Day: August 9, 2024

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 … Read More “Paddle Through Paradise: The 15 Best Locations for Kayaking and Canoeing in the USA” »