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    Looking for the best kayaking in United States? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around United States. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    Top Kayaking Spots in and near United States

    • Bella Vista, Arkansas

      Kayak Little Sugar Creek

      5.0
      Little Sigar Creek comes out of Bella Vista Lake, this upper section down through the golf courses is great fishing when the water is up. Little Sugar is a hidden gem in the middle of Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. The section of creek that flows through Missouri is my favorite to kay...
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    • Eddyville, Illinois

      Paddle Lusk Creek Wilderness

      For a full day on Lusk Creek, put in at Iron Bridge and paddle 7.1 miles of Shawnee National Forest beauty. This 8 hour excursion is sure to delight the senses as you pass through some of the most pristine areas in Illinois. Lusk Creek is a remote, pristine stream that provides some of the best c...
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    • Fernandina Beach, Florida

      Fort Clinch

      4.0
      1.64 mi / 46 ft gain
      This fort was one of the last large brick forts finished in the 1800s. The fort was first established in 1847 and was almost complete when the Confederate army took control of the fort in 1860 but by 1862 it was back under Union control. The fort was then finished but left mostly empty. It was no...
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    • Garretson, South Dakota

      Camp at Palisade State Park

      Palisade State Park offers lots of activities, including camping, hiking, kayaking, and even swimming in the river. Steep cliffs made from pink quartzite give way to Split Rock Creek, a river perfect for kayaking. Up on a cliff, there is a campground with fire pits and picnic tables at each site....
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    • Eddyville, Kentucky

      Hike Hematite Lake

      4.0
      2.4 mi / 111 ft gain
      The Hematite Trail is a great loop for hikers and trail runners located in the heart of Land Between the Lakes Wilderness. Beginning your hike near the picnic grounds adjacent to the Nature Station, this hike is great year round and is good for all skill levels, including families. From awesome l...
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    • Edisto Island, South Carolina

      Camping at Edisto Beach State Park

      0.5 mi / 0 ft gain
      Edisto Beach State Park is located on the coast of South Carolina. There are two campgrounds at this state park, one of which fronts the Atlantic Ocean and the other which is more inland. (If you want shade, book a campsite inland under the canopy of live oaks. If you want full sun, book a site a...
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    • Avalon, California

      Visit Two Harbors, Catalina Island

      5.0
      Just 30 miles from the commotion and congestion of Los Angeles, is a small island village that time seems to have left behind. You won't find the usual traffic, development, and big crowds here.  You won't find movie theaters, concert venues, hotels, nightclubs, or sporting events either. At Cata...
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    • Peoa, Utah

      Camp at the Rockport State Park Yurts

      The yurts at Rockport are a great way to get out into nature. You can chose between yurts or cabins. Yurts cost $70 a night and cabins cost $80 a night. Spots will have to be secured with reservations in advance. You can find more information at http://rockportmarina.checkfront.com/reserve/. Ther...
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    • Springfield, Ohio

      Float the Mad River near Springfield

      4.0
      This section is perfect for the beginner river adventurer or a family with little ones. It is only 2.5 miles long, and is extremely calm and pretty. Depending on river levels and speed, it should take around 60-90 minutes to complete (kayak/canoe). There are also several shores along the way for ...
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    • Coolin, Idaho

      Canoe to Upper Priest Lake

      The Priest Lakes of Northern Idaho are perfect for a summer retreat into the Selkirk mountains, less than thirty miles from the border with Canada. Priest lake is separated from Upper Priest Lake by a short, two-mile waterway. Launch your canoe from the Lionhead Beach in Priest Lake State Park an...
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    • Los Angeles County, California

      Bikepack Catalina Island

      5.0
      43.5 mi / 5700 ft gain
      This is a great introductory overnight bikepacking adventure. With restaurants, water, and stores at each end of the ride, your packing list is minimal. Head out on Saturday morning and make it back in time for dinner on Sunday evening. Packing List Your Bike – I did this ride on my drop bar grav...
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    • Ocean View, Delaware

      Paddle the Assawoman Canal

      5.0
      The Assawoman Canal is a beautiful waterway in Ocean View, Delaware and a perfect spot for an easy, yet scenic paddle. The canal is narrow and calm, which makes for some spectacular reflections of the surrounding trees.  You can start and park at the Assawoman Canal Trailhead parking lot off of N...
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    • Avalon, California

      Camp at Hermit Gulch on Catalina Island

      3.9 mi / 1206 ft gain
      The Avalon port in Catalina is most easily accessed through the Catalina Express leaving from Dana Point, Newport Beach or Long Beach. The Hermit Gulch campsite is only a 20 min walk from the boat and is well run with restrooms, showers... etc. They also sell anything you might have forgotten for...
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    • Maple City, Michigan

      Paddle Glen Lake

      A pristine lake thats just waiting to be explored by kayak, SUP, canoe or boat (keep in mind that power boats are allowed on this lake). The water is amazingly clear and a beautiful shade of aqua blue. During the summer months, the air temperature remains relatively cool and makes for perfect, lo...
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    • Wetumpka, Alabama

      Kayak the Coosa River in Central Alabama’s River Region

      Fun kayaking in central Alabama about 20 minutes north of Montgomery. There are several places to rent kayaks locally costing around $25 for a good sit on top. The journey starts below Walter Bouldin Dam and finishes around Wetumpka Alabama. That makes the trip about seven miles. The Dam relea...
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    • Alta, Wyoming

      Mount Moran

      10 mi / 5500 ft gain
      Mount Moran’s CMC Route is best climbed by starting at String Lake’s boat launch. From here, pack up your overnight and climbing gear into your kayak or canoe and start your journey north on String Lake. At the end of the lake, portage a few hundred yards to Leigh Lake and continue your paddle no...
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