Haven't had any luck in finding a used 17'+ canoe over the last 4 months so today, the last day to get in on a discount Spring order, I ordered one. Now to put together some places to go. There'll be two of us along with two dogs and we're not interested in white watering, more into flat water and down rivers with places to pull in and pitch a tent for a night or two, continuing on and repeat. I know of a few places such Boundary water, Swanee river, Green River, etc., but if any of you have suggestions I'd appreciate hearing them. Anywhere in PA, MD, WV, VA, Ohio, and Kentucky would be close and convenient but we're planning on traveling over the next few years too so most anywhere that would have something to offer is a possibility. TIA

Beech Fork lake isn’t bad as it’s limited to 9.9 HP, they have a campground and you’re a few minutes outside Huntington for other activities. It’s also my backyard so dinner would be on me. I know there is some activity on the Coal River around Charleston as some of my partners go there but I personally haven’t done it. Enjoy.

Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Done it. Put in on the Conestoga east of Safe Harbor Dam, then south to Maryland.

Buffalo River Arkansas. Class I or II moving water. Plenty of access and some of the best scenery around.

Yup, what he said too.

Although not one of the states listed, Adirondacks in NY is perfect for what your seeking

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lanning on traveling over the next few years too so most anywhere that would have something to offer is a possibility. TIA

There's very pleasant stretches of Class I & II flatwater in parts of both the North Fork of the Salmon River, eastern Idaho, and in Deschutes River, Central Oregon.

Thanks guys and all are noted on my "to do" list!

Adirondacks is a good suggestion, I've ridden around there a number of times and they're not that far away.

Hopefully west in 2021, thanks signewt!

Another vote for Buffalo River. Gorgeous place.

I haven't done it, but it's on my list and you've mentioned it: Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail

You could also paddle 38 miles from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan via the Inland Waterway

If you are feeling really ambitious, check out the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Goes from Maine to the Adironacks while passing through Vermont, NH and Quebec. Total is 740 miles. Obviously you can wimp out and only choose to do parts of it.

https://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/

The Missouri Ozarks are full of good float streams with gravel bottoms and gravel bars to pull off and camp overnight. Mostly in hilly country with bluffs and caves. Many are spring-fed in spots along their way. Floats similar to the Buffalo in Arkansas.

Anyplace in the Yoop. Pictured Rocks is popular but it might involve the big lake.
Bring bug juice!

The Allegheny river and French Creek in Northwestern PA are very scenic and no white water.

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Originally posted by signewt:

quote:

lanning on traveling over the next few years too so most anywhere that would have something to offer is a possibility. TIA

There's very pleasant stretches of Class I & II flatwater in parts of both the North Fork of the Salmon River, eastern Idaho, and in Deschutes River, Central Oregon.

I will second this. I have run a number of rivers in Idaho, not in a canoe, part of it was in a cataraft, part in a 14 foot raft with my brother.

Some of that water could get VERY exciting! I know, as I did a kind of strange half flying maneuver in my cataraft. Ended up swimming for a bit.

These are known more for their rapids (controlled by outflow from dams), but I don't see why you couldn't canoe on the Nantahala River in NC or the Ocoee in NC and TN. Both have very scenic canyons. Nantahala River - Bing Images Ocoee River - Bing Images And the Watauga and Nolichucky are practically in my back yard.

Boundary Waters you mentioned, but Quetico is just to the North on the Canada side. More desolate than BW.

MDS

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Originally posted by Bulldog:
Although not one of the states listed, Adirondacks in NY is perfect for what your seeking

The Old Forge to Saranac Lake trip for sure. Check out the three day summer race.

The legendary Allagash River in Maine is definitely worth traveling to.

Thanks for all the suggestions I've noted them all down and will be going over them with my canoe partner for her input. Come on Spring!