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Mid-Atlantic
Bog River
Adirondacks State Park, New York
The Adirondacks are riddled with world-class canoe routes that range from wild and isolated to quaintly sociable. The Bog River is a good first pick. Navigability of this route was established by the two dams built in the early twentieth century. Originally constructed to produce electricity, these structures now provide a stress-free paddling route enhanced by a ban on motorboats. You'll find 14.5 miles of unencumbered waters with only one short carry around Lows Upper Dam. For the more adventurous, a carry of approximately 3.5 miles from the west end of Lows Lake to the Oswegatchie River will be rewarded with a 16-mile trip down that river to Inlet, with only a short carry above High Falls.
The wildlife is terrific. You'll encounter many beaver dams around High Falls, and the area boasts one of the largest nesting loon populations in New York. The weary can rest their bones at the many campsites built by the state.
 More on paddling the Adirondacks
Oswego River
Pine Barrens, New Jersey
The Pine Barrens are a magical anomaly: more than a million acres of wildlands smack dab in the middle of the most densely populated state in the union. Thanks to the enlightened efforts of the citizens of New Jersey, the Pine Barrens remain the largest contiguous open space in the area between Washington, D.C. and Boston. The"Pines" is a near-wilderness of scrubby pine, cedar and oak growing on sandy soil, pocked by wetlands — and drained by several great canoeing rivers. The Wading River is the most popular, but for our money, the Oswego offers the richest experience. The put-in is the picnic area at Penn State Forest. After a quick paddle across a lake and a carry around a dam, you're floating on an eventful ribbon of tea-colored water. You'll pass through dense forest, island-studded ponds, and open marshland before finally joining up with the Wading River.
The Bodine Field campground lies near the end of the route — so why not make a day and night of it? It sure beats the sounds of sirens and car alarms.
Shenandoah River
Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
How could we not include this river on the list of American flatwater? The Shenandoah is an American standard. Besides passing through achingly beautiful country dominated by the majestic Blue Ridge mountains, this river is a chance to connect with an American legend. Even though the folk song"Oh Shenandoah" is about the Missouri, you're sure to find yourself singing, if only to yourself, the refrain, "Away, you rolling river." The upper reaches of the Shenandoah offer fine, rollicking whitewater. For flatwater, we recommend the Shenandoah's South Fork, a river of lazy bends flowing through lush forest and farmlands. You will encounter the Comptons Rapid, a fun stretch of Class II whitewater in season. But if you're on the river in late summer, the rapids will probably seem more like a kiddie ride version of whitewater.
This a great area of the country to get to know in-depth. Both the Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest are nearby. You'll encounter plenty of history, and even more of the great outdoors.
More on the Shenadoah River
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