I'm sure there have been other queries posted in the past, in fact I have probably read some. Please point me in that direction, in case I haven't.

Here is my question though...

My family wants to see some different parts of the country. We are from TN and we enjoy the experience of the BW. I would like help compiling a list of similar paddling destinations to the BW. (Even though similar is a stretch ;0)

Also, if you have recent...say the last 3 years...experience with one of these destinations, please let me know what you found.

Camping opportunities? Well marked portages (especially near rapids)? Fishing? Fees/Permits? Traffic from other paddlers/campers? Other wildlife concerns?

Thanks.

At some point in time, you'll probably want to check the Buffalo in Arkansas off your list.

Wabakimi

or

Woodland Caribou

My Other Wabakimi report

The most similar place to the BW in this country that I know of is the Adirondacks in NY.

See Also: BWCA.com Private Forum

Other Canoe Camping Destinations

The Sylvania Wilderness near Watersmeet, Michigan might be a good option.

Hey Mr Ballast,
I'm in Nashville. Where are you?
I agree with what everyone else said but want to add that the streams of the Ozarks - the Current, Jacks Fork and Eleven Point offer some great paddling and camping that are closer to us than the BW. The only down side is their popularity on summer weekends. If you go during the weekdays, you'll have the crystal clear water to yourselves.

Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Killarney PP, Ontario
The Temagami Lakes region, Ontario
These are most similar to BWCA/Quetico in visitor population and ruggedness. Both Ontario and Quebec have some more remote parks that offer a more rugged experience.

A bit farther off. Maine has some wonderful lake/river routes to explore. Northern Quebec as well.

On my bucket list is Bowron Lakes loop in British Columbia. Lake and portage travel in the Rockies. Stunning.

More tropical would be the Okeefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Everglades. Both offering great overnight routes.

Lots of great rivers in Minnesota, wisconsin and the UP. The little fork river is much more wild than the bwca. Also the north and south fork flambeau rivers in Wisconsin are legendary. I got tired of the bwca crowds long ago.

Big Hook Camps

They can arrange transportation and rent you a canoe.

Go North, young man. The real canoe country only begins in Minnesota, and just gets better, wilder, and less forgiving as you go north. Not much in the way of marked portages, though.. :>)

Thanks for the responses, everyone. I have homework today.

I am in the Upper Cumberland region of TN, and a teacher...so pretty much limited to summer for now. As such, I like to move north and away from the June/July Southern heat.

Quetico and further north are definitely on the list, but probably will wait until my 10 year old can be my companion.

For now...just looking for places that send us in other directions of the country. Might just have to get back into WW to satisfy myself in the years the family wants a break from the BW.

In the case of WW, there's always WV, but you probably already know that.

Summertime: Heat avoidance
Temagami region ON. BWCA on steroids. Rocky, cliffs, old growth and lots of waterfalls.
Maine Allagash River or Penobscot River Corridor.. Both good for relatively portage free moosefilled trips of a week eacch

Also Downeast Maine has lots of lakes with free camping

Algonquin Provincial Park though that requires reservations in August and you have to reserve each lake you will stay on. Same for Killarney.

Woodland Caribou and Wabakimi.. just go past the BWCA into Ontario.
Quetico abuts BWCA but has far LESS visitation
La Verendrye Reserve in Quebec.. good if you like waterfalls and sandy beaches. Bigger than BWCA
Adirondack Mountains New York.. Some lakes require campsite permits which can be a problem in the summer.. Others don't

I like the Green River UT but in summer that is like self sauteing while paddling. Its high desert. Wonderful in May and Sept where you can get snowed on

Missouri Breaks Montana

Everglades but now.. Not in July unless you wish to be blood let.

Okefenokee same..

Buffalo.. shoulder seasons. The river dorks are in full glory in the summer. You dont want to be with river dorks.