The United States boasts an impressive network of waterways, many of which have been designated as National Scenic Rivers. These aquatic treasures offer breathtaking views and provide habitats for diverse wildlife and recreational opportunities for adventure seekers.
In this article, we’ll journey through the 20 most spectacular scenic rivers nationwide, each with unique charm and ecological significance.
Snake River (Wyoming)
Picture this: you’re floating along, and bam! The Grand Tetons are reflected in the water like nature’s own mirror. It’s so pretty it almost hurts your eyes. And if you’re into fishing, let’s say the trout here beg to be caught.
Rogue River (Oregon)
The Rogue River is a whitewater enthusiast’s paradise. Cutting through the rugged Cascade Mountains, it offers exhilarating rapids interspersed with calm stretches perfect for spotting black bears and ospreys. The river’s journey from the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean is a testament to Oregon’s diverse landscapes.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Chattooga River (Georgia/South Carolina)
Remember ‘Deliverance’? Yep, this is that river. But don’t let Hollywood fool you – the Chattooga is way more chill in real life. Straddling Georgia and South Carolina, it’s got a little something for everyone. Fancy a lazy float? Check. Want to test your paddling skills? Double-check.
Rio Grande (Texas)
The Rio Grande’s 196-mile stretch through Big Bend National Park starkly contrasts its role as an international border. Here, the river carves through spectacular canyons, offering multi-day float trips that showcase the raw beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert. The sight of sheer cliff walls rising from the water’s edge is awe-inspiring.
Salmon River (Idaho)
They call this one the ‘River of No Return,’ but trust us, you’ll want to come back. It cuts through one of North America’s deepest gorges and is about as wild as it gets. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a pioneer, this is your spot.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Delaware River (New York/Pennsylvania/New Jersey)
History buffs, this one’s for you! The Delaware River isn’t just pretty – it’s practically a floating museum. There is a mixture of calm pools and gentle rapids from the Catskills to the Delaware Water Gap. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a bald eagle or two. How’s that for patriotic?
Niobrara River (Nebraska)
Nebraska and scenic rivers? You bet! The Niobrara is here to change your mind about the Cornhusker State. With its sandhills and waterfalls, it is as if someone transported the tropics to the Midwest. Perfect for a family float trip – just remember to take the sunscreen!
Buffalo National River (Arkansas)
As the OG of National Rivers, the Buffalo sets the bar high. Flowing free for 135 miles through the Ozarks, it’s got more bluffs than a poker champion. With tons of access points, you can make your trip as long or short as you like. Just remember: what goes downstream must paddle back up!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Eleven Point River (Missouri)
Hidden in the Ozarks, the Eleven Point is cooler than the other side of the pillow. Fed by springs, it stays chilly year-round, making it a trout paradise. It’s perfect for those who like their rivers with a side of peace.
St. Croix River (Wisconsin/Minnesota)
The St. Croix is like the mullet of rivers – peaceful party in the upper section, wild fun in the lower. Near the Twin Cities but feels a world away, it’s perfect to escape the urban jungle without going full Grizzly Adams.
Youghiogheny River (Pennsylvania/Maryland)
Affectionately known as the ‘Yough’ (pronounced ‘Yok’), this river is a favorite among eastern whitewater enthusiasts. Its Lower Yough section provides thrilling Class III-IV rapids, while the Middle Yough offers a gentler experience suitable for families and beginners.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Merced River (California)
If the Merced River was a social media influencer, it’d break the internet. Flowing through Yosemite, it’s got more stunning backdrops than a Hollywood green screen. From serene valleys to raging rapids, it’s like Mother Nature showing off all her best angles.
Allagash Wilderness Waterway (Maine)
This 92-mile-long ribbon of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams winds through the remote forests of northern Maine. The Allagash offers a true wilderness experience, where paddlers can spot moose, loons, and other wildlife against a backdrop of pristine boreal forest.
New River (West Virginia)
Don’t let the name fool you – the New River is anything but. One of the oldest rivers in North America, it’s like the Betty White of waterways. The gorge offers world-class rafting, and if you’re there for ‘Bridge Day,’ you might see people jumping off bridges. Why not?
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Skagit River (Washington)
The Skagit is like a wildlife documentary coming to life. In winter, bald eagles flock here like it’s an all-you-can-eat salmon buffet. The upper part will satisfy your whitewater cravings, while the lower section is perfect for a relaxing float. Just don’t try to hug the eagles, okay?
Kenai River (Alaska)
Alaska’s Kenai River is famous for its massive king salmon, but its scenic value is equally impressive. The turquoise waters—colored by glacial silt—wind through the Kenai Peninsula, offering stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness and chances to spot bears fishing along the banks.
Gauley River (West Virginia)
Often referred to as the ‘Beast of the East,’ the Gauley River is a whitewater paddler’s dream. The river becomes an elite rapids course in the fall when planned dam releases befall. Even outside these times, the Gauley offers beautiful scenery and exciting paddling opportunities.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Virgin River (Utah)
The Virgin River carves through Zion National Park, creating the park’s iconic narrow canyons. While unsuitable for traditional boating, the river offers unique hiking experiences like the famous Narrows trail, where hikers wade upstream through the river corridor, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs.
Au Sable River (Michigan)
Michigan’s Au Sable River is a serene waterway flowing through the northern part of the Lower Peninsula. Known for its excellent trout fishing, the river offers peaceful canoeing and kayaking experiences. The surrounding forests burst into color during the fall, making it a popular destination for autumn paddling trips.
The Legacy of Scenic Rivers
The National Scenic Rivers of America provide a range of experiences, from serene floats through pristine wilderness to exhilarating whitewater adventures. These 20 rivers represent just a fraction of the country’s protected waterways, each telling a story of natural beauty and ecological importance.
Next time you’re itching for an adventure, give one of these water beauties a view. Remember to respect the river, pack out what you pack in, and maybe invest in a waterproof camera. Trust us, you’re going to want to remember these views!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Mind-Blowing Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Do in the U.S.
- The Best Cruise Ship Experiences for U.S. Citizens
- The Best U.S Travel Destinations for Golf Lovers
- The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the World (Exercise Caution if Travelling There)
- The Best Fall Foliage Spots in New England (Must-See Places)
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.