Flatwater Kayaking & Canoeing Trail Reviews

“Beautiful, lake that hasn’t ever been packed when we have been there. Lots to explore, several islands and some small channels. Water is always calm so perfect place to bring your kids or if your a beginner. Boat launch with plenty of parking . Lots of lily pads along all the edges. Beautiful views of Mt St Helens and Rainer.”

“Awesome river kayaking! We normally kayak in lakes and canals. We stumbled upon this while looking for a campground.lighthouse landing campground will shuttle you up the river and you paddle back. The first day we tried the 2 hour trip, the next day we did the 4 hour trip. Beautiful, fun, and relaxing. Very serine. We seen eagles, turtles, heron, egret, ducks, and a muskrat!”

“Great scenery with mostly flat water made for a great time.”

“We did a short out and back from the Canal St. canoe launch, by the dam. Saw more heron than I could count, some swans and a couple bald eagles! Other birds as well. We will be exploring this section of the Nashua again for sure!”

“This is a beautiful, secluded spot in the wonderful Quabbin Reservoir. It is true that you cannot use your own kayak due to efforts for the prevention of foreign invasive plant species. The kayak rental fees for the day are reasonable, though, and the pond is just lovely.”

“Paddled from kayak launch at Buffalo City Rd. to mouth of Alligator River and return. Saw a variety of birds and caught only the briefest glimpses of 3 gators before they disappeared. Weather started beautiful on this leisurely paddle, but we had to make our return trip quick as a storm moved in. I'd love to make this trip again and spend more time watching wildlife. ”

“Ben Burton Park in Athens is the ideal kayak or canoe put-in spot for the Middle Oconee River. The park added a kayak ramp in 2016. There is plenty of parking near the ramp, which is open every day during daylight hours (sun-up to sun-down). It’s fine to have your dog with you, as long as you use a leash. Note: This river is off-ramp to motorized vessels. ”

“Hiwassee Outfitters in Reliance, TN is the place to go when you are ready to paddle the Hiwassee River. You can schedule a raft trip, rent a kayak (the have inflatable kayaks and hard sit-on-top kayaks), or go tubing. Their trips follow a 5.5 mile stretch of the Hiwassee that is Class I & II. (If you are looking for Class III higher thrills, visit one of the nearby outfitters that offers trips on the Ocoee (which is on the other side of Hwy 64). They have a nice campground and rental cabins, so you can make a weekend of it. If you’re hungry after your day on the water, head a little way West on Hwy 64 to the Ocoee Dam Deli & Diner. They have tasty, reasonably priced meals that will really hit the spot after a day of paddling or tubing. ”

“This is a beautiful place to go kayaking or canoeing, but it is not the place to go if you are a beginner when it comes to paddling. While it is not a whitewater experience, the difficulty level is considered intermediate to difficult due to the fact that it is a narrow, twisty-turn-y swamp in its natural state (i.e., with lots of trees and other obstructions) that can be difficult to navigate. You won’t see motorized boats here because it is simply not navigable by those types of vessels. There are several spots where portage is necessary. Put-in and take-out are well marked and not difficult – but you shouldn’t let that fool you. This is not an easy section to paddle. ”

“This can be a beautiful route to paddle, usually offering Class I waters (based on dam activity) appropriate for kayakers of all levels. The scenery is gorgeous, and it is a great spot to enjoy a relaxing paddle near Paducah. It is an easier area to paddle than some other waterways in the vicinity. ”

“Hurricane Landing is a great spot to go paddling. This is also a popular spot with boaters and fishing enthusiasts. Chances are that you’ll see plenty of other people on the water. It’s a nice, relaxing flatwater paddle. You’ll see all kinds of scenery, from the unique beauty of the Lower Alabama Delta to residential areas with homes ranging from modest dwellings to impressive waterfront estates. ”

“The Conestoga River is a gorgeous paddling spot in the Lancaster, PA area. It is a Class I river, so it’s a great spot for beginners and anyone who enjoys leisurely Class I paddling surrounded by gorgeous scenery. The river itself is 60 miles long, with a 40+ mile stretch designated as the Conestoga Water Trail. There are numerous access points along the way. For example, Perelman Park in Manheim has a nice canoe launch (as well as a wetland trail that makes it a great spot to stretch your legs and spot local wildlife). I visited during the summer and really enjoyed it, though I learned that fall is THE time to go, as the fall foliage along the way is supposed to be spectacular. I hope to return soon! ”

“Easy in and out for kayaks.. park could use some restroom facilities”

“The Yakdin River Trail blueway is a 125 mile section of the more than 200 mile Yadkin river, offering many flatwater paddling opportunities through a sizeable chunk of North Carolina. There are small portions of Class 1 & Class 2 along the way. Within Yadkin county itself (near Winston-Salem), there are three sites for river access (Donnaha, Shores, and Huntsville). This is the part I paddled, and greatly enjoyed. The river is clean and the scenery is beautiful, and it made for great paddling. I hope to paddle other parts of this blueway soon. Visit the Yadkin Riverkeeper website to learn more about paddling here. The Yakdin River Trail blueway is a 125 mile section of the more than 200 mile Yadkin river, offering many flatwater paddling opportunities through a sizeable chunk of North Carolina. There are small portions of Class 1 & Class 2 along the way. Within Yadkin county itself (near Winston-Salem), there are three sites for river access (Donnaha, Shores, and Huntsville). This is the part I paddled, and greatly enjoyed. The river is clean and the scenery is beautiful, and it made for great paddling. I hope to paddle other parts of this blueway soon. Visit the Yadkin Riverkeeper website to learn more about paddling here. The Yakdin River Trail blueway is a 125 mile section of the more than 200 mile Yadkin river, offering many flatwater paddling opportunities through a sizeable chunk of North Carolina. There are small portions of Class 1 & Class 2 along the way. Within the Winston-Salem area, there are three sites for river access (Donnaha, Shores, and Huntsville). This is the part I paddled, and greatly enjoyed. The river here is clean and the scenery is beautiful, and it made for great paddling. I hope to paddle other parts of this blueway soon. Visit the Yadkin Riverkeeper website to learn more about paddling here. ”

“I was really surprised to find such awesome paddling opportunities in Kentucky. I always associated Kentucky with caves, but never stopped to think about how great the paddling would also be in the Bluegrass State. The Barren River is a large river, so you’ll see a lot of boat activity here. The best paddling spot is above Drake’s Creek, which is in close proximity to Bowling Green. Here, you’ll find lots of islands where you can stop and relax, eat, nap, or even set up camp. Barren River Lake State Park is a great home base for paddling and exploring this area. They have a pet-friendly lodge and pet-friendly cabins (2 pets per room) and a great campground for tent and RV campers. The park is gorgeous and there is plenty to do there for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, both on and off the water. ”

“Rough River Dam State Resort Park is a great place to set up camp or to rent a cottage or lodge room when you’re planning to paddle and otherwise explore this area. Rough River Lake is in within the park, and you can paddle from there to the Rough River and down to the headwaters of the Green River, which start near Dundee. It is a beautiful area to enjoy Class I & II paddling, so it is a good choice for beginning paddlers and anyone who wants to enjoy Kentucky’s natural beauty. The full stretch is a almost 24 miles, but there are plenty of access points along the way so you can paddle whatever portion you prefer. It’s a great spot to paddle just about any time of year. ”

“If you love gorgeous scenery and flatwater paddling, this is a gorgeous spot to visit. The scenery is lovely and there are plenty of great places to access this waterway, via both the new (2018) Russell Creek Paddle Trail facilities and the Green River Paddle Trail, which includes parts of Russell Creek. The creek is popular among anglers, so expect to see quite a bit of people out fishing, both from the shore and from kayaks, when paddling this area. ”

“This is a lovely place to take a nature walk. There's a hiking trail that goes through a wooded area and by the lake. There are a lot of beautiful wildflowers in the spring. It's a nice spot to see wildlife like deer and birds. There are lots of people fishing at the lake too. If you have the time, there's a wolf sanctuary right nearby you can visit and sometimes you can hear the wolves from the lake area.”

“Sunshine Canoes is the go-to-outfitter and shuttle provider for paddling the Escatawpa River. If you bring your own boat, they will drop you off up-river so you can enjoy a leisurely six-mile float down this lovely blackwater river. The drop-off fee is $25 for a canoe and $20 for a kayak. Or, you can schedule a full float trip using one of their boats. You can float the route in as little as 4-hours, or travel at a more leisurely pace and stop at one of the many sandbars to relax, picnic, play in the water, etc. to turn your outing into a full-day adventure. ”

“If you’re looking for an awesome float trip, pick any segment of the Coal River Water Trail. There are a variety of float trip options of varying lengths (see image below) with well-planned access points and a number of camping opportunities along the way. This journey is appropriate for beginners with basic paddling skills, though more advanced paddlers will likely love it as well. You can expect flatwater and Class I most of the way, though some Class II should be expected. The scenery is gorgeous. ”

“The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge has opened a canoe and kayak launch that provides access to this waterway in a lovely and tranquil setting. From the launch, you can easily head upstream to paddle the Blackwater River’s headwaters. If you go downstream, you will find great trout fishing and Class I & II whitewater paddling opportunities. ”

“This is a great gentle float trip through a very scenic area. Put in at the Remmel Dam and float down to the Ouachita River Whitewater Park or Rockport Ledge. The area is mostly class I, though there are some higher-class rapids near the ledge. There are a number of outfitters in the area, so it’s easy to arrange a float trip, whether you have your own kayak or need to rent one. The scenery is gorgeous. Note that water levels are sensitive to dam release, though. This is a popular place to kayak, so expect to see quite a few other paddlers on the water, particularly on weekends, holidays, and peak travel times. ”

“If you are looking to take in the beauty of the Ozark Mountains from the water, this is a terrific option. This stretch of the Illinois River is a great place to go kayaking, canoeing or tubing, even if you are a novice (it is Class I). There are outfitters in the area, so it’s easy to rent equipment or schedule a float trip with your own equipment. AR Canoeing 59 in Siloam springs is a great outfitter, and they even offer on-site camping. ”

“If you are looking to go kayak fishing or want to paddle the most gentle stretch of Osage Creek, this is the stretch for you to tackle (no pun intended). The gorgeous scenery of the Ozark Mountains make this flowing river a great place to enjoy a relaxing paddle. There is an access point on U.S. Hwy 62, on the west side of the bridge. Note that the access point used to be on the other side of the bridge; it was relocated in 2016. ”

“If you like birds this is a great place to hike. There are eagles, ducks, geese, swans and more. You can also see deer. If you go earlier in the spring around March there are thousands of geese that migrate here and it's pretty amazing. The walking paths are very easy and the trails are moderate to challenging. There's also a visitor and info center so it's a cool place to take kids.”

“Not a lot of motoring on this lake, so it's a really pretty and peaceful place to kayak, with lots of little coves and islands to explore. The shore is lined with beautiful trees and the ducks are fun to watch. The park also has a number of hiking trails, which I didn't do today but plan on exploring while I am in the area.”

“This is a beautiful state park with waterfalls and forests. The hike to the falls is not easy and definitely wear a good pair of hiking shoes. There's also some very nice camping areas and Lake Jean. The falls are awesome in the winter too when they're all iced over. ”

“A wonderful place! A great area for mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, picnicking, and hiking. We hiked the Somerset Reservoir Hiking Trail on Saturday, which is about 9 miles, and while it is not difficult (little elevation gain) it is long. Great views of Mt Stratton. There is also free camping at the National Forest.”

“Minneapolis is one of my very favorite cities, in part because of the beautiful parks with water access. To a visitor, it’s very obvious that Minneapolis is a city that was designed to be a place where city dwellers don’t have to head out to the country to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature and the great outdoors. You can canoe, kayak and paddleboard throughout Chain of Lakes Regional Park, and there are miles and miles of well-maintained, easy to moderate hiking trails that are very easy to access. There are tons of other activities as well, including a playground for kids, picnic tables, places to play various team sports, and much more. During the summer, you can enjoy free outdoor movies and concerts here on certain nights, which is a great treat. Definitely check out this wonderful attraction the next time you’re in Minneapolis! ”

“Looking for a quiet place to paddle near Nashville? Check out Sycamore Creek in the small town of Ashland City. You’ll find Sycamore Creek about halfway between Nashville and Clarksville. This small creek is a wonderful spot to recharge with a relaxing paddle or to go kayak fishing. It’s very easy to paddle here – there isn’t a lot of current so this is a great spot for those just learning to paddle or those who want to take it easy. The scenery is beautiful – typical Middle Tennessee foliage in its natural state. The Hwy 12 launch is a great place to put-in, as is the Sycamore Creek Recreation area. ”

“Less than 50 minutes from Nashville, this Rutherford County river is a great place to escape the big city and go for a paddle. There are a number of access points along the river and the scenery is gorgeous. You’ll forget that your so close to a huge city. Check out the resources on stonewatershed.org for a detailed map that shows all of the many options. If you’re visiting the area without your own kayak or canoe, you can rent one in nearby Murfreesboro at Stones River Kayak & Canoe Rentals, LLC. ”

“Located in McMinville, which is pretty much directly between Chattanooga and Nashville, the Collins River is a great spot for a relaxing float/paddling trip. There are several places to put-in/take out. Check out this helpful map to get a sense of options: The scenery is gorgeous. It’s a particularly great place to view wildflowers during the spring and summer. The portion of the river that lies within the Savage Gulf State Natural Area is designated as one of Tennessee’s Scenic Rivers. ”

“If you’re looking for a relaxing spot for canoeing or kayaking, this is a great spot. The White Oak River is a blackwater river with a relatively mild current, so it’s great for anyone who enjoys flatwater paddling. The full White Oak River Trail is just under 22 miles, but you don’t have to traverse the whole thing. There are a number of great spots to put in and take out, with several primitive campsites along the way. If you prefer a more improved option for camping, then the White Oak Shores campground in the town of Stella is a great home base for enjoying this route. They are right on the river – there’s even an on-site fishing pier you can enjoy when you’re not out paddling. ”

“This is a great trail for skilled paddlers who are ready for Class III & IV whitewater. Don’t try to paddle this stretch if you’re a whitewater notice, though. The Nolichucky Gorge Campground is a great spot for put-in and camping. You can park there for a small fee even if you’re not camping. The campground offers shuttles from the takeout back to their facility. There are also outfitters in the area, so guided rafting trips are available. ”

“Hutto Park on Highway 123 in Newton Alabama is a good spot to launch your canoe or kayak for a Choctawhatchee River adventure near Enterprise, Alabama. The area is also used for swimming. Parking is available and the launch site is easily accessible. The scenery is lush and beautiful, though you should be mindful that alligators have at times been spotted in the area. There are some tent camping sites in the park, along with portable toilets. ”

“The full Sepulga River Canoe Trail runs for more than 40 miles in rural Conecuh County, from the town of Travis at the north end to the town of Brooklyn to the south. It’s unique from other paddling outings in southern Alabama in that you’ll actually encounter a few stretches of Class I rapids along the way. Even so, it’s an easy paddle that’s appropriate even for most beginners (unless there has been a lot of rain – it may be a little much for novice paddlers in that type of weather conditions). There are 5 access points along the river so, of course, you don’t have to float the whole way. You can see information details about the access points at The area is known to be a good spot to look for fossils, and the scenery is spectacular. Watch for wildlife and take in the beautiful limestone edges along parts of the river. ”

“The scenery here is spectacular. If you opt for a float trip, leave a car at the Jaybird Creek Landing for take-out, being careful to look for the Alabama Scenic River trail sign so you don’t accidentally end up at the adjacent private hunting club. Once you’ve left a vehicle there, head to Horseshoe Bend National Military Park to launch. This route is almost six miles. Or, just launch at one or the other and commit to paddling upstream and downstream. Either way, you’ll have an opportunity to take in some spectacular scenery along the banks of the Tallapoosa. Things are wooded most of the way, and chances are you’ll see a lot of birds – possibly even an eagle if you’re luck. There are small island spots where you can enjoy primitive camping along the way if you want to turn your outing into an overnight primitive camping adventure. ”

“For a lovely float trip or a day of kayak fishing for catfish, bass, or crappie, put-in at Indigo Creek Boat Ramp on Indigo Loop Road, just to the east of Gantt Lake. and head down to the The Patsaliga Creek Boat Launch, which is located on Point A Road, on Pont A Lake. If you want to spend a few days enjoying this area, consider camping out at Point A Park, which is a great home base for exploring the waterways and other sights around Andalusia. The park has a campground that can accommodate tents and RVS (even big ones), as well as fishing piers and its own boat ramps. You can even rent kayaks and canoes there, if you happen to travel to the area without bringing your own. Dogs under 65 pounds are welcome at the campground. ”

“Whether you have your own canoe or kayak or if you visit the local outfitter (Styx River Tube & Canoe Rental – open Easter through Labor Day) to rent a tube or canoe, Styx River is a great placed to enjoy spending time on shallow water (it’s more of a stream than a traditional river). It is ideal for float trips and the scenery is gorgeous any time of year. There are sandbars along the side where you can stop and relax or picnic during your day on the water. Popular put-ins include under the bridges at Hwy. 90 and County Road 87. There is also a boat ramp on Brown’s Road in the Seminole community. ”

“If you're looking for a relaxing paddle with beautiful scenery, this is a terrific spot. Beautiful homes line the river, so you’ll get a chance to see them from a unique perspective along with the lovely natural scenery. It’s a great paddling route for enjoying nature as well as for fantasizing what it would be like to live in a big house along the river. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the water here is always cold due to the fact that the Magnolia River is spring-fed – even during the peak of broiling hot summertime in south Alabama. If you like the idea of swimming in super-cold water, take a break from paddling and dive in at the “cold hole” at the spring. ”

“Great park but trails need to be marked more clearly”

“Poorly maintained could be really nice”

“Nice area to many hunters though. I like the WMA for practicing my bow and shotgun.”

“This is a trail in a wetlands preserve. There's some woody areas, meadows and some by marshes. Lots of different birds around. It's very easy although muddy in some spots. This would be a great walk for kids and people who want to enjoy nature but don't want anything difficult.”

“This park is primarily geared toward fishing, swimming and boating. There is a trail you can take that has some nice views of the lake. I wouldn't say it's spectacular but it's a nice diversion and you can enjoy swimming at the beach after a hot day hiking. ”

“Mulberry is deep and slow. Easy to kayak but prepare to be on the river for a while. Put in at 53 and be prepared to hit a dam.”

“There really aren't any hiking trails, more like walking paths and some nature trails. Walking around the lake is nice if you're looking for a short, easy walk and the park itself and lake are pretty.”

“Horrible very low water to tube in we started in truxton and after 6 hours still had not made it to the first bridge crossing which was Young’s rd.. we had to get out and walk to route 13 tons of trees down across the water making it impossible to pass.. had to get out of our tubes several times to get around and there were ropes across the river from field to field.. I would not suggest trying to tube,kayak or canoe this part of the river.... horrible experience”

“I kayaked from the boat launch in Sultan to the one in Monroe in my sit-on. It was a slow, easy paddle with a few rapid areas that were easily navigatable. The total trip took 2 hours.”

“I went with a group of friends to Mammoth Cave National Park and we embarked on a 7.5 mile canoe trip down the Green River. Our put-in was at Dennison Ferry and we paddled all the way to Green River Ferry. This paddle really seemed more like a float and was very fun. The wide and slow moving river is easy going and just perfect for newbies who are learning to paddle and steer canoes. If you are super experienced and hoping for a challenge then this might not be very exciting, although it is undeniably pleasant. We took our time on this float and our leisurely trip took us a little over 3 hours to get from Dennison Ferry to point Green River Ferry. The river is quite beautiful, forested on both sides. We saw lots of turtles enjoying sunshine on bits of wood in the river and several deer. Be sure to bring a camera, good sandals, sunscreen, dry clothing and a dry-bag just in case. If you want to stop somewhere for a lunch or snack break there are a couple of islands along the stretch of the river that are nice. ”

“If you're looking for a close trip and you live in north Everett this is the perfect one for you. The guide says the monitoring the tide times will make the trip easier and that is very very true! The first time we decided to do it we put in at low tide and had to fight the current coming back the whole way. the second time however we put in a couple hours before high tide went up Snohomish and onto Union. We traveled up Union to the fork where it needs Steamboat Slough then went back down Union. we timed it so that the tide started to go back out as we went back down so the current ended up taking us both up Union and down Union. The trip was much easier with out having to fight the tides. If the tides are on your side you can make it up and down Union from langus Park in a couple hours . Union Slough is really cool because no motorized boat traffic can go on it because the tides cause it to get too low. We had to get out of our kayaks and pull then a few yards in a couple places when the tides was really low. there's a foot bridge that crosses the mainland to Spencer Island and when The Tide Is at it's highest you might have some trouble making it under the bridge but there are spots on both sides of the bridge to get out and go around if you need to. After the bride you won't see any people and it's just you and nature, very cool! Steamboat Slough is cool for other reasons. most of the way down from the fork you'll come across a bunch of abandoned barges and, tug boats that people live on. This Slough does support motorized traffic and lets out at both ends to big bodies of water so you do have to be careful about motor boats. We didn't see any boats out on the water just tied to the side of the river on docks. But if when did happen to come down we would easily be able to get over to the side and wait it out. I'm very surprised that no one has reviewed this yet it's a really really cool kayaking trip!”

“How sweet to see both ospreys and kingfishers on this paddling trip! I made the trip in about three hours--the current is gentle enough and even the upstream is not too difficult. All in all, the water was nice and clean and clear with a good current for most of the trip. The lovely vegetation along the Deschutes River from Sunriver to Bend is a combination of old growth ponderosa pine and aspen, and the shorelines vary from marshy meadows to basalt bedrock. The sights all around are very pretty. Much of the water is moving steady and fast and with multiple falls. I noticed that there are still many good fishing spots from the bank and kayaking places along this stretch. ”

“One of the best hikes i've been on in months. Great bird watching opportunities, if you're patient enough. ”

“Explore turns and overpasses, water fountain, dock next to launch”

“Log blockage is still there. Would be difficult to get around.”

“Water was up, and had a nice two-hour paddle from Hwy 180 bridge to Hutson Road bridge. Two strainers to watch for early in the trip: one single tree (recent fall) just past Choestoe Village. Easily managed -- boats and passengers could both slip under (depending on water level - might have to go over). The second hazard was HUGE, however - dam of logs and debris blocking the entire river. Possible beaver ingenuity here. Only passage is to the far right and required passing boats manually over the downed trees. Smooth paddling thereafter! ”

“Paddled this several times with my wife, this trip being the most recent. There were some trees down across the creek that made it more interesting; one managed to put a flat in my kayak caddie (a one-in-a-million bad-luck moment). This can be a really relaxing, beautiful ride, at a calm pace if you don't want to paddle at all. We've taken it to the mouth in the Irondequoit Bay, but also jumped out part-way through in the park and walked back to the car for a short trip. Summer of 2017, they came through and "cleaned up" (brush-hogged) the banks on the creek on the south side of Blossom Rd. ”