Top 5 Rivers to Kayak in the U.S. & The Importance of River Conservation
by Rivers are Life
When you’re floating down a wild river, surrounded by trees, sky, and the gentle push of current, something shifts. Your shoulders drop. Your senses heighten. And maybe, just maybe, you fall a little more in love with the natural world.
At Rivers are Life, we believe kayaking isn’t just a sport but a way to connect with nature, with each other, and with the river itself.
Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just getting your feet wet, here are five of the best rivers in the United States to kayak. Providing destinations that deliver beauty, accessibility, and a deep sense of purpose.
PADDLING FOR CONSERVATION
Paddling a river gives us the chance to experience them up close. When out there, it gives us a chance to listen, learn, and to advocate for that river's future. But with that experience comes responsibility.
When you paddle any river, remember to:
Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out
Use Eco-Friendly Gear: Avoid single-use plastics and harmful chemicals
Support Local Riverkeepers and conservation groups
Educate Others: Every trip is a chance to spread awareness
Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
1. COLORADO RIVER — ARIZONA, UTAH, & BEYOND
Why it’s legendary:
Flowing through deep canyons and iconic desert landscapes, the Colorado River is a paddler’s dream. From calm flatwater to adrenaline-pumping whitewater, it offers a little something for everyone.
Best stretch to kayak:
For families and beginners, Lake Powell, a man-made reservoir near Page, Arizona, offers scenic views and easy paddling. More experienced adventurers can explore sections near Cataract Canyon or tackle multi-day journeys through the Grand Canyon with proper permits, of course.
Wildlife and scenery highlights:
Towering red rock cliffs and slot canyons
Desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and wild burros
Ancient petroglyphs and hidden waterfalls
Why care:
The Colorado River is at the heart of one of the biggest water conversations in Utah and Arizona. The Colorado River Conversations Program has played a vital role in climate change research. Kayaking here is a powerful reminder of just how vital and vulnerable our rivers are. Organizations like American Rivers are working hard to keep it flowing.
Salmon River
2. SALMON RIVER — IDAHO
Why it’s epic:
Nicknamed the “River of No Return,” the Salmon River in Idaho slices through one of the largest wilderness areas in the U.S. It’s remote, rugged, and unforgettable.
Best stretch to kayak:
The Main Salmon and Middle Fork offer multi-day trips with Class III–IV rapids, natural hot springs, sandy beaches, and jaw-dropping canyon views. These trips are ideal for intermediate and experienced rafters.
Wildlife and scenery highlights:
Clear water and pristine pine forests
Elk, black bears, and river otters
Star-filled skies and natural hot springs
Why care:
Idaho’s Salmon River blends wild beauty, rich history, and heart-pounding adventure. Towering canyons, whitewater rapids, and wildlife encounters make it unforgettable. Beyond the thrill, it’s a timeless refuge where nature, culture, and community converge to remind us why rivers are life.
Chattooga River
3. CHATTOOGA RIVER — GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, & NORTH CAROLINA
Why it’s iconic:
Designated as a Wild and Scenic River, the Chattooga is famous for its role in the film Deliverance—but don’t let the Hollywood history scare you off. It’s one of the most beautifully protected rivers in the Southeast.
Best stretch to kayak:
Section II and III are perfect for intermediate paddlers, while Section IV offers advanced rapids for experienced whitewater kayakers. Make sure to scout the river, pack for the trip and paddle safely.
Wildlife and scenery highlights:
Waterfalls, gorges, and mountain laurel blooms
Black bears, kingfishers, and salamanders
Rich Cherokee cultural history
Why care:
This river runs clean thanks to passionate local advocacy and federal protection. It’s a poster child for what rivers can be when they’re allowed to stay wild and free.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
4. BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS — MINNESOTA
Why it’s magical:
A labyrinth of interconnected lakes and rivers, the Boundary Waters in Minnesota, offers serenity and solitude like few other places. Kayaking here is about gliding silently across glassy waters, with only loons and wind in the trees for company.
Best route to kayak: There are dozens of routes, but the Kawishiwi River Loop or Sawbill to Cherokee Lake routes offer great access to remote waters with stunning beauty and designated campsites. Experts suggest the routes with the fewest portages are best for beginners while the more experienced paddler may enjoy a more challenging route with further portages and longer distances across lakes.
Wildlife and scenery highlights:
Crystal-clear waters, ancient forests, and granite cliffs
Moose, beavers, loons, and northern pike
The northern lights, if you’re lucky and like to paddle at night
Why care:
This area faces ongoing threats from mining and development. Groups like Save the Boundary Waters are fighting to keep it pristine, so future generations can continue to paddle in peace.
Suwannee River
5. SUWANNEE RIVER — GEORGIA & FLORIDA
Why it’s unique:
Flowing from Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp to Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Suwannee River is a slow, soulful paddle through ancient cypress forests, springs, and Southern history.
Best stretch to kayak:
The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers multiple access points and paddle-in campsites. The section from Suwannee River State Park to Fanning Springs is especially popular with families and beginner paddlers.
Wildlife and scenery highlights:
Spanish moss-draped trees and natural springs
Alligators, turtles, and manatees
Historic river towns and Civil War sites
Why care:
This river moves at a different pace, inviting deep reflection. Local groups like Suwannee Riverkeeper are working to protect its water quality and public access. It reminds us that even slow-flowing rivers deserve swift action.
FINAL PADDLE
Whether you're carving rapids on the Chattooga, drifting quietly through the Boundary Waters, or exploring the ancient beauty of the Suwannee, kayaking opens a relationship with rivers that’s hard to describe—but impossible to forget.
At Rivers are Life, we believe that through adventure comes advocacy. We’re working toward completing 1,000 global impact projects by 2050, all driven by communities, River Heroes, and people like you who care enough to act.
Join our community on the Rivers are Life App to connect with fellow paddlers, conservationists, and storytellers making waves across the world.
Because kayaking isn’t just about going with the flow—it’s about shaping it.