Canoeing, Kayaking, and and Standup Paddleboarding at Hickory Hill on Falls Lake

Canoeing, Kayaking, and Standup Paddleboarding at Hickory Hill on Falls Lake is a self-guided boat rental program that lets you explore the water without a formal tour guide. Staff members stay on the shore to help you launch and land, but your time on the water is entirely your own. Before you book, note that kayaks and paddleboards are strictly for one person. If you want to go out with a child, you will need to reserve a canoe, which fits two paddlers plus one small passenger in the center. The standard rental lasts two and a half hours, which is plenty of time for kids to test their stamina, though you can pay ten dollars extra during registration to add an hour. You must reserve and pay online before arriving at the Hickory Hill launch site in northern Durham. This is a smart weekend option because the Hickory Hill area is shallow and quiet, making it much easier to navigate than the busier, deeper parts of the lake. It is a reliable spot for kids to see large wading birds like osprey and great blue herons up close.

Last updated September 4, 2026