Dan River Game Lands Canoe/Kayak Launch

The Doctor

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to put in your kayak or canoe, the Dan River Game Lands launch is perfect: easy access, plenty of parking, and beautiful scenery. But the real reason to visit? Talking to Carl, the man who runs the place (or at least claims to). Carl greeted us as we unloaded our kayaks, leaning on a walking stick and squinting upriver like a man expecting something. “You folks paddlin’ upstream or down?” he asked. We said downstream. He nodded solemnly. “Good. Ain’t nothin’ for ya up there but secrets.” Naturally, we asked what secrets. Carl lowered his voice. “I been watchin’ that stretch for years. Something ain’t right. I’m tellin’ ya, there’s a German U-boat base up that way. Been there since the ‘40s. Still operational.” I thought he was joking. He was not. He pointed at some suspicious ripples and said, “See that? Periscope.” I looked. It was a turtle. The launch itself was great—nice gentle slope, water was clear, and the current was manageable. But as we paddled away, Carl shouted after us: “IF YOU HEAR A KLAXON, DON’T INVESTIGATE! JUST PADDLE AWAY!” We didn’t hear a klaxon. We also didn’t see any submarines. But honestly, Carl’s passionate belief in a secret Nazi U-boat base turned a simple river trip into an unforgettable adventure. Four stars because the launch could use a bathroom. Extra half star for Carl’s dedication to national security. Would I come back? Absolutely. Next time I’m bringing binoculars.

keith elliott

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Nice access, little muddy

Sean Leahy

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Great birding

Ava

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

This was pretty good we just went scoping out the waters around the area for me and a freind to go kayaking. This is pretty handicap accessible it has a ramp down to the water and a handicap space but their is steps to get into the water so it makes it a little more difficult.