Best Places To Kayak In The United States

Last Updated on July 18, 2022 by Ecorf

The United States is blessed with a lot of things, and beautiful sights of nature around water bodies is one of them. With a kayak, you can properly explore the deepest parts of these water bodies with ease. 

Without further ado, here is a list of the best places to kayak in the United States, as picking one for yourself could get you confused. There are just so many wonderful places scattered around this great country. 

Best Spots to Kayak in America

Colorado River

One thing you are sure to enjoy here on this river is that there a lot of miles of slow-flowing river to cover, giving you enough opportunities to test out your skills and exercise your upper body. This is because the Colorado River is the 18th longest river in the United States, flowing across 7 states. 

The class 1 – 4 rapids ensure that beginner ‘yakkers would mostly find this place rewarding and enjoyable. Where the river is gentle, the current slowly nudges you downstream. And where the river gets rough, get ready to do some adrenaline-pumping whitewater kayaking. 

On the first few miles, you would be surrounded by nothing but green vegetation. Going further, you would begin to feast your eyes on the beautiful scenery of sandstone bluffs and cliffs.

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Devil’s River

Don’t let the name scare you. As a matter of fact, this place is actually well known for its beauty, as opposed to the ugly image of the devil some people imagine.

However, the river isn’t called Devil’s River for anything. It is only recommended to expert ‘yakkers alone as there are quite a number of dangerous spots on the river. In fact, one would encounter some class 3 rapids here on the river. 

But the beautiful scenery of the two deserts that surround this river, Tamaulipas, and Chihuahua, clearly makes up for whatever danger it may pose. The only thing is that you might be too busy trying to maneuver around rocks and obstacles to drink in the view. You shouldn’t worry though. There are some places along the river where you can slow down and take a break.

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Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay, a massive 200 miles long river, is a popular spot for tourists. The fact that the river flows across 6 different states makes it easily accessible. The largest estuary in all of the States, it serves as a home to numerous wildlife and plant species.

The river offers rapids ranging from 1 to 3, so both expert and beginner kayakers can explore the river with relative ease. The beautiful sights that surround the river make any trip to the Chesapeake Bay worth every penny and every second spent. While you’re busy exploring the river, you can cast out your fishing rods and do a little be of fishing. 

Typically, it would take about 2 days, maybe more, to explore this river until you are exhausted. As a result, there are multiple places to camp around during your trip. Lastly, you don’t need a permit to enjoy the things the Chesapeake Bay has to offer you. Just set out on your kayak and be free. 

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Gauley River

If the thrill is what you’re looking for, if an adrenaline-pumping adventure is what you seek, Gauley River is where you want to be. 

If you are still a beginner kayaker, you should stick with dreaming and fantasizing about this kayaking paradise. The class 3 – 5 rapids are just for experts and experts alone. The rapids often occur when water from Summersville Dam released. And this only happens every year in the fall season. At other times, beginner kayakers are free to test out their skills on this river. 

There are other things to entertain you on this river when you are not busy maneuvering your kayak around whitewater obstacles. The serene atmosphere around the river, coupled with breathtaking views of the surrounding area are all enough to make this trip a memorable one for you. 

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Tampa Bay

The first good thing about this place is that it is far away enough from the hustle and bustle of city life. This makes it a perfect relaxation spot, far away from automation and machines in the city and closer to nature itself. 

Apart from the fulfilling kayaking experience you would be exposed to here, there are also more than enough beautiful sights to keep in your memories forever. Kayaking down the Tampa Bay, you will find alligators lying around, snakes going about their businesses, fish swimming underneath you and birds putting melodious tunes in your ears. If you get lucky, you might even find a dolphin or a manatee.

As Tamps Bay also serves as a great fishing spot, you would be spoiled with plenty of aquatic delicacies at the restaurants around the place. 

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Lake Tahoe

This lake can be regarded as the home of kayaking as there are many kayaking services being offered around the lake, including kayak coaches, kayak rentals and many more. 

One thing that attracts a lot of people to this place is the breathtaking view of the sunset and night sky from this lake. Forests and mountains all combine with the setting sun on the horizon to give you a scene that would forever be fresh in your memory.

It could get really cold here so you should dress to be warm. Finally, you would need permits to be able to have a taste for the goodness of Lake Tahoe. 

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Wrapping it All Up

There are only 6 places on this article but this is not to say that that is all there is to kayaking in all of America. There are numerous other places where you can serve yourself the best kayaking experience. This article would have no end of I had to list all the beautiful places to kayak in all of America. 

Also, don’t forget: Safety first. Make sure you are always wearing your life jacket whenever you find yourself on any of these water bodies. 

Let me know if you feel there are other places worth mentioning. Have a great day.