Some of the best kayaking spots in the world fall in the USA. Whether you love to kayak in calm water or love to go for adventure kayaking in wildly behaving rivers, you will find a place of your choice easily in America. Based on the difficulty level one experiences during a kayaking journey in a river, the rivers in the USA are classified in different classes, where class I is the easiest and class V+ is the most challenging one. Most rivers behave differently in different sections. That is why a river that falls under class II in one portion and offers an easy kayaking journey, its other portion might fall under class IV or higher and thus can be more challenging for kayaking.
Following Are Ten Best Kayaking Destinations In America:
1. Arkansas River
The 14000-foot Rockies on either side of the Arkansas River make it a wonderful place for kayaking. This is the 6th longest river in the USA and it starts from Colorado and ends in Arkansas. There are plenty of spots in its waterway where you can test your angling skills and have great fun. While you are kayaking here, make sure you kayak through the Royal Gorge as well for an exciting experience. The various portions of the river fall under the class range of class II to IV.
2. Colorado River
The Colorado River in the state of Arizona offers a unique kayaking experience mainly because it provides you an excellent opportunity to kayak through the Grand Canyon. You will get great scenic views during your kayaking journey. The lake kayaking, in particular, in the lake Powel can be a super exciting experience. The place around Colorado River is also popular for mountain biking and hiking. The river falls under the class range of I-IV for kayaking.
3. Salmon River
When it comes to whitewater kayaking, the Salmon River is an amazing destination for you. In the continental America, some of the deepest canyons fall in this region. Because of the magnificent scenic views it offers for kayakers, it is popularly known as The River of No Return. The river has been categorized in three parts for kayaking – Lower Salmon, Main Salmon and the Middle Fork. The lower and main Salmon falls under class III while the Middle Fork falls under the class range of III-IV.
4. Youghiogheny River
The 134 mile long Youghiogheny River stretches across Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. Whether you are a professional kayaker or a newbie, the river has got everything to offer you. However, if you are going for kayaking in this river for the first time, the slower side of the river near Connellsville would be a better place for you to start with. The river is popular for rafting and canoeing as well. It falls under the class range of II-V.
5. The Everglades
Located in the southern region of Florida, the Everglades is one of the most popular destinations in the USA not just for kayaking but also for canoeing and sightseeing. During your kayaking journey in this river, you can have great fun watching beautiful sea creatures and birds. Whether you are looking for a thrilling adventure or a peaceful journey, the natural beauty of the Everglades has everything to ensure you get a memorable experience.
6. Devils River
Situated in Texas, the Devils River is a great spot for kayak fishing. With its cove engulfed in amazing natural beauty, kayaking through the spring-fed body of the river can be a memorable experience for you.
7. Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is one of the most exciting destinations in the USA for kayaking lovers. The bay provides ample room for a great kayaking experience. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel which is situated in the Lower bay is world popular for kayak fishing adventure.
8. Eleven Point National Scenic River
Situated in the Ozarks of southern Missouri, the Eleven Point National Scenic River offers you an awesome opportunity to drift through in a relaxing manner. However, some portions of the river are more challenging and are suited for adventure lovers. The river is only 44 mile long but the scenic views and paddling experience it offers is something that you would always cherish in your memory.
9. Tyger River
The Tyger River flows through Sumter National Forest in the South Carolina. The waterway of this river is loaded with wild life and unique scenic views. If you are into kayak fishing adventure, you will find this place much more exciting. The various sections of this river fall under the class range of II to III.
10. Chattooga River
Situated partially in Georgia and partially in South Carolina, the Chattooga River offers fabulous beauty of wild nature during a kayaking journey. The free flowing stream of this river behaves differently in different sections which fall under the class range of III to IV. Therefore, whether you are looking for a relaxing or adventurous kayaking experience, the river has got everything for your taste.
11. Tuolumne River
If you are an expert kayaker with an adventurous soul, kayaking in the Tuolumne River can be a super exciting experience for you. For newbie kayakers, this river can be a very touch place. Situated near the Yosemite National Park, this river falls under the class range of IV-V+ for kayaking. The place is also popular for whitewater adventure. The scenic sights it offers during a kayaking or rafting journey is wild but unique and amazing.
12. Gauley River
The 105 mile long Gauley River in West Virginia is one of the most popular destinations in the USA for white water kayaking. The river gets connected to many other rivers on its way through and offers magnificent scenic views. Besides kayaking, recreational boaters come here for rafting purposes as well. The river falls under the class range of IV-V.
In the recent years, kayak fishing is getting more popularity than just simple kayaking and most of these rivers offer you that opportunity.