IMO on the river is the best bet. The trails are beat by horses or they grow up in summer. Second creek is an ok site as well as three springs.

My favorite float is Nolin from the dam down to houchins. Nolin has some great early spring scenery. The woods are in full bloom but still open enough to see the bluffs and hemlocks up on them.

The flood plain is quite large in some places. You can get well up away from the river and creeks if you wish. Be careful with any fires or cooking and practice lnt.