With miles of unspoiled wilderness, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife, the rivers, ponds, and lakes of far northern New Hampshire are a paddler’s paradise.
About an hour north of the White Mountains, the thin northern tip of the Granite State is home to remote, gorgeous, uncrowded waterways for visitors to explore. Here are five of the best.
East Inlet
Home to one of the area’s last stands of virgin forest, East Inlet is a jewel of the North Woods. It is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Northeast and it attracts such wildlife as moose, great blue herons, beavers, and more.
Lake Umbagog
Lake Umbagog is one of the most pristine lakes in New England. Surrounded by miles of wilderness, it features remote islands to explore, and cabins and campsites to stay in.
First Connecticut Lake
At 2,800 acres, First Connecticut Lake is one of New Hampshire’s largest lakes. It features an undeveloped shoreline, gorgeous mountain views, and – if you enjoy fishing – it is home to lake trout and landlocked salmon.
Second Connecticut Lake
Among paddlers, Second Connecticut Lake is one of the favorite big lakes in northern New England. It features 11 miles of diverse shoreline, and paddlers love exploring its islands and marshy inlets. It is also home to lots of wildlife, including bald eagles and loons.
Connecticut River
While the headwaters of the Connecticut River are often too shallow and rocky for paddling, below Stewartstown the river has enough water year-round for canoeing and kayaking. Here the river alternates between fast and quiet stretches. This area of the river treats paddlers to stunning wilderness scenery, and it is a great place for bird watching.
