Great Canoe/Kayak trails around The South

Santee River Canoe Trail, South Carolina

Not much development along this lazy low country South Carolina river which makes for great wildlife sightseeing that might include - herons, egrets or eagles. It has sand bars which one can stop at along the trip and have a bite to eat or primitive camp for the night and fish and get your dinner directly from the nature you're surrounded by. Just pack out what you pack in. If you want to traverse the entire 16.2 miles you better give yourself a few days. It's located in Berkeley County.


Tennessee River Blueway, Tennessee

When looking up at the tall bluffs of the Tennessee River gorge rising up around the windy switchbacks of the Tennessee River it gives way to a feeling of being very small compared to this mighty tributary of the Ohio river. Amidst the foothills of the Appalachian mountains where you can, of course, camp and fish, you're only a couple of hours away from Smoky Mountain National Park, and minutes from the amenities of Chattanooga including nightlife, dining and the Tennessee aquarium.

Bayou DeView Water Trail, Arkansas

If you're into 850 year old Cypress trees, wildlife galore including muskrats, beaver, racoon, deer, barred owls, prothonotary warblers, etc then this is the excursion for you. Canoeing and kayaking on a bayou is not as straight-forward as on a river so make sure you always keep a trail marker in sight as you might not find your way out if you venture deep into the Bayou DeView. Like the previous 2 water trails, primitive camping is permitted, but make sure you pack out what you pack in.

Chattahoochee River, Columbus Whitewater Georgia

The only waterway on our list that has, at certain times of day, rumbling rapids. It is also "the longest urban whitewater rafting in the world" and is located in Columbus, Georgia on the Chattahoochee river. During the day the water flow coming out of the dam is class I-III, which is pretty safe for most folks. But, during the afternoon the dam is opened up and this stretch of river becomes a class III - V, which is unlike anything else on the east coast, and you'll need a helmet and some expertise. Columbus is also home to the Riverwalk which is a 22 mile stretch for walking and biking that also has access to Uptown Columbus, which has a substantial dining and nightlife scene. The streets are even restricted to pedestrians only at certain times.

Tallapoosa River, Lloyd Owens Canoe Trail, Alabama

Beginning about 3 miles into Alabama after the Tallapoosa river leaves Georgia, the Lloyd Owen Canoe trail is home to a variety of bass species, sunfish, bream, flathead and channel cats. This calm stretch of river is a perfect day trip for the entire family, or even an overnight excursion for the guys if you're the type that likes to primitive camp and fish well into the night. There are five access points along the trail and 2 rental companies to choose from if you haven't bought your own craft yet.