Book excerpt: The nation’s rivers connect mountains to sea, communities to natural places, and people to wildlife. America’s Wild & Scenic River system recognizes these values. Paddling America provides descriptions for paddling and exploring 50 Wild and Scenic Rivers across the country. Woven throughout the river descriptions will be small anecdotal sidebars touching on the history of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, the adventurers themselves, and tips for paddling. Each chapter will contain one map, specifications in accordance with paddling guidelines including GPS coordinates, put-in/takeout information, an overview of the paddle, miles and directions, full-color photos, and sidebars.