Well, I did it! After months of planning and preparation, I paddled the entire length of the Yadkin River State Trail, more than 200 miles. Earlier in the year, Ward, the trail coordinator, a friend and mentor, shared his vision of organizing a paddle covering the full length of the trail. That idea sparked the beginning of an incredible adventure. By summer, we had an itinerary, a group of participants, and a plan. Suddenly, it felt real.
The journey was divided into two sections. We would paddle for eight days, take a short break, and then return to complete the rest of the trail. As the departure date approached, the excitement and anticipation grew. Like any major adventure, it brought equal parts eagerness and nervous energy.
Weather played a major role from the beginning. We started during drought conditions and were uncertain whether some sections would even be passable. Then the rain arrived, rising water levels and completely changing river conditions. Throughout the trip, changing weather, higher water, and occasional storms became constant companions.
Many paddlers joined for portions of the route, but only a handful completed the entire journey. Along the way, we shared campsites, meals, stories, and plenty of laughs. Family members and supporters occasionally met us with snacks and encouragement that always seemed to arrive at the perfect moment. Those small acts of kindness made a big difference during the long days on the water.
The first half of the paddle was both rewarding and demanding. We covered a significant portion of the trail, navigating changing river conditions and tackling the first of several portages. By the end of that section, we had already completed nearly two-thirds of the entire route. Reaching the midpoint felt bittersweet. We were proud of what we had accomplished, but we still had challenges ahead.
When the second half began, it quickly became clear that it would be the tougher portion of the adventure. The river widened into lakes, currents slowed, temperatures climbed, and multiple portages stood between us and the finish. Carrying boats and gear around dams often proved more exhausting than the paddling itself. Each portage required determination, teamwork, and patience. Yet every obstacle overcome brought us one step closer to the end.
As the final miles approached, excitement grew throughout the group. We knew the journey was almost complete. When we rounded the last stretch and arrived at Morrow Mountain, a crowd was waiting to welcome us. Supporters cheered, and after more than 200 miles, we finally reached the finish. It was an unforgettable moment and one I will always treasure.
I loved this trip. It was challenging, demanding, and at times exhausting, but it gave back far more than it asked. We experienced the incredible diversity of the river, encountered abundant wildlife, and shared an adventure that built lasting friendships. I would not recommend attempting a journey like this alone, but I highly recommend experiencing it with friends. Get out on the river, learn its story, and become part of it!
Special thanks to: Susan Sparks, Yadkin Riverkeeper (staff and board), Yadkin River State Trail, Get Outdoors, Upper Yadkin Outfitters, Easy Bend, Boone’s Cave Park, and Morrow Mountain.
Author Bio
John Sparks has been an ACA member since 2025 and is an active paddler who tries to paddle at least once a week. He has been paddling for years, but only in the past couple of years has he taken it to the next level. A volunteer with the Yadkin Riverkeeper, he does most of his paddling along the Yadkin River State Trail in his Dagger Stratos 14.5, and he also paddles whitewater on the Tuckasegee, French Broad, and Nantahala in his Liquid Logic Remix. John believes you can gauge how long someone has been paddling by how many boats they’ve accumulated. He’s six boats in and always looking over his shoulder for another. In his words, “I love the connection to the water; I love the people who share the same passion and love for the water. We are water!”
This story is published as part of the 2026 ACA Story Project, a month-long collection of stories written by ACA members. Without opportunity, these stories wouldn’t exist. That’s what the ACA does. Through education, stewardship, competition, and club support, we create opportunities for paddlers of all abilities. Your gift helps write the next chapter. Help us raise $25,000 by December 1 for the next paddler, and the one after that.
