American Backcountry & Coastal Waters: An Overlander's Paddling & Wilderness Guide

Turn south off Highway 28 near Little Texas onto the gravel forest service road to reach this secluded creek crossing, ideal for scouting quiet roadside primitive campsites.

Pull off US-71 near Y City along the Fourche La Fave River to inspect the river access point and natural waterfall ledge before planning upstream paddles.

Set up a secluded off-grid camp in this natural forest cul-de-sac with easy foot trail access down to the spring-fed pond and creek drainage.

Hike or off-road up to this established three-sided wooden trail shelter located directly along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

Stop along this high mountain ridge campsite featuring a rock fire ring and sweeping views looking directly down into the forest valley below.

A popular, accessible creekside dispersed camp spot located just five minutes off the main forest route, offering direct gravel access into Big Brushy Creek.

Arrange your upstream shuttle with local outfitter Lucky's Canoe Rental for the Caddo River float; request a drop-off an extra mile upriver to paddle through scenic Caddo Gap.

Look up to spot the historic suspension bridge overhead while paddling through quiet pools where large schools of alligator gar often congregate in clear, shallow water.

Navigate through the iconic rock bluffs of Caddo Gap; scout approximately 200 yards northwest of the old low-water bridge to find the submerged geothermal spring seep.

The primary rapid on the Caddo River features a 1-to-2-foot ledge drop; run river left for the cleanest line and safest depth.

Pull onto this gravel bar along a shaded bend of the Caddo River for a mid-paddle swim in crystal-clear water.

Explore the Little Missouri River corridor at Albert Pike, where crystal-clear spring waters flow over rocky creek beds nestled deep in pine forests.

Park at this small gravel lot to begin the hike down along the Eagle Rock Loop trail leading south along Blaylock Creek.

Hike to this iconic swimming hole featuring turquoise spring waters, natural stone ledges, and sandy banks nestled between mountain slopes.

After a day of creek hiking and swimming, stop in the small town of Amity to enjoy local craft brews and unwind.

Launch your loaded kayak onto the calm open waters of Lake Ouachita, renowned for its crystal clarity and hundreds of uninhabited wooded islands.

Pitch your tent along the rocky shoreline among red cedar trees for an off-grid island camp with prime sunrise and sunset vistas.

Spend the afternoon island-hopping by kayak, fishing along submerged structure for largemouth bass, and swimming in deep open coves.

Head into downtown Hot Springs to enjoy house-made root beer floats, hearty burgers, and craft ales brewed on-site using thermal spring water.

Launch paddleboards or kayaks at the park's river access point to explore the winding Little Maumelle waterway flowing directly beneath Pinnacle Mountain.

Paddle through calm, shaded water passing gentle rocky riffles under dense forest canopy on this lesser-known urban paddling run.

Enter the tranquil cypress swamps where the river widens, weaving between ancient buttressed trees and tangled wetlands at sunset.

Pick up house-roasted specialty whole bean coffee and espresso drinks before stocking up on fresh provisions for camp cooking.

Camp on the wooded peninsula overlooking the Arkansas River, an ideal location for campfire dinners after an afternoon on the water.

A scenic summit hike offering 360-degree views across Lake Maumelle and the surrounding Ouachita foothills.

A quiet full-hookup basecamp on the north side of Pensacola equipped with hot showers and laundry, positioned 45 minutes west of Blackwater River paddling access.

Head to Blackwater Joe's for upstream river shuttles; they offer 5-, 7-, and 9-mile float routes with takeout directly on their private riverfront property.

Paddle down golden tannin-tinted river waters lined with pure white quartz sandbars, perfect for beach stops and remote sandbar camping under longleaf pines.

Camp under open skies surrounded by bald cypress and wetland wildlife in the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve.

Stop in for authentic Cubano-bean cafe con leche and homemade Cuban flan before embarking on boat expeditions into the outer islands.

Meet 7th-generation guide Captain Craig for an in-depth ecological and cultural boat tour through the historic mangrove archipelago.

Navigate tidal mangrove cuts and back bays while casting for redfish and mangrove snapper amidst resident bottlenose dolphins.

Step ashore on this historic Calusa shell mound island once home to 19th-century pioneer settlers, sugar cane farming, and notorious Everglades outlaws.

Keep an eye out for endangered, miniature Key deer along the wooded residential roads; maintain slow speeds and never feed the wildlife.

Rent a backcountry skiff or launch your own kayaks/paddleboards here for direct access to the secluded mangrove channels and shallow flats.

Time your arrival with the falling tide to step out onto this pristine, shallow backcountry sandbar surrounded by turquoise flats.

A secluded tropical island beach framed by leaning palm trees and soft white sands, perfect for cleaning and cooking fresh catch over a beach stove.

Hike the 2-mile boardwalk gorge trail through 90-foot granite walls and cascading waterfalls; reserve entry tickets online in advance to guarantee your morning time slot.

Walk across the footbridge over the Swift River gorge along the famous Kancamagus Highway to view churning rapids carving through granite bedrock.

Head to this renowned seafood joint in downtown Portland for freshly griddled brioche lobster rolls topped with warm butter and craft sauces.