ft Bentley with a Suzuki 90hp engine. Several boats accommodate groups from eight to eleven people, and specific rentals list maximum capacities and engine models in their descriptions. Lake Hickory Pub and Marina also hosts specialty events such as a Tequila & Salsa Tasting that pairs four tequilas with three salsas. Vehicle driver’s licenses and boater’s licenses are required where applicable; certain pontoon rentals require operators to be at least 26 years old. Equipment details and age or licensing requirements are included with individual rental listings to help renters prepare before arrival. The marina emphasizes safe, on-water recreation by providing clearly stated engine specifications, capacity limits, and license requirements. Located in Hickory, North Carolina, the facility connects visitors to Lake Hickory’s shoreline and provides varied options for solo paddlers, couples, families, and experienced boaters seeking hourly or daily rentals. Clear trip summaries and transparent rental details make it straightforward to choose an experience that fits skill level and group size. On-site pub services complement lake rentals with seasonal food and beverage options for visitors and locals.
Book with Lake Hickory Pub and Marina