Kayaking has become one of the most popular outdoor activities in the United States.
With so many breathtaking destinations to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go. Here are the top 10 kayaking destinations in the USA that you should definitely add to your bucket list.
We’ve categorized them based on whether these locations are for beginners, for intermediate kayakers, or for experts.
Best Kayaking Locations for Beginners
These are the top kayaking spots for beginners in the United States.
The best waters for beginner kayakers are Lake Tahoe, Juniper Run, and Lady Bird Lake.
Beginner kayaking locations are bodies of water that have little to no current, which makes it easier to paddle and control the kayak.
1. Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada)
Lake Tahoe is one of the best spots for beginners to drop in. The lake is crystal clear and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Some of the best spots to launch your kayak on Lake Tahoe are:
- Sand Harbor: This is a crescent-shaped beach on the eastern shore of the lake that is popular for bathing, kayaking and diving during the summer months. Onsite facilities include a boat launch, showers, picnic tables, and BBQ broils
- Zephyr Cove: This is a mile-long stretch of sandy beach in Lake Tahoe that is popular for beach lovers looking to enjoy some water sports and relax by the lake. On the south end is the Zephyr Cove Resort and Campground, which offers plenty of amenities from restaurants to kayak rentals
- Kings Beach: This is a public beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe that offers plenty of amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and of course kayak rentals.
- D.L Bliss State Park: This park has two beaches – Lester Beach & Calawee Cove – that are both great spots for kayaking. The park also has a boat launch.
- Baldwin Beach: This spot is ideal for beginner kayakers who want to make their way through the lake without getting too far from shore. You can rent a kayak from Baldwin Beach and paddle to Emerald Bay.
2. Juniper Run, Ocala National Forest (Florida)
This is a great place for beginners to start kayaking. The run is crystal clear and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest.
Juniper Run in Ocala National Forest is a perfect place for beginner kayakers because it is a slow-moving river with no rapids and very little current. There are plenty of opportunities to see beautiful wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and birds during your trek.
There are two main spots to put your kayak in at Juniper Run:
- Juniper Springs Recreation Area: This is the most popular spot to launch your kayak. The recreation area has a large parking lot, restrooms, and a concession stand. From here, you can paddle upstream for about 7 miles to the headwaters of Juniper Run.
- Juniper Wayside Park: This is a smaller launch area that is located downstream from the recreation area. There is limited parking available here, but it’s a great spot if you want to paddle downstream towards the recreation area.
3. Lady Bird Lake (Texas)
Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas is an amazing spotfor beginners to start kayaking. The lake is calm and has some stunning views of the city of Austin.
You also won’t have to worry about any motorized boats making waves since they’re not allowed on the lake.
Here are some of the most popular spots on Lady Bird Lake to launch your kayak:
- Zilker Park: This is the largest park in Austin and it’s a great spot for beginners. The calm water and scenic views make for a relaxing paddling experience. You can rent a kayak from one of the many businesses in the area or bring your own kayak.
- Rowing Dock: This is another great spot to launch your kayak. They offer a wide variety of ways to get out on the lake in either a paddle board, kayak, pedal kayak or canoe.
- Texas Rowing Center: The Texas Rowing Center offers kayaking lessons for beginners and has a wide variety of kayaks available for rent.
- Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk: This is a great spot to launch your kayak if you want to paddle around the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.
Best Kayaking Locations for Intermediates
The best kayaking locations for intermediates are Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, Boundary Waters Wilderness Area in Minnesota, Prince WIlliam Sound in Alaska, and Arkansas River in Colorado.
Intermediate kayaking locations are bodies of water that have some current and offer a level of challenge above the beginner level.
These are a great middle-ground between having little to no currents and having strong currents.
4. Chesapeake Bay (Virginia)
This is a great place for intermediate kayakers. The bay is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and ospreys.
Chesapeake Bay is a great place for intermediate kayakers because it offers a variety of water trails that are perfect for those who want to challenge themselves. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in America and is located on the East Coast of the United States. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Here are some popular areas to kayak in and near the Chesapeake Bay that offer a mix of calm waters as well as rapids:
- Choptank and Tuckahoe Rivers Trail: Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and offers a variety of waterways to explore. The trail is 75 miles long.
- Nanticoke River Water Trail: Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and offers a variety of waterways to explore. The trail is 64 miles long.
- Potomac River Water Trail: Located on the Virginia side of the Chesapeake Bay and offers a variety of waterways to explore. The trail is 300 miles long.
- Mathews Blueways Water Trail: Located on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula and offers a variety of waterways to explore. The trail is 90 miles long.
5. Boundary Waters Wilderness Area (Minnesota)
This is a great place for intermediate kayakers. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose and wolves.
6. Prince William Sound (Alaska)
This is a great place for intermediate kayakers. The sound is home to a variety of wildlife, including whales and sea otters.
This one is especially good for those who love the cold water!
7. Arkansas River (Colorado)
This is a great place for intermediate kayakers. The river offers challenging rapids and beautiful scenery.
Best Kayaking Locations for Experts
The best kayaking locations for experts are the Colorado River in Arizona, Eleven Point National Scenic River in Southern Missouri, and Rogue River in Oregon.
An expert level kayaking spot will have stronger currents and will be a thrilling adventure to paddle through.
Depending on where you drop in at, these spots will put your skills to the test.
Here is some more information about these expert kayaking locations:
8. Colorado River (Arizona)
This is a great place for experienced kayakers. The river offers challenging rapids and beautiful scenery.
9. Eleven Point National Scenic River (Southern Missouri)
This is a great place for experienced kayakers. The river offers challenging rapids and beautiful scenery.
10. Rogue River (Oregon)
This is a great place for experienced kayakers. The river offers challenging rapids and beautiful scenery12.
