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Places to Paddle
Late summer and fall are my favorite time of the year for paddling. The bugs are gone and so are most of the crowds. As the season progresses the temperature coos off, the sky becomes a deeper shade of blue and the air is crisp and clear. The wildlife is very active wither migrating south or gathering food for a winter cache and last but not least the leaves are changing color. Nothing quite compares to the view of fall colors on a clear day reflecting off mirror smooth water as you paddle along.
This past weekend I spent on a canoe trip on Forked Lake in upstate New York's, Adirondack Park. It is one of my favorite spots and it did no disappoint me. There were actually more loons on the lake than people, even though the weather was a bit cloudy I think everyone enjoyed themselves. The only real drawback was the 9 hr round trip ride.
You really do not need to travel quite that far to enjoy some great fall canoeing. We have many places locally an hour or less from home. The Connecticut river being the most prominent and I think it gets overlooked sometimes. I find it to be a very scenic and not terribly crowded.
The section between Moore Dam and Comerford Dam in Monroe is an interesting place to spend an afternoon or day exploring. It is more like a lake than a river and can be accessed from either end. It is 7 miles between the two dams. From the Comerford Dam to McIndoe Falls is another 7 miles and I think one of the most scenic sections of the river. Combine the two and you have a nice day trip with only one portage around Comerford Dam.
From McIndoe Falls to Woodsville is 10 miles. This section is broad and straight for the most part. The current picks up a bit below the paper company dam 4 miles down from McIndoe Falls. Then the section several miles above Woodsville is interesting as it weaves its way through some rock ledges and connects with the Ammonoosuc River just above the railroad bridge in Woodsville.
Continuing on from Woodsville to Newbury is another 11 miles. This is a fun section to run. The river takes a lot of corners and when the water level is down it's a challenge to pick you way through the gravely shoals.
Another local river that is fun to paddle is the Ammonoosuc. From Lisbon to Woodsville is 11 miles of relatively easy paddling. The river is much smaller than the Connecticut and has a steeper gradient. You will be required to maneuver a bit more but there is nothing terribly drastic to worry about. There are a few tight corners and quick drops but you will see them in plenty of time to size them up in relation to your skills. The water level varies a lot in this river and it can be too shallow at times so check the water level before you head out. Oh yes, don't forget to carry around the dam at the covered bridge in Bath.
Long Pond in Benton is a nice place to feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere without working too hard to get there. It has a nice picnic area on the north end and other than the rest room facilities there, there are no other structures on the entire on the entire pond. You really do feel like your are a million miles from civilization if you happen to be on the pond by yourself. Bring along a fishing pole, I've had pretty good luck there this spring and summer. Don't be surprised if you run into a moose or two while you are there either.
There is also Lake Tarleton and Lake Armington in Piermont, Indian Pond and Upper and Lower Baker Ponds in Orford along with Post Pond in Lyme. Not to Forget Vermont there is Lake Groton and several smaller ponds surrounding it. Halls Pond in Newbury, and Lake Fairlee and Lake Morey in Fairlee.
There are many more places to go than I could possibly list, let alone describe for you here. My suggestion would be to pick up a Vermont or New Hampshire Gazetteer published by the DeLorme Mapping Company for approximately $10. It has relatively detailed water classifications and suggested trips. Happy Paddling!
Have a question? I'm happy to answer it - just email me at hpcanoes@gmail.com
hpcanoes@gmail.com
603.667.5112
We specialize in ultralight solutions and offer expertise in canoes and Wee Lassie boats, as well as all the related equipment. Our favorites are Wenonah canoes and Wee Lassie boats. Although we will work with any material we like to get folks set up with lightweight canoes so you can dedicate your time to the joy of being out on the lakes and rivers instead of struggling to move your boat between car and water.
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