You literally take the pulse and pace of your ride through the waters when you get into a kayak. However, when you’re in New Hampshire, you can choose a lazy river or a calm lake for your kayaking trip. There are Class IV whitewater rapids and places for stand-up paddleboarding.
On Lake Winnipesaukee, you can take a stand-up paddleboarding class and test your balance. Upon visiting a rental shop, you’ll get some valuable advice on the kayaking gear. If you’re in need of a tour guide, you’ll find many of them here. Now, let’s take a look at some of the exciting places in the state for kayaking:
1. Souhegan River
Located in the southern part of New Hampshire, this river is excellent for kayaking. It flows through a peaceful countryside and some historic towns. One of the spots to launch your kayaking trip is at Milford’s Kaley Park. Of course, you’ll find many other spots as well.
You can go kayaking to Weston Park, which is located in Merrimack. If you wish to have a shorter trip, there are many other take-outs before Weston Park. Owing to the absence of rentals in this place, it’s best to bring your own kayak.
2. Umbagog Lake
This lake is situated on New Hampshire’s border with Maine, with parts of its eastern shores in the state. An ideal escape from busy areas, Umbagog Lake is surrounded by wilderness. There are lots of spaces to explore in this lake spread across 7,000 acres. You’ll find islands, coves, and backwaters here for some rejuvenating day trips.
The state park would be the place to rent kayaks. At the lake’s south-western end is a public boat ramp. It has a parking next to the campground located at Umbagog Lake State Park. From the state park’s launch, you can explore the Big Island and Thurston Cove.
You’ll also find remote cabins available for rent from the state park. These cabins are accessible only with the help of boats. To make the most of your trip, you can book one of the remote campsites around the lake. They’re also available on the islands.
3. Lake Winnipesaukee
Whether you’re in New Hampshire alone or with your family, you can explore many islands on Lake Winnipesaukee. It covers a vast area of more than 44,000 acres and has many thrilling adventures in store for you. You’ll also find several places to launch your kayaking trip. If you’re not the resident of the area, some of them charge you a launch fee.
There are no such fees at public launch sites. One of the good places to launch your kayaking trip is Leavitt Park Beach. It is located in Meredith, where there’s a kayak launch. Another public kayak launch is at Moultonborough’s States Landing Beach. You can also find kayak rentals in Moultonborough and Meredith.
4. Merrimack River
There are some stretches on this river that are relaxing, while some are exciting. It would depend on the stretch you’ve chosen for kayaking. No matter what the level of your kayaking abilities, you can choose sections of either flatwater or rapids.
The launch of your kayak at Hooksett’s public boat ramp would give you a more relaxed experience. Upon kayaking for seven miles, you’ll get under Manchester’s Amoskeag Street bridge. The stretch above the dam has calmer waters, while the stretches below the dam are for experienced kayakers.