Discover nature in a whole new way by going canoeing or paddling. Whether you've done it before or it's your first time, there always is a new adventure. Keep safety in mind, wear comfortable boat shoes, and have fun on this great outdoor adventure. The United States has many places that are perfect for canoeing and paddling with a friend or two. Here are a few unique and interesting locations to get you started on your outdoor journey.

Blackstone Valley, RI
Tour the waters on an unforgettable family adventure or let a few friends tag along instead. Blackstone valley has plenty of flexibility in options when it comes to canoeing and paddling tours. Become one with nature while boating through the waters of Blackstone Valley. The plentiful plants and animals you'll see along the way are a beautiful sight. Fishing and birdwatching are just a couple of the options to explore.

St. Lawrence River in Clayton, NY
Have you ever thought of building and sailing your own canoe on St Lawrence River? Regardless of your answer, you may be interested to find out there's a place that takes you through it step-by step. The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY offers the plans to do so. There are also boat-building classes available. Not quite ready to build, but still want to ride the waters? They still have you covered. You can even take a guided tour of the museum's artifacts to get in a history lesson before or after sailing.

Keweenaw Water Trail, MI
Canoeing and paddling the waters of Lake Superior along Michigan's Keweenaw Water Trail offers breathtaking scenery. Winds can be unpredictable here, so it's probably not best for beginners. Those lucky enough to embark on this adventure will not soon forget it. Wildlife is abundant and fishing can provide a great meal. Camping is available around the Keweenaw Peninsula. Check with area parks and recreation departments in advance, as some land around the peninsula is privately owned. A note to remember is that because this is a naturally beautiful ecosystem, "No Trace Camping" is most appreciated and preferred.

Sources:
http://kwta.org/
http://www.paddleblackstone.com/
http://www.abm.org/canoe-sailing.asp

From Johnny Weissmuller's loincloth-wearing adventures as Tarzan to Paul Hogan's Crocodile Dundee, many great outdoor characters have graced the silver screen, but none as memorable as Forrest Gump. As played by Tom Hanks, this simple, honest young man from Alabama arguably was the greatest outdoorsman and all-around athlete in movie history.

Running: Born with a crooked spine, young Forrest must wear leg braces to straighten out his back. As young toughs chase him in one memorable scene, though, Forrest hobbles along on his braces until they fall off, allowing him to "run like the wind blows." From that moment forward, no matter where he went, Forrest gets there by running. As an adult, he even runs back and forth several times across the country in little more than a t-shirt, shorts and athletic shoes.

Football: Purely by accident, Forrest's running talents earn him an athletic scholarship and a position on the University of Alabama's football team. Named to the All-American Team, Forrest gets a trip to the White House and all the free soda he can drink.

Armed Combat: During the Vietnam conflict, Forrest Gump joins the Army and serves a tour of duty in the tropical Vietnamese jungles. When his platoon is attacked by enemy forces, Forrest races into the jungle to pull as many of his friends out as he can, even after he gets "shot in the buttocks."

Ping Pong: Recovering in an Army hospital, Forrest is introduced to ping pong, a sport that, in his words, "came very natural" to him. The United States makes good use of his table tennis abilities, sending him on a tour of Army hospitals across the country as well as to China to compete against their best players.

Sailing: Honoring a promise to a deceased friend, Gump travels to Louisiana and buys a shrimp boat, even though he's never sailed much before. Though the competition is fierce, he and business partner Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise) eventually survive a vicious storm and become the most successful shrimping operation in the country.

With talents for running, fighting and sailing, Forrest Gump truly ranks among the greatest outdoor heroes in movie history.