THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend 75 minutes paddling calm coves on Lake Hickory, then relax with a beer or soda at the marina. A perfect short adventure for beginners and groups looking to blend outdoor time with local flavor.
Spend 75 minutes paddling calm coves on Lake Hickory, then relax with a beer or soda at the marina. A perfect short adventure for beginners and groups looking to blend outdoor time with local flavor.
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
Paddle & Pints at Lake Hickory offers a crisp 75-minute guided kayak tour that pairs a scenic paddle with a cold beer or soda at the finish. Located on Lake Hickory in Hickory, North Carolina, this short-but-satisfying outing is ideal for visitors who want on-water time without committing to a full-day expedition. The guided route moves through the lake’s tree-lined coves and along the rocky shorelines of this Catawba River reservoir, giving paddlers calm water, open sightlines, and easy launches directly from the marina. The program includes kayak, basic instruction, and a 75min guided paddle. After the paddle participants return to the dock for a choice of beer or soda of your choice—an uncomplicated, social way to close out a micro-adventure. Guides keep groups approachable for mixed abilities, offering fundamentals on stroke technique, steering, and basic boat handling so newcomers gain confidence while more experienced paddlers can focus on scenery and conversation. What makes Paddle & Pints a standout in the Hickory recreation scene is its approachable format and location. Lake Hickory’s low-swell waters and broad coves make it forgiving for first-timers, while the marina setting provides quick access to land-based comforts: a shaded picnic area, dockside views, and room to dry off and change. This is a business that slots naturally into a day of regional activities—combine it with a riverside hike or an afternoon exploring downtown Hickory’s craft food scene. Expect wildlife typical of North Carolina’s Piedmont reservoirs: waterfowl, turtles, and songbirds along the shoreline. The geology is straightforward—broad reservoir flats meeting mixed hardwood ridgelines—so the visual story here is one of open water framed by green, rather than cliff faces or dramatic rock spires. Practical notes: the experience runs about 75 minutes on the water; wear quick-drying layers, bring sun protection and a water bottle. Reservations are recommended on busy summer weekends; the booking link on the marina’s page handles party size and scheduling. The outing is family-friendly for confident swimmers and is often used as a graceful introduction to paddling for visitors staying in Hickory. Safety is straightforward: life jackets are provided and the guided pace favors steady, relaxed strokes rather than sprinting or technical maneuvers. Because minimum age and group-size rules are not listed here, check the marina’s booking page to confirm any restrictions. Expect friendly local guides who can point out seasonal bird migrations and the best quiet coves for lingering photos. If you want a longer day on the water, ask about extended rentals or other programs available through the marina today.
Yes—kayaks and life jackets are included as part of the 75-minute guided paddle.
No prior experience is required; guides provide basic instruction suitable for beginners.
Minimum age is not listed here; check the marina’s booking page or contact the operator to confirm age requirements.
The tour includes a choice of beer or soda after the paddle; outside alcohol policies are set by the marina and should be confirmed before arrival.
Tours are subject to weather conditions; the operator may reschedule or cancel for safety—confirm policies when booking.
Parking is typically available at the marina, but availability can vary on busy weekends—arrive early when possible.
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