Budget-Friendly Autumn Paddling Destinations

Summer might be the most popular time to get out on the water in a paddling vessel, but Autumn is arguably the most beautiful. Trees explode with color in northern regions, and the South comes alive thanks to cooler temperatures.

Autumn also marks a lull in many travel destinations. This means fewer crowds and much cheaper prices. With the beautiful weather, stunning colors, and dirt-cheap prices, it’s no surprise that the fall months are some of the best times of year to plan a cost-effective paddling trip. The only question is - where should you go?

The lakes of Minnesota, Page, Arizona, The Poconos, Lake Champlain, and Portland, Maine are some of the cheapest destinations worth visiting for a fall paddling trip. If you want to visit a city that has great paddling opportunities in the Autumn, consider Milwaukee, Wisconsin, St. Petersburg, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, or Portland Maine. Voyagers and New River Gorge are both incredible National Parks for autumn paddling.

With cooling temperatures and dwindling crowds, it shouldn’t be hard for you to find a great spot to enjoy some paddling this fall. If, however, you require a getaway that involves new scenery with a paddle in your hand, then keep reading. Below is a list of cheap and diverse destinations that are ideal for paddling lovers on a tight budget who need an autumn escape.

10 Budget-Friendly Paddling Destinations For Fall Travel

1. Page, Arizona

Page Arizona is one of the best places to visit for a quick vacation, period. It is within driving distance of some of America’s most iconic sites. From Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and the bucket-list-worthy Horseshoe Bend.

With so much to see, it’s no surprise this area can be busy and expensive in peak travel season.

At the end of September, however, you will notice temperatures and prices begin to cool off significantly. With so much to see nearby, it is easy to make Page an action-packed long weekend, or even a cost-effective weeklong trip.

2. The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos is a Northeastern destination that has an influx of visitors in the summer and winter. Fall, while radiant with colorful leaves and quaint town life, is mellow and less expensive. There are several great fall paddling locations in the Poconos region, including the Delaware River.

This area of Pennsylvania offers all the beauty and cozy feelings you could hope for from a fall getaway, and you don’t need to break the bank.

3. Lake Champlain, New York and Vermont

If you want to take a vacation where you paddle in a canoe or kayak in a tranquil lake while admiring fall foliage, then Lake Champlain is for you. This pristine body of water borders New York, Vermont, and Canada. It is beautiful regardless of which state (or country) you visit, and ideal for paddling in the fall.

Lake Champlain is known for all sorts of water sports in the summer, but in the fall it has a much more tranquil vibe. It’s a great place to escape the noise of a city and get in touch with nature before the weather gets too cold for you to paddle regularly.

4. Portland, Maine

If you want to enjoy some fresh lobster on your paddling getaway, then head to Portland, Maine. Maine is filled with paddling destinations and pumpkin spice spirit as soon as September hits. Much of inland and northern Maine, however, gets cold quickly and offers more evergreen life rather than radiant foliage.

Portland has the benefit of a seaside location with multiple easy-to-reach islands, and it’s located in the south. This means the paddling season lasts a few weeks longer here. This city gets cheaper as the weather cools off, and some of the best food in New England. In short, Portland has all the makings of a budget-friendly paddling destination.

5. Helen, Georgia

Helen might just be The Peach State’s best-kept secret. This Northeastern Georgia village looks straight out of Europe, which is why it’s often referred to as Georgia's Little Switzerland. Helen is an alpine village with architecture to match.

There are tons of great water activities to enjoy here in the rivers, including kayaking, tubing, and SUP boarding. In addition to rivers, paddlers can enjoy the lovely nearby Unicoi Lake. Georgia is known for great paddling and delicious southern cuisine, and Helen does not disappoint in either department.

As far as clean, peaceful mountain villages go, Helen is much cheaper than more well-known destinations, and it’s also warm and pleasant in the fall.

6. New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia

America’s newest national park is also one of the best places to paddle in the fall on a budget. New River Gorge has everything a national parks enthusiast is looking for in the autumn, and at a lower cost than most other parks.

Located in one of the cheapest states to live in the country, West Virginia, you should have no problem finding cheap accommodation to your liking. This park also has lots of great campgrounds nearby.

The river itself offers some incredible canoeing and kayak opportunities. Thanks to its location, the weather stays pleasant through October.

New River Gorge National Park is a great option for those looking to see some foliage and paddle late in the season. The area also has some incredible hikes for those who want to do some exploring on land as well.

7. New Orleans, Louisiana

Many people think of Mardi Gras beads and public intoxication when they hear New Orleans, but this Bayou gem has so much more to offer, especially for nature lovers.

The Big Easy has easy access to the Mississippi River and several offshoots. There are also several swamps and Bayous, including Bayou St. John. Louisiana is 15% water, so finding a place to paddle shouldn’t be too challenging.

You can venture even further to reach the Gulf of Mexico, or stay local and have a few casual days of paddling while you enjoy the sights in the Garden District, and in the French Quarter. New Orleans has incredible paddling (and sightseeing) weather in the fall, and other than during the Halloween holiday, accommodations are quite affordable.

8. Voyageurs National Park Or Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota

Another American National Park that is both sleepy and stunning in the Fall is Voyageurs, in Northern Minnesota. This park is known for its incredible seemingly endless stretches of lakes, as well as its Northern Lights viewing in the winter.

In the fall, the park comes alive with foliage, making it a great paddling destination for those looking to see fall foliage. The season peaks early here, however, and temperatures dip below freezing in late October.

If you prefer a slightly warmer and budget-friendly Minnesota paddling location, consider Lake Minnetonka.

9. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is an entertaining city to visit after the peak summer months have faded into the distance. It’s a city of beer and cheese lovers, and you can find lots of breweries along the coast where you can enjoy a cold one with cheese curds after an invigorating paddle.

Located on Lake Michigan, there is no shortage of coastline in this Northern cityscape. This is generally considered an affordable city and becomes even cheaper after Labor Day. This city comes alive with hockey fanatics in the Fall as well, with lots of outdoor party energy, in addition to fun paddling.

10. St. Petersburg, Florida

Just because you are taking an autumn paddling trip, it doesn't mean you have to head north toward colorful foliage. Fall is also one of the best times to visit Florida, especially for a budget-friendly paddling trip.

St. Petersburg not only has several nearby airports, but it also has some of the best paddling and beach destinations in the state. You can kayak to different islands in Dunedin, and enjoy a day on a SUP board at Fort De Soto State Park.

This region in Florida has a ton to offer water lovers, and it is also cheaper than Miami, or the Florida Keys, but just as beautiful.

Tips To Help Save Money On A Fall Paddling Getaway

1. Book Air Travel In Advance

While air travel is not always the cheapest way to take a paddling trip, it can be very affordable if you plan a bit. Start looking for your plane tickets as soon as you have an idea of where you want to take a paddling trip. After Labor Day there is usually a sharp decline in prices for plane tickets - especially if you avoid holiday weekends.

2. Consider A Road Trip

Road trips are always a good time. They can also be very cost-effective. This is especially true when you are traveling with paddling gear. A road trip is a great way for you and your paddling buddy to transport all the gear you’ll need for an epic paddling adventure. This can save you a lot in rental fees.

3. Travel In A Group

Whenever you take a paddling trip, it’s always a good idea to travel in a group. Not only is it safer to paddle in groups, but it’s also cheaper. If you travel by car, a group can significantly cut down on gas, as well as accommodation expenses.

If you plan to do any tours, it is usually much easier to coordinate and budget a guide when there are two or more paddlers.

4. Look For Places With Great Campground Options

Accommodations are one of the most expensive aspects of travel, regardless of where you go. If you are planning on an outdoor fall adventure, paddling including, then you should think about camping as well. Fall offers the luxury of lots of open campsites, as well as cooler temperatures that make sleeping in a tent easier.

5. Travel During The Week When Possible

If you can take time off during the week, this will likely translate to lower prices than traveling on a weekend. Weekday rates in the off-season tend to be lower than weekend rates. Keep in mind that in areas with beautiful fall foliage, weekend rates can be just as high as peak summer months.