10 Best Places to Paddle In North America In October

10 Best places to paddle In North America In October

October in North America is famous for two things in particular - colorful foliage, and Halloween. This month also happens to be one of the best times of year to paddle. Tropical weather starts to dwindle down south, and it is also the last month where you can comfortably paddle in Northern destinations. In October you can have a blast paddling just about anywhere, but a few destinations are truly iconic during this time of year.

Some of the best places to visit in October to enjoy both paddling and Halloween activities include Salem, Massachusetts, Hudson River Valley, New York, Rehoboth, Delaware, and Anoka, Minnesota. If you want to paddle somewhere warm in October, opt for La Paz, Mexico, or Coastal Savannah, Georgia. Great Smoky Mountains and Jasper National Parks are both great for paddling in pristine autumn wilderness.

Whether you want to mix in some paddling with your spooky Halloween festivities, or you’d rather enjoy perfect weather while exploring aquatic regions in the south, there are some incredible places to visit for a paddling trip in October. Below is a list of 10 perfect locations to visit in October for a festive paddling excursion.

10 Incredible Paddling Spots In North America To Visit In October

1. Salem Harbor, Massachusetts

There is perhaps no town in America more synonymous with October than Salem, Massachusetts. This picturesque colonial town is surrounded by the lovely Salem Harbor. It is also a town engulfed in spooky intrigue.

Salem is famous for being the site of the Salem witch trials, and ever since, it has been one of the top destinations for Halloween lovers far and wide. In addition to the month-long Halloween festivities and bewitching spirit in this town, there is also stunning foliage and delicious New England fall cuisine to enjoy.

The weather gets colder in late October, but there are still plenty of days when you can take a kayak out into the harbor from Salem Town Beach, or other safe launching sites, and explore various coves and islets before warming up with some hot apple cider in town.

2. Coastal Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is another city that comes alive with mystery and tales of ghosts in October. Its ancient oak trees and creepy Spanish moss make downtown Savannah a great place to visit in October.
The weather this time of year is also ideal, as the brutal heat of summer has faded. A short drive from downtown Savannah there are stunning islands and protected waters you can explore on a day trip, or even a multi-day kayak and camping excursion.

Tybee Island is considered the crown jewel of Savannah’s barrier islands, but there are many others worth exploring by kayak in October if you have the time.

3. Jasper NP, Alberta

If you are looking for a picturesque October getaway, then head to Jasper National Park in Alberta. The impossibly blue waters paired with awe-inspiring foliage are a true testament to nature’s beautiful capacity.

While this region gets colder in October, it is still worth visiting. Not only is there great foliage, but there are fewer summer crowds, making accommodations easier to come by, and more affordable.

There are tons of lakes you can kayak or canoe in within the national park (although you’ll need a permit). Pyramid Lake, Maligne Lake, Annette Lake, and Edith Lake are three of many incredible places you can paddle in this paradise in October. Just make sure you are dressed to paddle in fall conditions.

4. Hudson River Valley, New York

If you are looking for a place that has classic fall beauty, spooky Halloween intrigue, and great bodies of water worth exploring in October, then the Hudson River Valley is for you. Located north of New York City, and stretching to near Albany, this vast region comes alive in the fall.

It is home to apple orchards, wineries, world-class sustainable cuisine, and even Sleepy Hollow.

While you are unlikely to encounter the Headless Horseman when you visit in October, you will certainly find many great paddling locations on and near the Hudson River.

This is a great place to take a romantic or family paddling trip on an October weekend. With so much to do, taste, and explore, October in this valley is ideal for paddling lovers in need of a fall escape.

5. Rehoboth, Delaware

If you’d prefer a trip to a beach town in October, but still want to feel the crisp fall air and get in the Halloween spirit, then head to coastal Delaware. Rehoboth Beach is a charming Atlantic beach town that has a classic American boardwalk and is known as a top summer destination for those on the East Coast.

October has far fewer crowds as beach season is mostly over, but the weather is perfect for paddling. There are several protected areas where you can kayak or SUP board in the area. Additionally, Rehoboth is full of events and festivals in October, including one of the largest Halloween Parades in the country.

6. Great Smoky Mountains NP, North Carolina And Tennessee

If your top two priorities are nature and paddling in October, then Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fantastic option. This National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in North America, and also one of the most stunning in autumn.

It is known for its foggy hills, and mountain town spirit, but it is also home to some great kayaking. October is when the leaves start to change in this park, and with so many tree species at different elevations, it is a spectacle for all who visit.

The East Fork, Tuckasegee, and Nantahala Rivers are just a few fun rivers for kayaking. There are also plenty of nearby lakes for those looking for a more tranquil experience to enjoy fall foliage.

Best of all, this National Park has no entrance fee, which makes it a great spot for those looking to paddle on a budget this October.

7. La Paz, Mexico

October is also a great month to escape to Mexico. Prices and temperatures start to cool off this month, and several incredible paddling destinations come alive, especially near La Paz.

Two of the best paddling trips in Mexico are kayak adventures to Isla San Jose and Isla Espiritu Santu, both of which are located off the coast of La Paz.

October is the start of the paddling season in this region. It’s a time when temperatures stabilize, and the risk of major tropical storms dissipates. La Paz is a great home base for those looking for a more tropical and exotic October paddling adventure.

8. Anoka, Minnesota

Not many people know about Anoka, Minnesota, but those who do know it as one of the top Halloween spots in North America. It is often called “The Halloween Capital Of The World” because it hosted one of the first-ever Halloween parades in 1920, and has kept its Halloween traditions strong over the last century.

In addition to lots of spooky festivities, Anoka has dozens of nearby waterways. It begins to get colder as October progresses, but there are still many pleasant days to explore the often desolate and stunning fall beauty Minnesota lakes have to offer in the Autumn.

Anoka is just over thirty minutes from downtown Minneapolis, but it feels like another world. It is a great fall escape for those looking for tranquility and spooky vibes simultaneously.

9. Willamette Valley, Oregon

If you love wine almost as much as you love paddling, then October is an incredible time to visit Willamette, Oregon. Willamette is home to some of the best food and wine in the northeast, with its pinot noir and pinot gris often being awarded international acclaim.

October is a great time for wine lovers, as wineries are in full swing. It is also a great time for paddlers, as fall foliage starts to appear along the fabled Willamette River. Staying in a cottage near the river, or one of the many charming towns in this valley is an incredible way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of October.

You can paddle on a day trip, or a multi-day trip for 30 miles or longer. In fall you can spot all sorts of wildlife, from bald eagles soaring above to elk along the riverbanks.

10. Victoria, British Columbia

Vancouver might be the biggest city on Canada’s Western Coast, but Victoria holds the prize for the fall and Halloween Capital of British Columbia. This gorgeous island and paddling paradise is also home to many ghost stories and haunted walks.

Victoria has it all in October, from fun Victoria Harbor kayak tours and casual coastal paddling to beer tasting and pumpkin carving. It is an idyllic October escape. Just be aware that the temperatures start to drop in October, and as they do, rain is also more frequent.

Final Notes On Great North American Paddling Spots In October

October is one of the best months for paddling in almost all of North America. In the southern regions, previously unbearable locations start to cool off, and the North comes alive with foliage along waterways and spooky folklore all around. There are hundreds of spots worth exploring by kayak or canoe in October, but some are legendary.

Salmen, Massachusetts, Coastal Savannah, Georgia, and New York’s Hudson Valley all perfectly combine Halloween fright with paddling delight. Jasper in Alberta, and Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina are both jaw-droppingly stunning in mid-fall. Rehoboth, Delaware, Anoka, Minnesota, and La Paz, Mexico are also fantastic paddling locations that come alive in October.