Side Canyon pool,
Colorado River in the Grand Canyon

The automobile culture we live in today has taken us away from a culture that was part of our forefathers for many years. It was not too long ago that our rivers and lakes were our primary sources of travel, exploration, history, romance and fun. The rivers that inspired Mark Twain, Lewis and Clark, Daniel Boone and many others are still in many ways unchanged. In most areas, American rivers and lakes are still pathways to wilderness areas and historic time machines that can take you back to your roots. There are places to camp and swim and enjoy life. Adventure Gateway Outfitters have put together adventure trips on the best rivers America has to offer.

Some of the rivers fall from America’s oldest mountains and the highest peaks resulting in some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern US. These classic whitewater rivers are mainly run as one to three day trips: The Kennebec and Penobscot rivers in Maine, the New and Gauley rivers in West Virginia, the Nantahala, Chattooga, Ocoee and Pigeon rivers in the southern Appalachian Mountains. These rivers, however, are so much more than whitewater. They are storybooks of coal, timber and mining history. They are sanctuaries in large urban centers and these wilderness areas are protected by both federal and state regulations to keep them wild for future generations.

Most people don’t think of rivers when you talk about Texas, Florida and Arkansas, but rivers in the south central section of America are some of our most special natural areas. The Rio Grande River, which forms much of our southern border between Mexico and Texas, is one of the most remote and beautiful four-season rivers in the United States. Protected by both federal and state law, these unique canyons support wildlife, unusual rock formations and rafting trips from one day to two weeks. The Buffalo River in Arkansas is a true national treasure and was the first National River named by the United States Department of Interior. It is one of the few places in the south where elk have been successfully reintroduced and have a healthy growing population. To hear a bull elk bugle in a forest is something you will never forget.

Master fisherman

The real surprise in this part of America is Florida. In a state better known for sun-loving beach people, one of America’s most undiscovered natural treasures exists. The Panhandle of Florida has a number of spring-fed rivers flowing to the Gulf. These rivers are not hard-core whitewater, but beautiful clear streams moving at a gentle pace through dense forests. Here you’ll find wildlife, beautiful scenery and a great alternative to lying on the beach.

In the North Central part of the country lies one of the largest protected waterways, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which was once a highway for the fur trapping business. You can get lost fishing, camping, canoeing or cross-country skiing in the BWCA.

West of the Mississippi are some of our greatest natural national treasures. Large tracts of undeveloped land for hundreds of miles are the sources of these classic rivers: the Arkansas and Colorado, the Salmon, the Green and the San Juan rivers offer the opportunity to float for a few days or a few weeks. These rivers travel through some of the most unique wilderness areas in this country. These trips are not just about great whitewater, there is so much more. There are beautiful campsites, the incredible wildlife and the camaraderie that forms while a family or friends are “out” for a few days with no phone, no papers, no TV. These trips are life changing for many people.

One of the most important things about protecting these great natural resources is ownership. Adventure Gateway outfitters have worked countless hours cleaning up our rivers, walking the halls of Congress to lobby for protection and speaking on the importance of river preservation. Our most powerful tool, however, is ownership. Once we get our guests on the river, they understand why it is so important to keep these limited resources clean, protected and preserved. It is a simple concept – how can you really care for something you do not know?

In today’s world, we need ways to slow down, relax and explore. We have simply lost touch with the rivers that were so important for hundreds of years. They are still wild and beautiful – thanks to protection from many sources, including private, federal and state. So disconnect, unplug, log off and come run a river. See what we are so passionate about. We are sure you will run many more rivers after rafting one of these.