At Greenridge Canoe Outfitter, adventure begins on the Potomac River, where the famous Paw Paw Bends wind through a beautiful, largely undeveloped stretch of the Appalachian landscape. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon on the water, a family adventure, a fishing trip or a multi-day camping expedition, Greenridge Canoe Outfitter makes it easy to get outside and experience the river.
The retail store and meeting point is located at 24 Depot Street in the heart of Paw Paw. Greenridge offers canoe and kayak rentals, shuttle service, camping equipment and guided outdoor experiences, all backed by local knowledge of the river and surrounding mountains.
The Greenridge Outfitters Store
Paddle the Paw Paw Bends
Canoeing on the Potomac River
The Potomac River takes on a special character around Paw Paw. Here, the river makes a dramatic series of horseshoe-shaped bends between steep, forested mountains. The C&O Canal towpath follows the river nearby, while the historic Paw Paw Tunnel cuts through the mountain just above the water.
From a canoe or kayak, the landscape feels wonderfully remote. Forested hills rise from the riverbanks, wildlife moves along the shoreline and the rhythm of the current sets the pace for the day. You don’t have to be an experienced paddler to enjoy the Potomac.
Greenridge Canoe Outfitter provides the equipment and support you need for an adventure on the water, with options for individual paddlers, families, friends and larger groups.
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Kayak and Canoe Rentals at Greenridge Canoe Outfitters
Get out on the Potomac and explore the Paw Paw Bends at your own pace. Canoe and kayak rentals make it possible to turn a day in Paw Paw into a genuine mountain-water adventure.
Camping & Overnight Trips
Tents provided by Greenridge Canoe Outfitters
Want to stay out a little longer?
Greenridge offers tent rentals and complete camp setup and takedown, allowing you to experience an overnight adventure without having to haul every piece of camping equipment with you.
Guided Experiences
Looking for more than a rental? Greenridge also offers canoeing lessons, guided fishing trips, group excursions and scenic hiking trips.
More Than a Float
One of the best things about paddling around Paw Paw is that the river is only part of the adventure. The C&O Canal and its historic Paw Paw Tunnel are just minutes from town. The 3,118-foot tunnel is one of the canal’s most remarkable engineering achievements, cutting directly through the mountain to avoid a particularly difficult bend in the Potomac.
You can spend the morning paddling the river, explore the tunnel in the afternoon and finish the day around a campfire. For cyclists and hikers, the C&O Canal towpath provides another way to explore the same landscape. The Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail climbs over the mountain above the tunnel, offering expansive views of the Potomac Valley before returning to the canal.
And just across the river, Green Ridge State Forest adds another enormous stretch of forest, trails and mountain scenery to explore.
Plan Your Potomac Adventure
Whether you’re planning a few hours on the water or a full weekend in the mountains, Greenridge Canoe Outfitter can help you build an adventure around the Potomac River.
Canoes. Kayaks. Shuttles. Camping. Fishing. Hiking.
All you have to do is decide how far you want to go.
Greenridge Canoe Outfitter
24 Depot Street
Paw Paw, WV 25434
301-707-4622
Reservations and trip planning are recommended. Availability can vary, so contact Greenridge before your visit to plan your route, equipment and transportation.
