Jenny Lake on calm days is a great family paddle at Grand Teton National Park/NPS
Not all rivers, streams, and lakes in the National Park System require well-honed paddling skills. Here's a look at a few places, on generally placid water, where you can take a few strokes.
1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Probably the most difficult part of paddling Jenny Lake is keeping your eyes on your work, and away from the Tetons towering overhead. Stretch out your trip by making the short portages to String and then Leigh lakes. Jackson Lake is much larger and can generate challenging conditions, but on calm summer days paddles close to shore allow you to experience this alpine setting.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
Whether you rent a boat from a concessionaire at Many Glacier Hotel, or slip your own canoe or kayak into Swiftcurrent Lake, you'll enjoy this breathtaking setting. Sunrise paddlers might encounter a moose munching breakfast near the lake shore. Other options include Two Medicine and St. Mary lakes. Lake McDonald can be challenging, and its cold waters debilitating and dangerous if you capsize.
3. Acadia National Park, Maine
At Acadia more than two dozen lakes and ponds are open to paddlers, and some are closed to motorized craft. With a little effort, you could launch a sea kayak or canoe into Somes Sound, the only fjord on the East Coast. For a longer day, sign on with one of the kayak guiding companies to explore the park from Frenchman Bay or maybe Blue Hill Bay. A number of businesses on Mount Desert Island rent or offer guided kayak trips.
4. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
During the summer rangers lead canoe trips at Salt Pond, or you can head out into Cape Cod Bay on your own, or with one of the Cape's kayak guides. If you like more of a challenge, haul your kayak across one of the beaches and put into the Atlantic Ocean. Just remember, these waters contain great white sharks and their prey, gray seals, at times. Seashore staff recommend that you paddle in groups and say away from any seals you spot. A number of businesses on the Cape rent kayaks.
Be sure to set aside time for canoeing at Cape Cod National Seashore/NPS
5. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
The Green and Nolin rivers are great streams for kids, with longer paddles and even overnight journeys. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one from one of the liveries. They'll also provide a drop-off and pickup shuttle. Obtain a free backcountry permit before you put-in and you can pitch your tent on the river shores or islands. Just remember, rainstorms can quickly raise the levels of these streams, so be sure you keep your eye to the sky and the river currents.
6. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Enjoy the tranquil waters of Manzanita Lake, with Lassen Peak looming in the distance. Pitch your camp at the lake-side campground, and rent a kayak from the concessionaire. Summit and Juniper lakes also offer paddling opportunities, though Summit is on the small side and Juniper requires a bumpy six-mile drive on a dirt road. Campgrounds exist at both; Juniper's is first-come, first-served.
7. Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Tomales Bay, on the protected inland side of the point, has 15 miles of paddling possibilities for novice kayakers. You might spot Tule elk on the shores, and stingrays beneath the surface, while curious harbor seals will pop up to keep an eye on you. If you're new to the area, sign on with one of the local guide services for a half-day of paddling. Veteran paddlers take advantage of the campsites that can be reached via the bay.
8. Congaree National Park, South Carolina
This park, with its old growth bottomland forests, offers a fascinating day of paddling. 'Traveling by canoe or kayak is a great way to enjoy this primeval wilderness while floating past some of the tallest trees in eastern North America,' park staff note. 'Paddling is also a thrilling way to encounter the diverse wildlife of the park. Deer, river otters, turtles, snakes, and raccoons are a few of the animals that may be seen.' If you feel uncomfortable heading out by yourself, check into one of the ranger-led canoe trips on Cedar Creek. Just be sure to reserve your spot!
9. Big Bend National Park, Texas
The Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River is a great floating experience for families. Some sections frame you beneath 1,500-foot limestone cliffs. Youngsters might look for the red-eared sliders, a species of turtle, while birders in the group will be fascinated by great blue herons and green kingfishers that call the river corridor home. Experienced paddlers -- whether in kayak, canoe, or raft -- can obtain a backcountry permit for a private trip, while commercial outfitters will pamper you.
10. Middle Delaware National Scenic River, New Jersey/Pennsylvania
With roughly 40 miles of generally placid water, this national scenic river flows through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. It's a great place to canoe, kayak, or even tube. The river forms the boundary between Milford, Pennsylvania, in the north and the village of Delaware Water Gap in the south. If you're planning to head out on a summer weekend, check with the park to see if their free shuttle service is running. (570-828-2253 or 908-496-4458)
Paddling amid a forest strung with Spanish moss is one of the pleasures of Conagree National Park/NPS
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