Is fall a good time to kayak?

Yes, with care. Fall mornings are often calm, the bugs are gone, and the color is spectacular. The water is colder than the air, so wear a life jacket and dress for the water.

What should I wear kayaking in the fall?

Dress for the water temperature, not the air: quick-drying layers, no cotton, a windproof outer layer, and a life jacket. Bring a dry bag with a warm layer.

Why do marshes turn color early?

Red maples, which grow well in wet ground, are among the earliest trees to turn, so wetlands and the shores around them often color up before the surrounding hills.

Foliage map / Fall foliage tours

Fall foliage by canoe and kayak

On a still fall morning, paddling a quiet lake or river is like floating through a painting, with color above you and color below. A canoe or kayak gets you to shorelines no road or trail reaches, and fall’s calm mornings are some of the best paddling of the year.

Where to paddle

Lakes ringed with hardwoods, slow rivers, and marshy coves are all good. Wetlands are often among the first places to turn, because red maples, which grow well in wet ground, color early. Popular lake country for fall paddling includes the Adirondacks around Old Forge, the lakes of northern Minnesota around Ely, and Maine’s Moosehead region around Greenville. Closer to cities, quiet rivers work well too, such as the Charles River past Sherborn. In the Ozarks, the Buffalo National River flows between tall bluffs.

Guided trips

Guided paddles are a good choice if you’re new to paddling or to the area. Guides know where to go and when, can teach basic strokes, and often supply the boats and gear. Longer guided trips may include camping.

Cold water safety

This is the most important part of fall paddling. Even on a warm fall afternoon, the water can be cold enough to cause cold shock, a gasping reflex that makes swimming hard in the first minutes after an unexpected fall in. Always wear a life jacket, dress for the water temperature rather than the air, stay close to shore, and bring a dry bag with a warm layer. Winds often pick up in the afternoon, so plan longer crossings for the morning. Tell someone your plan, and be off the water well before the early fall sunset.

Timing

Shorelines of big lakes can peak a little later than the hills around them, while marshes and wet ground often turn early. Check the nearest destination on the foliage map and plan a morning paddle for the calmest water and the best reflections.