Wild and scenic rivers are a special designation given by the United States Congress to certain waterways to protect their wild and natural characteristics. These rivers have been determined to have outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, or historical values.
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was passed in 1968 as a response to the growing concern about the loss of wild places in the United States. Only eight rivers were designated as wild and scenic. Today, there are over 200 rivers nationwide with this designation. Below we list some of the most popular rivers.
Easy Kayaking Spots on Wild and Scenic Rivers
If you’re looking for a great paddle but don’t have a lot of experience, there are lots of rivers that would be perfect for you! The wild and scenic rivers in the US are beautiful and offer an excellent experience for people of all levels. You’ll see fantastic scenery and might even spot some wildlife along the way. And since these rivers are designated as wild and scenic, you know they’re well-protected and will stay beautiful for years.
Delaware River
The Delaware River is a famous wild and scenic river that flows through New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. The river is 115 miles long and offers a variety of paddling opportunities, from easy Class I waters to more challenging Class III rapids. The Delaware River is known for its excellent fishing, with plenty of bass, trout, and catfish to be caught. The river also has a rich history, dating back to the early 17th century when Dutch settlers first arrived. Today, the Delaware River is a popular destination for hikers, birders, and nature lovers.
Where to launch:
- D & R Canal Parking Lot 1007_63_3.01, Lambertville, NJ 08530
- Delaware River Boat Access 1517 River Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Missouri River
The Missouri River is a long and wild river that flows through 10 states and is over 2,500 miles long. The river offers a variety of paddling opportunities, from easy Class I waters to more challenging Class III rapids. The Missouri River is renowned for its excellent fishing, with bass, trout, and catfish available in huge numbers. The Missouri River is a popular destination for hikers, birders, and nature lovers.
Where to launch:
- Boat Ramp – Nebraska Tailwaters RGXJ+HM, Crofton, NE 68730
- Riverside Park Boat Ramp 637 Levee St, Yankton, SD 57078
- Ponca State Park 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, NE 68770
Salmon River
The Salmon River is a wild and scenic river that flows through Idaho and Oregon. The river is over 125 miles long and offers a variety of paddling opportunities, from easy Class I waters to more challenging Class III rapids. The Salmon River is known for its excellent fishing, with plenty of bass, trout, and catfish to be caught. The river also has a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century when Lewis and Clark explored the area. Today, the Salmon River is a popular destination for hikers, birders, and nature lovers.
Where to launch:
- Corn Creek Boat Ramp Salmon River Rd, Shoup, ID 83469
Niobrara National Scenic River
The Niobrara National Scenic River is a wild and scenic river that flows through Nebraska. The river is over 90 miles long and offers a variety of paddling opportunities between Classes I-III. The Niobrara River popular for fishing and is was also explored by Lewis and Clark in the 19th Century. Today, the Niobrara River is a popular destination for hikers, birders, and nature lovers.
Where to launch:
Difficult and Technical Kayaking on Wild and Scenic Rivers
These rivers offer experienced paddlers a chance to test their skills on some of the most challenging whitewater in the country. With beautiful scenery and exciting rapids, these rivers are perfect for anyone looking for an adventure.
Ocoee River
The Ocoee River offers experienced paddlers a challenging but rewarding experience. The rapids on the Ocoee are Class III-IV and offer some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in the country. The river also has beautiful scenery and rich history, dating back to the early 20th century when it was used for hydroelectric power.
Where to launch:
- Lower Ocoee River Put-In Benton, TN 37307
- Middle Ocoee Put-In Turtletown, TN 37391
Nantahala River
The Nantahala River is a wild and scenic rived in North Carolina that is well-known for its world-class whitewater rafting. It is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the southeastern United States. The river offers experienced paddlers a challenging but rewarding experience, with Class III-IV rapids that provide plenty of excitement. It is the perfect river for families though the Upper Nantahala becomes world-class in its rapids perfect for experienced paddlers.
Where to launch:
- Nantahala River Launch Site – Wayah Rd, Topton, NC 28781
Chattooga River
The Chattooga River is a wild and scenic river located in Georgia and South Carolina. It is one of the country’s most popular whitewater rafting destinations, with Class III-IV rapids that offer a challenging but rewarding experience. The Chattooga River is also known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Where to launch:
- Russell Bridge Mountain Rest, SC 29664
- Earl’s Ford Put-in Mountain Rest, SC 29664
Middle Fork of the Salmon River
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the United States. The river offers Class III-IV rapids and some of the most challenging whitewater in the country. The scenery is beautiful, with towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and wild wildlife. Visitors can expect to see elk, deer, bears, and eagles along this wild and scenic river.
Where to launch:
- Boundary Creek Campground Boundary Rd, Cascade, ID 83611
National / State Park Kayaking Spots on Wild and Scenic Rivers
Many of the wild and scenic rivers run through national and state parks. Below are just a few we chose given their popularity.
Buffalo National River, Ozark National Forest
The Buffalo National River flows through the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas. The river is a popular destination for paddlers of all levels and offers beautiful scenery and wildlife. The Ozark National Forest is a beautiful area with rolling hills and forests, making it a perfect place to paddle and enjoy nature.
Where to launch:
- Kyles Landing Access Harrison, AR 72601
New River Gorge National River, West Virginia
The New River Gorge National River is a wild and scenic river that flows through West Virginia. The river is well-known for its world-class whitewater rafting and offers a variety of paddling experiences, from calm flatwater to Class III rapids. The gorge itself is a beautiful area, with steep cliffs and stunning views. The New River Gorge is also home to a variety of wildlife, including raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and white-tailed deer.
Where to launch:
- Dun Glen Boat Launch McKendree Rd, Oak Hill, WV 25901
Klamath Wild and Scenic River
The Klamath Wild and Scenic River flows through Oregon and California and offers a wild and remote experience, with challenging Class III-IV rapids. The river is part of the Klamath National Forest, a large forest that covers over 1.7 million acres. The area is popular for fishing with a healthy population of rainbow trout. The forest is known for its beautiful scenery, with rolling hills, dense forests, and rugged cliffs.
Where to launch:
- X. Ti Bar River Access Klamath River Hwy, Happy Camp, CA 96039
Santa Elena Canyon National Park
The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River flows through Texas and offers beautiful scenery and exciting Class III rapids. The river is part of the Santa Elena Canyon National Park, a beautiful park that features stunning canyons and wildflowers. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife including cougars, roadrunners, gray foxes, and coyotes.
Where to launch:
- Santa Elena Canyon Texas 79852
Recommended Kayaking Tours on Wild and Scenic Rivers
Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Middle Fork from Auburn (Class 3-4)
Experienced paddlers will enjoy tacking the Middle Fork American River. This full-day tour takes you paddling through 17 miles of class III and IV rapids in the California Foothills.
Middle Ocoee River Rafting Adventure Tour
Paddling through the gorgeous Cherokee National Forst on Chattanooga is a great way to experience the Middle Ocoee River. This adventure will take you through class III and IV rapids while explaining the region’s beautiful waterway and river gorge.
Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trip on Salmon River with Lunch
The Salmon River is home to adventure. Go down on a full day paddle of eight hours down 22 miles of scenic waterway. Lunch is provided and we know you’ll be hungry after this whitewater adventure.
Need to Know about Wild and Scenic Rivers
Wild and Scenic Rivers are designated by the US government and are set apart for their natural beauty, wildness, and recreational opportunities. There are over 2,000 wild and scenic rivers in the US, and each offers its own unique experience. People should visit Wild and Scenic Rivers because they offer a variety of outdoor activities including rafting, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and camping.
When to Visit Wild and Scenic Rivers
The best time to paddle wild and scenic rivers varies depending on the river and the location. However, most wild and scenic rivers are busiest during the spring and summer months. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, consider paddling in the fall or winter. Experienced paddlers might want to check when there are water releases in the respective sites.
Weather in Wild and Scenic Rivers
Wild and scenic rivers in the US offer a range of different activities throughout all four seasons. The weather and climate can change drastically depending on the state that the river flows through.
Spring is a great time to visit wild and scenic rivers because the weather is usually mild and it’s still early enough in the season for water levels to be high. Many wildflowers will be blooming along the banks, and you can expect to see lots of wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and rabbits.
Summer brings hot temperatures and high water levels. This is a great time to go rafting or kayaking as you’ll experience more rapids than at any other time of year. You may also see black bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife while on your trip.
Fall is a beautiful time of year with trees changing colors along the riverbanks. The weather is usually cool but comfortable, making it a perfect time for hiking or camping. Wildlife sightings are common during this season as well.
Winter brings cold temperatures and often snow to wild and scenic rivers. This can be a dangerous time to visit as ice can form on the river quickly making it treacherous to travel. However, if you are careful and take the necessary precautions, winter can be a magical time to explore wild and scenic rivers with few other people around. You may see bald eagles, snowshoe hares, and other animals that are unique to this time of year.
Wild and Scenic Rivers in the US offer something for everyone, no matter what time of year it is. Be sure to check the weather and river conditions before you go so that you can plan accordingly and have a safe and enjoyable trip.
