RIVER RUNS

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Paddle Report by State United States Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut District Of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming

In the United States, several iconic river runs attract whitewater enthusiasts year-round. The Colorado River's Grand Canyon stretch stands out, offering exhilarating Class III to V rapids and breathtaking scenery. Best paddled from April to October, it hosts species like trout and bass. The Gauley River in West Virginia is famous for its intense fall releases, featuring challenging Class V rapids and notable trout fishing. The Rogue River in Oregon is a diverse option, offering everything from serene floats to thrilling Class IV rapids, ideal in spring and fall for steelhead and salmon fishing.

In California, the American River is renowned for its accessibility and Class II to III rapids, perfect for families and beginners from spring through summer, with trout and salmon fishing available. The Chattooga River, marking the Georgia-South Carolina border, is celebrated for its pristine wilderness and diverse rapids up to Class IV, ideal for paddling in spring and fall, featuring bass and trout. Each of these destinations offers unique geological and ecological marvels, making them prime spots for both adventurous kayakers and nature enthusiasts alike.