Need Paddling Ideas (Not the Naughty Kind)

Jagshund · 04-23-2010, 07:29 PM

I'm researching my summer trip and need some ideas. I've been on virtually every river I've wanted to paddle in Georgia and Alabama (except the Sepulga, Coosa and Ohoopee) so I'm considering a jaunt out of state. The Appalachicola is off limits for the time being- my wife doesn't want me paddling with gators again unless I have someone else with me (not sure how that's going to help, but it made her feel better).

Boat's a 17 foot Essence, so I don't want anything over Class III if it can be helped. I also try to keep portaging to a minimum but have hauled 200 lbs of boat & equipment for over a mile in the past. I don't like it, but I'll do it if the trip is worth it. I normally paddle between 25 and 30 miles per day, so long trips don't make me flinch. The ocean seems to be the next logical step in the South if nothing pops up. Maybe down the coast from SC to Destin?? I'd hate to get run over in a shipping lane.

Any and all ideas are appreciated; 500 miles is probably the limit for travel to the put-in.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Some one is going to post this, so I may as well...

GWN7 · 04-23-2010, 10:07 PM

Quetico/boundry waters.....

Portage and Route Descriptions for Quetico and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Might be a bit past your 500 mile limit, but no gators

Jagshund · 04-24-2010, 10:47 AM

That portage site is an incredible resource!! Might need to start one for my region- there were several on the Hooch that were not marked. Almost went over a 20' dam due to a lack of take-out and dam markings near West Point GA.

I'll research Minnesota for sure. Looks like some nice water available up that way- definitely past 500 miles, though.

artplumber · 04-24-2010, 05:46 PM

What about Smokies Natl Park?

Jagshund · 04-24-2010, 06:06 PM

Great Smokies has two lakes- Cheoah and Fontana- that I have looked at but I'm not sure if they'd provide enough distance for me. I like being out for a long time (usually at least a week); I used to hit the Nantahala in my play boat back in the day. Too many rafters for a slow cruise.

artplumber · 04-24-2010, 06:28 PM

Train for the Everglades challenge for next year...

Jagshund · 04-24-2010, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by artplumber

Train for the Everglades challenge for next year...

I'd never even heard of it until now. That sounds like my kind of fun- it appears to be a qualifier for the Florida Challenge, which I have heard of in passing. I'm not the competitive sort anymore, but their routes look like a blast.