Alabama has no shortage of beautiful water to kayak. With a great variety of water types from the calmer, man-made lakes in the northern half of the state to the rapids of the south to the coast line with the Gulf of Mexico at the bottom, there exists a large range of options within different skill groups to satisfy any kayaker. Here are some go-to waterways in the state:

• Flint River - Brownsboro
• Five Mile Creek - Brookside
• Sipsey River and the Shark Tooth Creek - Marion County
• Perdido River Canoe Trail - Baldwin County
• Escatawpa River - Mobile County

Alaska is renowned for its natural beauty in the form of mountains, glaciers, forests, lakes, and coastline. This natural beauty makes for tremendous kayaking with views beyond anything you’ve seen before. What’s more, you neve know what crazy, rarely seen wildlife you can encounter out in Alaska. Here are some must-kayak locations:

• Prince William Sound - Whittier
• Sitka Sound - Sitka
• Mendenhall Lake - Juneau
• Lake Bernard - Yukon Pass
• Talkeetna River - Denali

Arizona has some extremely unique, legendary locations and sights to be seen whilst kayaking. The red rock canyons provide features that aren’t available in many other states. Kayaking amongst the desert heat is truly a wonderful experience. Here are some spots worth checking out:

• Colorado River - Lake Havasu City
• Lake Pleasant - Morristown
• Verde River - Phoenix
• Roper Lake - Safford
• Watson Lake - Prescott

From calm floats to intense rapids, Arkansas has almost 10,000 miles of rivers and streams alone. Many of these areas you’ll see are otherwise inaccessible giving views exclusive to kayaking. If you have specific kayak goals in mind, Arkansas has the place to make it happen. Here are some great spots to check out in the state:

• Caddo River - Glenwood
• Buffalo River - Gilbert
• Cadron Creek - Greenbrier
• Ouachita River - Oden
• White River - Eureka Springs

California is home to a huge stretch of coastline with many lakes and rivers that are absolutely breath-taking. The weather is usually beautiful making for tremendous conditions for your adventures on the water. Check out the unique features of California at sites like:

• Golden Gate - Sausalito
• Monterey Bay - Monterey Bay
• Elkhorn Slough Estuarine Reserve - Monterey
• Lake Hodges Reservoir - Del Dios near San Diego
• Russian River - Sonoma County

In the shadow of the Rockies, there are some fantastic rivers and lakes that exist in Colorado that make for incredible kayaking adventures. With the higher elevation, there can also be great range in the speed of water allowing for floating or fast rapids depending on what you want from your journey. The Colorado backgrounds on these waters are truly amazing. Check out spots like:

• Navajo Reservoir - Arboles
• Arkansas River - Salida
• Sylvan Lake - Eagle
• Colorado River - Grand County
• Shadow Mountain Lake - North of Granby

Despite its small size, Connecticut has a nice range of kayaking options one can indulge in. From salt water locations on Long Island Sound to lazy river-style floating on rivers through beautiful forests, there are some great spots throughout the state to explore like:

• Long Island Sound - Westport
• Salmon River - East Haddam
• Lake Zoar - Sandy Hook
• Indian River - Clinton
• Housatonic River - Cornwall

Another small state with some kayaking opportunities worth checking out is Delaware. The entire state runs along the Delaware Bay giving almost 400 miles of shoreline to explore. There are also some tremendous riverways that give great kayaking diversity in a small package. Look at spots like:

• Fenwick Island - Rehoboth Beach
• Killens Pond - Felton
• Trap Pond - Laurel
• Cape Henlopen - Lewes
• Fort DuPont - Delaware City

Florida has some of the best kayaking opportunities in the country lending great opportunities to see wildlife up close throughout the lakes, rivers, swamps, and coastline. Though beautiful, it’s worth staying out of the water in states like Florida so as to not connect too closely with predators like alligators. However, safely observing them from a boat is extremely fun especially with all the unique birds and other creatures that call Florida home. Try Kayaking at some of these locations for a great experience:

• The Everglades - Main Park Rd
• Crystal River - Crystal River
• Lake Okeechobee - Okeechobee
• Coastal Dune Lakes - South Walton
• Peace River - Bartow

Georgia is home to huge stretches of rivers and connecting tributaries giving incredible access to move throughout the state. With coastal opportunities as well, Georgia has no shortage of tremendous kayaking that you can experience at waterways like:

• Tybee Island - Savannah
• Chattahoochee River - Atlanta
• Redbird Creek - Fort McAllister
• Tallulah Gorge - Tallulah Falls
• St. Simons Sound/Mackay River - St. Simons Island

Hawaii is a truly unique part of America. These islands sit almost 2,500 miles off the coast of California, which results in a totally unique setting, nevermind the fact that Hawaii is a small strip of islands in the gigantic Pacific Ocean. Naturally, there are some beautiful sights to see while kayaking almost anywhere you go in Hawaii. Here are some for the best locations:

• Na Pali Coast - Kalalau Beach
• Kailua Bay - Oahu
• Honolua Bay - Maui
• Wailua River - Kauai
• Mokulua Islands - Oahu

Idaho is home to some beautiful landscapes and mountains. In amongst the elevation, there are some fantastic lakes, rivers, and waterfalls to explore on kayak. Idaho is home to a great range of difficulties for these kayaking adventures, so there is the perfect spot for you regardless of experience levels. Investigate places like:

• Boise River - Riverland East
• Lake Cascade - Donnelly
• Payette River - Belvidere
• Snake River - Heath
• Middle Fork Clearwater River - Syringa

Illinois is secretly home to some hidden kayaking gems in the form of river wetlands, bayous, and lakes and cover areas of the state. There are worthwhile kayaking opportunities from top to bottom within Illinois’ beautiful landscape. Explore wildlife and enjoy some great kayaking at places like:

• Galena River - Galena
• Middle Fork River - Oakwood
• Cache River/Bayou - Ullin
• Lake Glendale - Glendale
• Des Plaines River - Willow Springs

Many people aren’t aware of the waterways throughout Indiana that provide some hidden gems for kayaking. From rapids to lazy rivers to still lakes, there exists the perfect water speed for you to enjoy a kayak outing. Check out waterways in Indiana like:

• White River - Noblesville
• Flatrock River - Henry County
• Raccoon Lake - Rockville
• Driftwood River - Edinburgh
• Downtown Canal - Indianapolis

The flat nature of Iowa lends itself towards gentle kayaking across many lakes and rivers throughout the state. In the middle of the country you can still find a great array of kayaking opportunities in American nature surrounded by native Iowan wildlife. Check out some of these spots for kayaking inspiration:

• Mississippi River - Pleasant Creek
• Maquoketa River - Monmouth
• Red Rock - Knoxville
• Saylorville Lake - Polk City
• Clear Lake - Ventura

Kansas has no shortage of fantastic waterways to kayak across and through. From winding through wildlife reserves to observing unique rock features, there are some unique kayaking opportunities waiting to be had in Kansas. With a lot of flat land, this state tends to have gentle kayaking excursions, but that doesn’t mean they are any less beautiful. Check out locations like:

• Cedar Bluff - Ellis
• El Dorado Réservoir - El Dorado
• Kaw River - Topeka
• Lake Meade - Meade
• Milford Lake - Milford

Kentucky is home to kayaking opportunities that explore rarely seen caves and forests that create experiences that few other states can produce. With great elevation on the east side of the state that leads down to relatively flat lands of the west, Kentucky is home to the whole range of kayaking speeds from rapids to lazy rivers and lakes. Here is some inspiration for a Kentucky kayaking adventure:

• Green River - Cave City
• Drakes Creek - Alvaton
• Ohio River - Westport
• Kentucky River - Hatton
• Cumberland River - Corbin

Home to vast swamps, a long coastline, and some nationally famous rivers, Louisiana has absolutely no shortage of great kayaking opportunities. No matter you experience, Louisiana will have the perfect place for you to kayak. Enjoy the unique waterways and culture of Louisiana through these tremendous kayaking spots:

• Bayou Petit Gaillou - Chauvin
• Intercoastal Waterway - Houma
• Lake Pontchartrain - Ponchatoula
• Mississippi River - Black Hawk
• Red River - Moreauville

Although temperatures can get low most of the year, Maine has some of the most beautiful forests in the country that cover about 90% of its land. Lakes that snake through these untouched forests combined with coastal opportunities in the shadow of Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park gives Maine some top tier kayaking destinations. Check out the following spots if you find yourself kayaking in Maine:

• Casco Bay - Portland
• Frenchman Bay - Bar Harbor
• Webb Lake - Weld
• Dead River - Leeds
• Androscoggin River - Greene

Maryland is home to a vast array of coastline and bays that make for some great kayaking trips. Some major rivers snake through the state and dump into Chesapeake Bay. Within these bays, there is no shortage of unique scenery including many lighthouses and wildlife refuges. Check out these spots for Maryland kayaking:

• Tangier Sound - Crisfield
• Potomac River - Coltons Point
• Severn River - Annapolis
• Patapsco River - Baltimore
• Gunpowder River - Middle River

Massachusetts is home to not only a vast array of lakes, but also one of the most famous capes in America, Cape Cod. With tremendous freshwater and saltwater opportunities alongside some extremely unique wildlife situated in wildlife refuges, there is so much kayaking to be had in the state. Check out spots like:

• Nantucket Sound - Chatham
• Cape Cod Bay - Provincetown
• Connecticut River - South Hadley
• Nashua River - Groton
• Ipswich River - Ipswich

Largely surrounded by the great lakes, Michigan has the most access to these huge bodies of water making for insane kayaking adventures. The great lakes always live up to the name. Within the state, there is no shortage of lakes and forested areas to explore amongst the beautiful northern landscape of Michigan. Check out these spots for some Michigan kayaking:

• Pine River - Wellston
• Lake Michigan - Benton Harbor
• Huron River - Rockwood
• Thunder Bay - Ossineke
• Lake Superior - Munising

Minnesota is known for being the land of the lakes, and when they aren’t frozen, they make for tremendous kayaking opportunities. There are vast parts of untouched wilderness to be seen on Minnesota waterways. Come explore the underappreciated nature of Minnesota at some of the following kayak locations:

• Boundary Waters - International Falls
• Thomson Reservoir - Carlton
• Big Sandy Lake - McGregor
• Leech Lake - Whipholt
• Lake Superior - Lutsen

All throughout Mississippi exists tremendous kayaking locations to explore. From the many rivers to the plentiful lakes, swamps, and bayous, there is some much unique water to be covered with tremendous outdoor scenery. Float down a river or get adventurous with rapids all within Mississippi:

• Pearl River - Brandon
• Mississippi River - Clarksdale
• Black Creek - Brooklyn
• Bogue Chitto River - Tylertown
• Strong River - D’Lo

Missouri is home to a fairly large selection of rivers that pass through the state. These rivers often snake through state forests giving plenty of beautiful, untouched land to be observed. Come enjoy these rivers with a gentle kayak or find some rapids for a more intense experience. Missouri has it:

• Mississippi River - Clarksville
• Mark Twain Lake - Monroe City
• Forest Lake - Kirksville
• Missouri River - Jefferson City
• Lamine River - Blackwater

For some out-there kayaking experiences, check out Montana for some exquisite opportunities. Whether you want a peaceful paddle or an intense rapid experience, Montana has a plethora of both and everything in between. Come explore the breath-taking wilderness of untouched Montana:

• Clark Fork - Thompson Falls
• Lake McDonald - West Glacier
• Flathead Lake - Lakeside
• Missouri River - Cascade
• Yellowstone River - Billings

Nebraska is home to some long riverways that make for great kayaking adventures, especially if you can stage downstream. Come enjoy some gentle kayaking in the state while exploring the hidden gem that is the Nebraska wilderness. Check out these spots for the best results:

• Platte River - Waterloo
• Niobrara River - Verdigre
• Loup River - Oconee
• Middle Loup River - Thedford
• Lake McConaughy - Lemoyne

Nevada is home to some unique lakes unlike anything else in the nation. The vast expanses of undeveloped land in the state around some waterways makes for some great views while kayaking. Come explore the gems hidden in the shadow of Las Vegas with some kayaking through Nevada:

• Colorado River - Boulder City
• Pyramid Lake - Sutcliffe
• Lake Tahoe - Sand Harbor
• Lahontan Reservoir - Silver Springs

With a little bit of shore access along the Atlantic Ocean, many large lakes, and flowing rivers throughout, New Hampshire is a great state to get on a kayak. Explore the untouched trees and mountains of this beautiful New England state, especially when the leaves start to turn color in the fall. Check out some of these spots for kayaking inspiration:

• Atlantic Ocean - Rye
• Merrimack River - Hooksett
• Lake Sunapee - Newbury
• Meredith Bay - Meredith
• Lake Winnipesaukee - Moultonborough

The infamous Jersey Shore along with numerous rivers in the state give New Jersey a surprising amount of great kayaking opportunities packed into a small container. Whether you prefer saltwater kayaking or freshwater boating more up in the forests, New Jersey has a lot of kayaking to be had. Come explore some of the following locations:

• Sandy Hook Bay - Keyport
• Atlantic Ocean - Manasquan
• Harrisville Pond - Harrisville
• Carnegie Lake - Princeton
• Wanaque River - Ringwood

Kayak through canyons and desert rocks out in beautiful New Mexico. Equipped with some iconic rivers, New Mexico offers some great kayaking opportunities in both still and fast-moving water. Come explore what the south-western US has to offer:

• Rio Grande - Embudo
• Acequi de Juan Manuel - El Prado
• Abiquiu Reservoir - Gallina
• Rio Grande - Bernalillo
• Rio Grande - Albuquerque

New York is a relatively large state with a vast array of mountains, lakes and rivers providing great waterways for kayakers. With the beautiful forests and wildlife to take in whilst paddling, New York has some must-see kayaking trips. Come check out these popular New York kayaking destinations both in New York city and Upstate:

• Jamaica Bay - Brooklyn
• Lake Champlain - Peru
• Fourth Lake - Eagle Bay
• Hinckley Reservoir - Cold Brook
• Hudson River - Catskill

North Carolina is filled with fun waterways to hop on with a kayak no matter what your experience level is. You can seek out world class rapids or find some lazy river/flat lake-style experiences to satisfy those kayaking desires. Come see all of the nature North Carolina has in store for those that get on a kayak:

• Cape Fear River - Lillington
• Lake Tillery - Mount Gilead
• Deep River - Sanford
• Jordan Lake - Apex
• Falls Lake - Wake Forest

North Dakota is the rarely explored northern gem of the United States that has some great wildlife across the plains and great kayaking in the many lakes and rivers. With not many people around, you can easily find a quaint, quiet kayak experience that is unmatched by most states. Come see the waterways being hidden in this state!

• Missouri River - Mandan
• Lake Sakakawea - Pick City
• Devils Lake - Lakewood Park
• Sheyenne River - Sheyenne
• James River - Munster

With great lake access above and many smaller lakes scattered throughout, Ohio has a lot of still waterways to kayak and explore. There are faster waters and rapids to be found as well for the more adventurous kayakers. Either way, there is no shortage of wildlife opportunities in this state to explore from the seat of a kayak.

• Great Miami River - Tipp City
• Little Miami River - Waynesville
• Lake Erie - Vermillion
• Tuscarawas River - Bolivar
• Cuyahoga River - Hiram

The plains of Oklahoma are home to a surprisingly large amount of waterways just begging to be explored. With no shortage of Native American heritage and culture abound, there are some unique places to explore and wildlife to see within a kayak paddling in the rivers and lakes.

• Claremore Lake - Claremore
• Mountain Fork - Broken Bow
• Broken Bow Lake - Hochatown
• Lake Overholser - Oklahoma City
• Lake Henfer - Oklahoma City

With a beautiful northwest coastline bordering the pacific and mountains that feed rivers directly to it, Oregon is home to some of the most beautiful kayaking in the country. What’s more, some unique features found in some Oregon waterways present views and backstories that can be found anywhere else. Come kayak in beautiful Oregon at some of these locations:

• Willamette River - Springfield
• Columbia River - Portland
• Salmon River - Otis
• Siltcoos Lake - Westlake
• Siuslaw River - Florence

Pennsylvania is home to a wide expanse of forest and waterways within that are great for kayaking. Finding space in Pennsylvania isn’t hard, while remaining somewhat close to multiple major cities. Whether you prefer still water or rapids, Pennsylvania has it plunged in the beauty of its forests. Come check out these places for a great kayak adventure:

• Delaware River - East Stroudsburg
• Susquehanna River - Falls
• Clarke Lake - Columbia
• Clarion River - Cooksburg
• French Creek - Utica

This tiny state is intimately connected with waterways and how to best utilize them through boating such as kayaks. With some freshwater opportunities, but mostly saltwater areas, Rhode Island has a ton of extremely accessible areas to hop into a kayak and have a day on the water. Come see the beauty hidden in such a small state:

• Narragansett Bay - Jamestown
• Mt Hope Bay - Portsmouth
• Greenwich Bay - East Greenwich
• Wood River - Exeter
• Scituate Reservoir - North Scituate

Between beautiful beaches along the coast to amazing inland waterways, South Carolina sneakily has some top tier kayaking to be found. A huge range of waterways exist from freshwater still and rapids to saltwater. No matter what you’re looking for in a kayak experience, South Carolina can deliver:

• Atlantic Ocean - Myrtle Beach
• Lynches River - Scranton
• Lake Murray - Yacht Cove
• Broad River - Columbia
• Savannah River - Calhoun Falls

Another midwest state with tremendous waterways to offer, South Dakota should be on the list of kayak destinations. With rivers running the entire length of the state with waterfalls to be seen, there is plenty of opportunity and reason to get on the water in South Dakota. Get yourself a kayak and check out areas where few have ventured before:

• Sylvan Lake - Custer
• Spring Creek - Hill City
• Pactola Lake - Rapid City
• Missouri River - Forest City
• Lake Kampeska - Watertown

Littered with lakes and rivers, Tennessee is a relatively wet state, especially given that it is landlocked. Whether you like rapids or flat water, Tennessee has plenty of both. Also scattered throughout the state are plenty of forests and natural areas that can be explored and enjoyed on a kayak. With cool cities to explore at night and tremendous kayaking during the day, Tennessee has a lot going for it as a great state to explore.

• Tennessee River - Whitwell
• Elk River - Kelso
• Red River - Adams
• Burgess Falls Lake - Sparta
• Center Hill Lake - Silver Point

Texas covers a vast expanse with its huge size allowing it to many rivers and coastline with the Gulf of Mexico. This expanse, in turn, creates too many kayaking opportunities to state in all sorts of environments and conditions. Fresh, salt, fast, flow, big, small– it doesn’t matter, Texas has it all for kayaking with almost 200,000 miles of navigable waterways. Check out some of these spots to get a taste of that great Texas kayaking experience:

• Galveston Bay - Kemah
• Colorado River - Columbus
• Guadalupe River - Spring Branch
• Brazos River - Graford
• Lewisville Lake - Lake Dallas

Utah has some of the most fantastic mountains and rock formations mixed in amongst some lakes and rivers. With national parks and forests everywhere, there isn’t a corner of Utah that isn’t prime for kayaking and exploring. Utah’s wildlife and landscape is truly a must see, do it under your control on the water in a kayak. Here are some great spots to start:

• Virgin River - La Verkin
• Pineview Reservoir - Huntsville
• Provo River - Francis
• Deer Creek Reservoir - Heber City
• Provo River/Canyon - Provo

Vermont has no shortage of mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes to make for special kayaking experiences. Find a place all your own on these beautiful waterways amongst the green mountains that cover the state. It’s hard to beat these northern forest landscapes in a kayak. Check out these spots for inspiration:

• Lake Champlain - Burlington
• Lamoille River - Jeffersonville
• Lake Lamoille - Morrisville
• Waterbury Reservoir - Waterbury Center
• Clyde River - West Charleston

Virginia has some beautiful mountains and forests that comprise a great part of the state. Within the bounds of these forests is a national park and plenty of other tremendous spaces to be discovered. Sometimes overlooked for its beauty, Virginia shouldn’t be slept on for its kayaking versatility and beauty. From salt to rapids to lazy river, Virginia has got you covered.

• Chesapeake Bay - Virginia Beach
• Occoquan River - Occoquan
• Clinch River - St Paul
• New River - Pembroke
• James River - Buchanan

At the north west point of the continuous US lies an absolute gem in Washington. Covered in beautiful forests, breathtaking mountains and volcanoes, kayaking is a great time amongst the many waterways that cover the state. With a coastline on the west, Washington can provide great range in the kayak opportunities offered. Washington is a must-see for kayaking enthusiasts at these spots:

• San Juan Islands - Anacortes
• Carr Inlet - Steilacoom
• Columbia River - Pasco
• Columbia River - Ridgefield
• Hood Canal - Brinnon

West Virginia is renowned for its beautiful mountains and forests that contain numerous waterways to explore. A kayak can do great work here and you can find a number of different difficulties in kayaking depending on what you want from the experience. Come explore the beautiful backcountry of West Virginia, a place all its own:

• Elk River - Clendenin
• North Fork Hughes River - Harrisville
• Big Sandy Creek - Bruceton Mills
• Cheat River - Parsons
• South Branch Potomac River - Moorefield

With access to multiple great lakes and generally being a part of the lakes region, Wisconsin has a lot of waterways to explore, especially flat water. There are some beautiful rivers as well that combine to create beautiful waterways to explore with a paddle and kayak. With no shortage of spots to explore with different degrees of difficulty, there is a great kayak opportunity for everyone in Wisconsin.

• Apostle Islands - Red Cliff
• Bois Brule River - Brule
• Kinnickinnic River - River Falls
• Kickapoo River - Norwalk
• Wisconsin River - Wisconsin Dells

The mountain lakes and rivers scattered throughout Wyoming is a must-see experience for a kayaker. These hills are a hidden gem that many people overlook outside of the super touristy spots. With a kayak, you can explore vast parts of Wyoming with chances for unique wildlife encounters. Get on Wyoming waterways with a kayak today to see what you’re missing!

• Laramie River - Laramie
• Granite Springs Reservoir - Cheyenna
• North Platte River - Casper
• Bighorn River - Thermopolis
• Jackson Lake - Moran