Clinton Lake is part of Clinton State Park, which is one of the state’s newest state parks constructed in the mid 1970’s. Its close proximity to Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka make it a very popular destination, with nearly 600,000 annual visitors from across the country. Many improved campsites, hiking and mountain biking trails, playgrounds, swimming, and other outdoor activities are available. The privately owned and operated marina is one of the newest and largest of any of Kansas’ lakes. In addition to the lake’s accessibility and amenities, it’s beautiful shoreline and vistas are a great attraction. Miles of rugged wooded shoreline, high bluffs, wildflowers, and prairie grasses are some of the natural beauties. Wildlife is also common and includes white-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl, songbirds, and a variety of small mammals.

Reelfoot Lake is one of the only large natural lakes in Tennessee. It was formed during the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811. The old forest, which stood before the earthquake, still lies just beneath the surface. Most of it is swampy with bodies of water called basins. The average depth is only 5-6 feet. Known for some of the best hunting and fishing around, you may also get to see bald eagles, which call their home in bald cypress trees. The Upper Blue Basin is located on the north end of the lake. The scenery here is mystical with large trees coming out of the water everywhere.

Located 25 miles southwest of Peoria, the Banner Marsh State Fish and Wildlife Area provides and excellent spot for paddling on a protected body of water along the Illinois River. The area is known for its excellent wildlife observation and birdwatching opportunities. The marsh offers lots of side channels and coves that make for an interesting trip. The area provides a boat ramp, restrooms, and picnic sites.

Located 2 ½ miles north of Burlington in US-75 you will find the beautiful John Redmond Reservoir, a great fishing lake with a maximum depth of only 12 feet. The lake has very natural surroundings and is bordered by several Wildlife Areas and Recreation Areas including the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, John Redmond Wildlife Area, Otter Creek, Redmond Cove, and Hickory Creek Recreation Areas. It is an important resting stop for many species of migrating waterfowl, and habitats are preserved for many shorebirds, grassland animals, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, rough-legged hawks, and several species of small mammals. This is a very beautiful paddling destination with wild scenery and many wildlife viewing opportunities.

Hillsdale Lake is a 4,580-acre reservoir with a maximum depth of 57 feet located about 30 miles east of Kansas City. Hillsdale State Park is on the west shore and more than 12,000 acres of park and wildlife area fill the rest of the shores and surrounding area. Recreation opportunities include boating, fishing, hunting and camping. Common wildlife seen from the lake are white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, rabbit, squirrel, beaver, muskrat, and a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, bald eagles, hawks, and more.

Grand Lake O' The Cherokees is also known as Grand Lake. It has 1,300 miles of shore line and is surrounded by 5 state parks. It is tucked into the Ozark mountains in north-eastern Oklahoma. This entrance to the lake in particular, has a fun environment and is social, loud, and busy. Ugly John's Grill and Bar is located nearby as well for adventurers to grab a bite to eat.

This paddle offers a pleasant outing on the Buffalo National River; some of the best paddling in middle America. Expect stretches of quickwater interrupted by short sections of entertaining whitewater. The scenery is excellent, dense hardwood forest blanketing hill country and scenic bluffs. Be on the lookout for willow thickets that can trap boat.

This paddle takes you through some of the finest flatwater paddling in the country. The lowest reach of the Buffalo National River, it wanders through beautiful hardwood blanketed Ozark hill country. Given its length it is best tackled as a two-day outing especially given the strenuous up river paddle once you reach the confluence with the White River. Camping opportunities along the route are numerous and of good quality.

Perry Lake is an 11,150-acre reservoir operated by the US army Corps of engineers and serves as flood control and water reserve as well as providing a wide variety of wonderful recreational opportunities. Due to its relatively close proximity to Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka, Perry Lake is a very popular destination. Many parks and public lands surround the lake, making it easy to find access and several different places. The landscape and scenery is beautiful and contains rolling wooded hills, grasslands, and clear blue water. Other activities include camping, boating, hunting, hiking, and fishing, among many others.

This section of the Cache River runs between the Mississippi River cutoff and Highway 51 north of Golden Lily. The river can be run in either direction and is very wide with little debris and very slow current making it a good option for paddlers of all skill levels. The river winds through wooded terrain and floodplain forests mixed in with agricultural areas. There is lots of opportunity for birdwatching and viewing other wildlife along this route. There are poisonous snakes in the area so watch out and be cautious.