Last updated on November 16th, 2024 at 04:16 am
Are you ready to explore the USA’s most stunning waterways? From serene lakes to roaring rivers!! Our guide to the 15 best locations for kayaking in USA will take you on an adventure through the top spots for paddling. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced paddler, these destinations offer something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is one of the “best locations for kayaking and canoeing in the USA”. Located in northeastern Minnesota, BWCAW spans over a million acres of pristine wilderness, offering more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes. The area’s history dates back to the voyageurs, French-Canadian fur traders who navigated these waters in the 18th century. Today, it’s a paradise for paddlers seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Duluth International Airport (DLH). From Duluth, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to Ely, MN, the gateway to BWCAW.
– Nearest Medical Service: Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Ely, MN.
– Entry Fee: Permit required, fees vary. [Learn more]
Chesapeake Bay, Maryland/Virginia
Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the USA, offers some of the best locations for kayaking and canoeing in the USA. The bay’s history is rich with colonial exploration and Native American heritage. Paddlers can explore its numerous tributaries, scenic shorelines, and historic sites. Popular routes include the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and various state parks along the bay.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Miami International Airport (MIA). From Miami, it’s about a 1-hour drive to the park entrance
– Nearest Medical Service: Homestead Hospital, Homestead, FL.
– Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park is another top contender for the best locations for kayaking and canoeing in the USA. This unique ecosystem of slow-moving waters, mangroves, and sawgrass marshes is home to diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. The history of the Everglades includes efforts to conserve and restore this vital habitat.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). From Baltimore, various access points to the bay are within a 1-2 hour drive.
– Nearest Medical Service: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.
– Entry Fee: Varies by specific location. [Explore Chesapeake Bay]
Colorado River, Arizona
The Colorado River, flowing through the Grand Canyon, is one of the most iconic and included in 15 best locations for kayaking in USA. The river’s history includes ancient Native American cultures and exploration by Spanish explorers. Today, it’s famous for its challenging rapids and breathtaking scenery. Paddlers can embark on multi-day trips through the Grand Canyon or explore calmer sections upriver.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). From Flagstaff, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to Grand Canyon Village.
– Nearest Medical Service: Flagstaff Medical Center, Flagstaff, AZ.
– Entry Fee: $35 per vehicle. [Visit the Colorado River]
San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands in Washington State offer some of the best locations for kayaking and canoeing in the USA. This archipelago is known for its stunning coastal scenery, abundant marine life, and historic sites. The history of the islands includes Native American habitation and European exploration. Paddlers can explore the islands’ rocky shorelines, kelp forests, and encounter orcas and sea lions.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). From Seattle, take a ferry from Anacortes, WA to the San Juan Islands.
Nearest Medical Service: Peace Health Island Medical Center, Friday Harbor, WA.
Entry Fee: Varies by specific location.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a top destination for kayaking and canoeing in the USA. This park protects the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, known for their clear, spring-fed waters. The history of the Ozarks includes early Native American settlements and European exploration. Paddlers can enjoy the scenic beauty, caves, and historic mills along these rivers.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). From Springfield, it’s about a 2-hour drive to the park.
Nearest Medical Service: Mercy St. Francis Hospital, Mountain View, MO.
Entry Fee: Free.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border, is one of the 15 best locations for kayaking and canoeing in the USA. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. Lake Tahoe offers a variety of paddling experiences. The history of the area includes Native American heritage and development as a major tourist destination. Paddlers can explore the lake’s numerous coves and pristine beaches.
Mode of Travel: Closest airports are Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF). From Reno, it’s about a 1-hour drive to the lake.
Nearest Medical Service: Barton Memorial Hospital, South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Entry Fee: Varies by specific location.
Buffalo National River, Arkansas
As the first national river in the USA, it flows freely for 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains. The history of the Buffalo River includes Native American habitation and early American settlement. Paddlers can enjoy the river’s scenic bluffs, wildlife, and historic sites.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock. From Little Rock, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to the park.
Nearest Medical Service: North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Harrison, AR.
Entry Fee: Free.
Adirondack Park, New York
The park encompasses over six million acres of forests, lakes, and rivers. The history of the Adirondacks includes early exploration, logging, and conservation efforts. Paddlers can explore the park’s numerous waterways, including the Saranac Lakes and the St. Regis Canoe Area.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK). From the airport, various access points are within a short drive.
Nearest Medical Service: Adirondack Medical Center, Saranac Lake, NY.
Entry Fee: Free.
Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Maine
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine is one of the 15 best locations for kayaking and canoeing in the USA. This 92-mile-long river corridor offers remote wilderness paddling through forests and lakes. The history of the Allagash includes Native American use and logging in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Bangor International Airport (BGR). From Bangor, it’s about a 4-hour drive to the access points.
Nearest Medical Service: Northern Maine Medical Center, Fort Kent, ME.
Entry Fee: Permit required, fees vary.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the best locations for kayaking and canoeing. The park’s rivers and streams provide paddling opportunities with stunning mountain scenery and abundant wildlife. The history of the Great Smoky Mountains includes Native American heritage and early European settlement. Paddlers can explore the Little River, Abrams Creek, and other waterways within the park.
Mode of Travel: Closest airports are McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, TN, and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in Asheville, NC. From either airport, it’s about a 1-hour drive to the park.
Nearest Medical Service: LeConte Medical Center, Sevierville, TN.
Entry Fee: Free.
Green River, Utah
The Green River in Utah, flows through stunning desert landscapes. The river offers paddlers a chance to explore canyons, rock formations, and ancient petroglyphs. The history of the Green River includes Native American use and early European exploration. Popular paddling routes include the Labyrinth and Stillwater canyons.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). From Salt Lake City, it’s about a 3-hour drive to Green River, UT.
Nearest Medical Service: Green River Medical Center, Green River, UT.
Entry Fee: Permit required, fees vary. [Discover the Green River]
Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah
Lake Powell is located on the Colorado River between Arizona and Utah. This man-made reservoir is known for its striking red rock formations and clear blue waters. The history of Lake Powell includes the construction of Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s. Paddlers can explore the lake’s numerous canyons and scenic shorelines.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Page Municipal Airport (PGA). From Page, various access points to the lake are within a short drive.
Nearest Medical Service: Page Hospital, Page, AZ.
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle.
Nantahala River, North Carolina
The Nantahala River in North Carolina is known for its clear, cold waters and thrilling rapids. The river offers both beginner-friendly and challenging sections. The history of the Nantahala includes Cherokee heritage and early American settlement. Paddlers can enjoy the scenic beauty and excitement of this popular river.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). From Asheville, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the river.
Nearest Medical Service: Swain Community Hospital, Bryson City, NC.
Entry Fee: Varies by specific location.
Santa Fe River, Florida
The Santa Fe River in northern Florida is known for its crystal-clear springs, underwater caves, and scenic beauty. The history of the Santa Fe River includes Native American habitation and Spanish exploration. Paddlers can explore the river’s peaceful waters and numerous springs, including Ginnie Springs and Ichetucknee Springs.
Mode of Travel: Closest airport is Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV). From Gainesville, it’s about a 45-minute drive to the river.
Nearest Medical Service: UF Health Shands Hospital, Gainesville, FL.
Entry Fee: Varies by specific location.
Best Online Places to Buy Kayaking and Canoeing Equipment
When preparing for your paddling adventure it’s essential to have the right gear. Here are some of the best websites to buy kayaking and canoeing equipment:
REI – Offers a wide range of kayaking and canoeing gear, with expert reviews and customer service.
Austin Kayak – Specializes in paddling equipment, with a comprehensive selection of kayaks, canoes, and accessories.
Outdoorplay – Provides a vast selection of kayaking and canoeing gear from various brands and price ranges.
NRS – Known for high-quality paddling gear, including kayaks, canoes, and safety equipment.
Backcountry – Offers a wide selection of outdoor gear, including kayaks and canoes, with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on your kayaking and canoeing adventure across the USA. Whether you seek serene lakes, thrilling rapids, or scenic coastlines, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences on the water. Happy paddling!
