Written by Rebecca Pittmore with AllTheRooms, the world’s first vacation rental search engine.
Looking for adventure? Love the water? A kayaking trip is a perfect way to combine adventure and the sea on your vacation. With tons of perfect locations for a kayak or canoe-filled afternoon all across the US, planning a trip on the water couldn’t be easier. Check out the best places to Kayak for some inspiration.
- Wailua River and Secret Falls Trail, Kauai County, Hawaii
A hidden river winding through Hawaii’s wilderness? Yes, please. The winding river is the largest in the area and is perfect for those looking for an adventure. Follow the paths of the Wailua River through the Poliahu Park to local fishing villages and finally to the Secret Falls Trail. Hike up through the parks, find the waterfalls and hidden gems along the way, and take a dip in the swimming holes and streams to cool off.
- Colorado River, Colorado
The ultimate kayaking adventure is waiting for you along the Colorado River. Different parts of the river have different skill levels, meaning everyone, at any kayaking level, can get a piece of the Colorado River. The river offers adventures through the Grand Canyon in some parts, and you can choose from mountain views, rapids, and more on the 1,500-mile river.
- Allagash Lake, Piscataquis County, Maine
A little gem in the wilderness of Maine — that’s Allagash Lake in Piscataquis County. The lake and streams in the northern part of the state offer a unique and stunning little hideaway for you to kayak or canoe out for a spring or summer adventure. Allagash Lake offers you the chance to camp out along the route, taking multiple days to kayak or canoe down the full stream. However, if you want to stick to the lakeside area for a day trip, it’s totally worth it for the peace and calm you’ll feel while surrounded by towering trees on the blue lake.
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Looking for the ultimate adventure? You’ll definitely find it in Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska. The park sits just outside of Seward, making it not too remote, and relatively easy to access from most of Alaska’s major cities. With 750 acres of land to be explored, the park is perfect for an adventure-seeking traveler. Go out with a guide, or if you’re experienced, go out on your own, to explore Alaska’s natural wonders. During your kayak trip in the park, you can see sea otters, whales, sea lions, and other unique wildlife that call the area home.
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
For all-around stunning views of one of the USA’s best national parks, head over to Wyoming to kayak through Jackson Lake at the Grand Teton National Park. With unique wildlife, towering mountains from up above, and natural beauty like you’ve never seen before, what more could you ask for? Kayaking in Grand Teton National Park can also give you access to some of the park’s harder to reach highlights, meaning you have the fullest park experience.
- Fox Lake, Titusville, Florida
For some peace and quiet on a sunny afternoon in the Sunshine State, check out Fox Lake in Titusville, Florida. The scenic waterway is perfect for a quick afternoon trip, offering just a short mile-long loop around the area. After exploring through the Fox Lake area, take the little creek to the South Lake to discover more of Florida’s fresh waters. The small, cozy shoreline is a great spot for a picnic after a day paddling through the calm waters.
- Bull Creek, Saddlebrooke, Missouri
Kayaking in Bull Creek gives you an experience unlike any other in the area. The clear, calm water is great to bring the whole family to, as well as for spotting little critters below the water’s surface. The creek high up in the Ozark Mountains is a popular, winding path to take on a kayak adventure. Start at the Goodnight Hollow and follow the stream down to Lake Taneycomo. Along the way, you’ll see all the best wildlife Missouri has to offer.
- Lehigh River, White Haven to Rockport, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s creeks, streams, and rivers are ideal for a day in the water and sun. Spend a day kayaking in the Lehigh River’s section between White Haven and Rockport in Northeastern PA. This section of the river is great for beautiful scenery and the occasional rapid. Here is also fun for whitewater rafting in Class II and Class III rapids — be sure to check out some of the swimming holes and hideaways along the route too, including the spots at Lehigh Gorge State Park, right at the end of the trail.
Author´s Bio:
Written by Rebecca Pittmore
Rebecca is a recent DC college grad who left the city of eternal brunch for the city of eternal spring to become a content writer at AllTheRooms in Medellin, Colombia. Likes include puppies, hiking, books, and fighting injustice. Dislikes include spiders.
