Kayak Rentals & New Hampshire Canoeing Areas

Best Places to Kayak & Canoe In New Hampshire

Northern New Hampshire boasts some of the most pristine and picturesque waterways for kayaking and canoeing in the whole of New England and beyond. From our tranquil lakes, ponds and rivers nestled throughout the Northern White Mountains to the undeveloped crystal clear waters of the Connecticut Lakes, this region of the country offers a diverse range of paddling experiences suitable for all skill levels. .

1. Connecticut River

The Connecticut River forms the western border of Northern New Hampshire and Vermont, offering very scenic paddling between these two gorgeous states. To your left NH and to your right VT, the kids love it!

This river offers calm stretches which are perfect for a leisurely float with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Like the rest of this region, it offers great opportunities for wildlife sightings. Moose, Bald Eagles, many types of birds, deer, and other furry friends can be seen taking a drink along the banks or hunting for fish. 

2. Umbagog Lake

Straddling the New Hampshire-Maine border on the eastern side of Northern NH, Lake Umbagog is a true gem known for its clear waters, wildlife preserve, and gorgeous shoreline.

Lake Umbagog is a large lake (7,850 acres and 25 miles of shoreline) but is only about 12-14 feet deep on average making it perfect for non-motorized boating as most motorized boats would like a little more depth so as to not hit a propeller on a sunken tree or boulder. It is very quiet and extremely peaceful, giving canoe and kayakers a true wilderness experience as nature is left to do what nature does. Loons and Bald Eagles nest here each spring and raise their newborns until they all head to other places for the winter. 

Insider Tip: There are remote campsites on some of the islands (that can be booked through the Lake Umbagog State Park Campground) making your paddling trip even more special and unique.

3. Androscoggin River

Location: Flowing through the Great North Woods region of Northern NH just south of Lake Umbagog, the Androscoggin River provides more scenic paddling opportunities with a fun mix of calm stretches and mild rapids. 

This historic river flows beside the Moose Path Scenic Byway and is a fantastic area for Wildlife viewing. Also since it flows North to South you will have some great views of Mt Washington and the other White Mountains in front of you downstream the whole way. 

4. Lake Francis

Located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, Lake Francis is a perfectly serene lake that is the first to welcome you to the Connecticut Lake Region of Northern NH and Moose Alley. Surrounded by untouched forests and views of rolling mountains in the distance, even though there are many other lakes and ponds around it,  it is definitely worth a visit. 

This large lake clocks in at over 2000 acres with an average depth of 40 feet with a max depth of 85 feet. It is cold and clean like the other Connecticut Lakes in the area. There are very few houses and camps on its banks due to long held and ongoing timber and shoreline stewardship efforts, and is definitely worth exploring.

5. Connecticut Lakes

The Connecticut Lakes in Pittsburg NH are three large pristine bodies of water ideal for paddling adventures. Like Lake Francis below them, there is very little available private land for development on its shores so when paddling around them, you will see the same landscapes that the settlers also saw when they decided to settle here. Nature just being nature.

First Connecticut offers great views from the road like Lake Francis and is the largest of all lakes in the region as it was carved out by glaciers and not formed from dams like many other lakes in Southern New England. It spans 3,071 acres, has an average depth of 56 feet and is163 feet at its deepest. The boat ramp and picnic area of this lake is a great place to nature watch and have a picnic. 

Second Connecticut is the next lake you will come across as you continue north and enter the famous Moose Alley (The number 1 place to see Moose in NH). It is just over 1,100 acres and is 63 feet at its deepest. There is a boat launch and picnic area to Second Conn. on the right side of the road if you’re heading north and down a short dirt road. Being a little further off the beaten path and not as visible from the road offers an even greater chance of seeing NH’s animal friends while paddling around this peaceful body of water..

Third Connecticut is the smallest of the three, but don’t let its size fool you. Only about a minute from the Canadian border and marking the turn around spot for anyone driving the Moose Path Scenic Byway, this little gem might be your best chance to see a moose. Bring your binoculars and pan the adjacent shore line….you never know what you’ll find. 

Insider Tip: This region of Northern NH, like most of Northern NH, is home not only to untouched lakes and forests but also untouched night skies. With barely any light pollution to speak of, this region has some of the darkest night skies in the country. Thousands of stars and galaxies explode like a field of diamonds on clear nights and the best place to witness them is from the comfort of your own boat on one of these lakes or sitting on their shores, cozied up in a blanket. 

Northern New Hampshire is a paddler’s paradise. These are just a few of the best places to kayak in NH (or canoe!) to get you going. But with its many scenic rivers, multiple pristine lakes, and beautiful ponds, you could spend a lifetime exploring them all and never get bored.

Northern Waters Outfitters (Errol): This outfitter offers kayak and canoe rentals in NH, camping sites on the river, as well as guided white water rafting adventures on some of our more rapid rivers.

Insider Tip: For anyone camping with them, they have free water tubes available to float down river from the top of the campground to the bottom. It’s a fun and free way to play while camping and keep the kids entertained and exhausted for bedtime:) 

Lopstick Outfitters (Pittsburg): Situated near the Connecticut Lakes region, Lopstick Outfitters provides kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the lakes and rivers in the area. They have cabins on and around First Conn. Lake for rent, ATV rentals, and employ some of the region’s best fishing guides for anyone looking to catch a trophy. 

Umbagog Lake State Park (Errol): The state park offers kayak and canoe  rentals in Northern New Hampshire’s summer months, allowing visitors to explore the scenic waters of Umbagog Lake.

Great Glen Trails (Gorham): Offers guided kayak tours. Both flat and white water. 

North Country Kayak (Littleton):  Starting in the spring of 2020, North Country Kayak has a fleet of over 24 kayaks at their summer home on Moore Reservoir. In this lush area of New Hampshire, kayak tours are available. 

Whether for one of NH’s kayak tours or any other summer adventure, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check availability, especially during peak seasons, and to inquire about any necessary permits or equipment provided with the rental.

Canoeing and kayaking in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire offer a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. While the area is widely known for its hiking trails and mountain vistas, there are several waterways that are perfect for paddling enthusiasts. Read the list above for some notable spots in NH for canoeing and kayaking in the White Mountains, as well as the rivers and lakes of Northern NH. 

Go to the map above for a complete list of rental companies as well as paddling locations! Bon Voyage !!