Best Places To Kayak In The USA– A Comprehensive Guide
The United States of America is home to some of the world’s most varied topographies, including grasslands, woods, mountains, and deserts. In addition to that, there is a large shoreline that may be explored.
Because there is so much land to discover in the United States, it may be challenging to narrow down your research for the greatest places to kayak in the country. Here are some of our top recommendations for your next canoeing or kayaking excursion:
Top places to kayak for beginners
Busse Woods, Illinois
First on the list of the best places to kayak for novices is Busse Woods in Illinois.
Busse Woods is a mature woodland area that can be reached quickly and easily from the central business district of Chicago. It is a 457-acre flatwater lake that is suitable for novice paddlers to practice on
You are never too far from a landing location if you wish to stop for rest because there are dozens of tiny islands and coves scattered across the area. Many picnic spots are also available, allowing you to make the most of your time by the sea.
Marina Del Rey, California
Because of its peaceful flatwater, ocean breezes, and plenty of services in the surrounding area, Marina Del Rey is one of the best places to kayak and an excellent choice for novice sailors. As you get the hang of your newly acquired paddling abilities, you may put them to use by kayaking around the protected waters of the harbor and checking out the different basins.
At Marina Beach, you can hire kayaks, and the water there is shallow enough that paddling off the beach is not difficult. Because of its bay location, the beach offers novice paddlers a protected environment to practice their skills.
Merrimack River, Massachusetts
The Merrimack River is a river that moves at a leisurely pace, making it one of the best places to kayak and an excellent choice for novice paddlers.
The path offers opportunities for recreation thanks to its verdant riverbanks and the presence of a secluded beach where travelers may take breaks. The Lowell boathouse has kayaks available for rent for anyone interested. And to be sure that you have the right kayak for rivers, you can check the perfect river kayak
Top Places To Kayak With Families & Kids
St. Regis Canoe Area, New York
This authorized canoe area in the Adirondacks has more than 18,000 acres. It can be a wonderful location for a canoe camping vacation with the family. Flatwater paddling may take you through various diverse environments, many of which provide isolated camping spots that can only be reached by water.
Trees encircle the region; within those forests, one may find a rich diversity of flora and fauna. You may hire kayaks and canoes at the St. Regis Canoe Center, which is also the location where you can make arrangements for guided excursions.
Manchac Swamp, Louisiana
Paddling across the wetlands of Manchac Swamp while keeping an eye out for local flora and fauna may make this area one of the best places to kayak and an excellent destination for an outing with the whole family. Because the water is so quiet, it is an excellent place for novice paddlers and younger children to practice their skills.
Alligators and ospreys make their homes in the marsh, encircled on all sides by gorgeous cypress woods. The bayou that provides access to the swamp has been given the status of a Scenic River.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
The Cedar Creek Canoe Trail in Congaree National Park is 15 miles long. It is a feature that makes the park one of the best places to kayak for families with younger children. This stream moves leisurely as it winds its way through the unspoiled wilderness. It is encircled on all sides by ancient forests home to some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States.
Best Kayaking Lakes
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a big alpine lake with abundant recreational options and a shoreline in both the state of California and the state of Nevada. With breathtaking mountain views in every direction and water as clean as glass, you will likely want to spend more than a day out on the water.
Both states have several parks, campsites, and marinas equipped to accommodate various boat launches.
Jackson Lake, Wyoming
The fascinating Teton Range provides a picture-perfect setting for Jackson Lake, which can be found in Grand Teton National Park and is encircled by the breathtaking landscape of that park.
Lake Powell, Utah
Lake Powell is bordered on all sides by the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, home to a few stunning landscapes in the U.S. The lake is a tributary of the Colorado River.
There are secluded valleys and bays to enjoy some peace. You will also come across many beaches worthy of a halt. On the lakeside, camping is permitted in any area.
Best Kayaking For Beautiful Scenery
Lake McDonald, Montana
This breathtaking lake in Glacier National Park is encircled on all sides by breathtaking mountain scenery sculpted by enormous glaciers many thousands of years ago. Gravel beaches allow for simple launching, and several campsites are tucked away in the gorgeous trees that run down the shoreline.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
An adventure like kayaking through Kenai Fjords National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list. Not only are you surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, but you also get the opportunity to paddle close to the Aialik Glacier. On this calving glacier, you can hear the sound of the ice sliding. That’s what make it one of the best places to kayak.
Napali Coast, Hawaii
Some of the most stunning landscapes may be seen along the Napali Coast, situated on the Kauai island in the Hawaiian Islands. Launch your kayak in Haena Beach Park and paddle along the sheltered coastline, which is well-known for the rocky and tall cliffs that flank it.
Best Places to Kayak For Fun Adventures
Rio Grande, Texas
Paddling the Rio Grande, an amazing river that flows through gorges along the border of the United States and Mexico may be an incredible experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. You may take a day excursion paddling your kayak up and down the treacherous Santa Elena Canyon, or you can go on a multi-day journey paddling your kayak down the Boquillas Canyon.
There is a kayak rental shop in the adjacent town of Terlingua.
Hells Canyon, Idaho
With a depth of over 8,000 feet, Hells Canyon is the river gorge considered the deepest in North America. You will be able to experience some of the greatest whitewater in Idaho if you paddle through the canyon on the Wild and Scenic Snake River. In addition, you will be treated to breathtaking beauty as you make your way through the uninhabited wilderness. Camping by the river adds to the excitement of the trip.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
It is possible to have an experience that will last a lifetime when kayaking through the Grand Canyon along the Mighty Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is among the most well-known natural landscapes in the United States.
The river has a lot of whitewater and Class IV and Class V rapids, so this is not an expedition for people just starting out with outdoor activities.
Best Kayak Fishing Locations
Lake Toho, Florida
Lake Toho is perhaps one of the most famous bass lakes in the world because it is home to the largest bass in the world. Regularly, competitions for bass fishing are organized at Lake Toho. The lake encompasses a total area of 23,000 acres of flatwater. It is home to a large number of wading birds and alligators.
There is a boat ramp and marina located on the northern banks of the lake, which makes it quite accessible from the downtown area of Kissimmee.
Lake Champlain, Vermont
There is a consensus among anglers that Lake Champlain is one of the best places to kayak in the U.S for bass fishing. This massive lake is home to over 90 distinct species of fish, many of which are popular angling targets. These fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and many more.
A number of entry sites make launching a boat simple, and state parks, animal refuges, and islands provide lovely scenery. Kill Kare State Park provides kayak rentals and a launch.
Willamette River, Oregon
The Willamette River is considered as one of the best places to kayak it can be among the most productive rivers in the Pacific Northwest for salmon fishing. Before joining the Columbia River, the river winds its way through the heart of Portland.
This river is perhaps most famous for the Chinook salmon that it spawns in the spring. The area just below Willamette Falls is often a good choice. Launching on the Clackamette River will provide you with convenient access to the Willamette River and extra opportunities to fish for salmon on the Clackamette.
Conclusion
There are a couple of factors you must consider when picking the best places to kayak. These include your current skill level, the type of water you’ll be on, and whether you want to have the option of doing other things, like fishing or camping.
Still, these locations stand out as the best choices in the US.
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Stay safe and have fun.
