How to Find Canoe Trip Options Close to Home
4-minute read
If you’re new to canoeing, new to your area, or simply ready for a new adventure, there are several avenues you can explore to find the best canoe trip options close to you.
Here are several options to check out:
Ask Your Canoeing Friends
Do you have local friends, neighbors, co-workers or classmates who canoe? Start with them! Ask around to find out what their favorite canoe trip spots are in your area. Get the details: What do they like about it? Where’s the best launch site? Do you need your own canoe? What about parking?
Invite yourself along on a trip they might be planning, or ask them to plan a trip with you. Offer to pay for any necessary permits and gas, bring food, and generally make things easy for them to show your appreciation.
Explore Nearby National, State and Regional Park Websites
Start doing online research to discover what lakes, rivers and shorelines may be protected as parkland near you and ideal for canoeing. National park websites are pretty good about giving you the information you need via the menus or search bar. They often will link to local outfitters and other helpful details as well.
The quality and helpfulness of state and regional park websites vary greatly. Some are super thorough and user-friendly while others leave you with more questions than you started with.
Set aside a few hours to dig in and explore online. Write down or bookmark promising locations. Then you can drive to the waterways you find to check them out in person.
These resources tend to simply list canoe trip locations and routes without favoritism. To get the real scoop about the best ones locally (especially if you don’t have a built-in set of paddling friends), keep reading…
(photo courtesy of Heather Johnson)
Connect with Local Paddlesports Shops and Outfitters
Dedicated paddlesports shops are usually staffed by paddling enthusiasts. If your local shop happens to offer guided tours and/or overnight canoe camping trips, you’ve hit the jackpot. Sign up for as many as interest you and begin the exploration process.
Once you’ve been on trips with their guides, you can always go back later on your own.
Even if they don’t offer guided tours, though, you can still talk with the staff to get their suggestions for local canoe trip routes. Find out their favorites and why. If you need it, see if the shop will rent you the canoes and gear you need for you and your group. If they rent and aren’t located on the body of water you want to canoe, ask if they offer shuttle service.
Join a Local Canoeing (Paddling) Facebook Group
If you don’t have a local paddle shop in your town or simply want more opinions, look for a local paddling group on Facebook or other social media platform. These groups are loaded with enthusiasts who love to share their experiences.
Some of them offer regular or occasional group canoe and kayak outings. That’s a great way to get to know others in your area you can share your canoeing passion with. Chances are many of the group’s members already know the best canoe trip options near you and won’t be shy about telling you so.
Look for In-Person Local Canoe/Paddling Clubs
Maybe there are one or more local paddling clubs that meet in person every week, or even more often. What a fun way to meet fellow canoeists and explore new-to-you canoe trip destinations.
When the group offers a local canoeing day trip, sign up for it. Sign up for as many as your time and schedule allow. You’ll be going with people who already know the way, the parking, the route and any quirks you need to be aware of.
(photo courtesy of Emily Hendricks)
This is especially true for overnight and multi-day canoe trips. It’s always helpful to be in a group with folks who know what permits are needed, where the campsites are, which campsites are the best, how many miles a day are reasonable and other need-to-know details.
Get Out on the Water!
From here, you just want to get out on the water and try as many of these canoe trip routes as you can. It won’t take you long to discover your own favorites, no matter which canoeing environment you prefer.
Then you’ll be able to offer other newer canoeists your opinion on the best local canoe trip routes. It’s very satisfying when the process comes full circle!
Happy paddling!
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