How to make local canoeing work?
There are a few options. One is to find people to go with so you have a second car to do a shuttle. Try to find local canoe clubs in your area. The rental outfitters might know of groups. Besides having help with the shuttle, it’s safer than going alone. If some of the rivers don’t have significant current, you could do a round trip, paddling back upstream. Then you don’t have to worry about a shuttle at all. Also check with the outfitters to see if they offer a shuttle service. I know of some canoe rental outfits in my area that offer it as part of the rental.