  
Top Ten Places to Kayak
Gauley River Kayaking -
West Virginia - Considered one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in
the world, the Gauley River is West Virginia's legendary run. Each fall,
Summersville Dam opens wide to unleash this "Beast of the East." Over 22 days of
high adventure and fun, thousands of gallons of water per second begin their
roaring, pounding journey to the sea... dropping 650 feet over 26 miles,
thundering and frothing over thousands of boulders, and creating steep drops,
massive holes, and colossal waves. Technically demanding, the Gauley offers more
than 100 major rapids, 56 of them Class III-V+. So, grab a paddle and a guide,
because this is Gauley Season, and to you it means unmatched and unforgettable
excitement.
The Upper Yough
Sand Run, Maryland - Are
you ready for one of the crown jewels of East Coast whitewater? This Class IV-V
river is truly a classic. Dropping and tumbling down through the hills and
mountains of Western Maryland, this run is more like running a steep creek than
running a river. Fast paced and action packed you have to be on your toes, ready
to paddle hard and precisely following the commands of your expert guide, or you
could very easily end up swimming in the middle of a Class V rapid. Remember you
need to be 18 or older, as well as have had prior whitewater experience to go on
this run.
Salmon River Kayaking
- Idaho - The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is White Water paradise! More than 100 rapids span this 105 mile stretch of scenic
beauty for an unforgetable white water expericence. This free-flowing
river drops 3000 feet through the remote and spectacular River of No Return
Wilderness.
South
Fork American River - California - The
South Fork of the American River is a great all-around stretch for private
boaters of all levels. Novices will find the 3-mile, Class II "Coloma to Lotus"
stretch to be an ideal introduction to whitewater. Intermediate boaters enjoy
the increased challenge of the Class III "Chili Bar" and "Gorge" runs, and the
expert kayakers spend hours perfecting their rodeo moves in the world-famous
Chili Bar Hole and other play spots.
Kayaking on the Chattooga River - GA, SC, NC Boarders - The
Chattooga begins at the Whitesides Mountain in North Carolina and flows in a
southwesterly direction to form the border between South Carolina and Georgia.
One of the wildest and most beautiful whitewater rivers in the America, the
Chattooga was the first river in the Southeast to be designated "Wild & Scenic"
by Congress and was used as a location for the movie Deliverance.
Rogue River,
Oregon - Cutting across the Coast Range and the Siskiyou National
Forest, the Wild and Scenic Rogue River begins near Crater Lake in the Cascade
Mountains and splashes its way to the Pacific Ocean. The Siskiyou National
Forest manages the Wild Section of the Rogue, 35 miles of whitewater racing
through the Wild Rogue Wilderness Area.
Russell Fork
River, Kentucky - This River meets near Breaks Interstate Park, close to
Elkhorn City, KY, but the real action starts at Flanagan Dam where the river
literally roars out of the mountain side - a spectacular start! The first part
of the trip is slower - allowing paddlers time to admire the views within the
1000 foot gorge formed by the river. Don't get too distracted because the Class
III and IV rapids downstream include pushy water, steep drops and narrow
passages (all classic Russell Fork attributes). The take-out is at Garden Hole -
an adventure in itself.
Westwater Canyon, Colorado River - Ask
anyone who has run Westwater Canyon and you're likely to hear comparisons with
the Grand Canyon due to its geological similarities and challenging class III
and IV rapids. Like the Grand Canyon, Westwater combines the excitement of
whitewater with the serenity of calm water sections that feature towering walls
and winding side canyons. Rapids such as Funnel Falls, Skull, Sock-It-To-Me and
Last Chance await you. And so do Great Blue Heron, bald eagles and river otter.
Nolichucky River, Erwin, TN -
The Nolichucky is in an incredibly beautiful, deep, mountain gorge that
offers lots of great play, especially within the first few miles. The Noli's
punch is at the beginning, then it mellows out to a mostly class III run
allowing ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery. The gorge is remote with the
only opportunity to walk out by a railroad track that parallels the river.
Ocoee
River, Tennessee -
Site of the 1996 Olympic kayak events. The river flows through a deep
gorge in the beautiful Cherokee National Forest in southeast Tennessee. Here
you'll encounter exciting class III and IV white water rapids with spectacular
mountain scenery.
Great Site for finding
river information
American Whitewater
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