Beautiful Kayaking in Manchester, NH
Located in the heart of New England, Manchester, New Hampshire, is simply stunning. The famed natural beauty and abundant rivers and lakes that surround this vibrant town make it one of the Granite State’s more popular destinations for spring, summer and autumn kayaking for visitors and residents alike.
Where to Kayak in Manchester, New Hampshire
With a prime location within a hour of Boston, the Atlantic Coast, the scenic mountains and the Lakes Region, Manchester, NH is filled with excellent places to kayak.
Lake Massabesic
Manchester, NH
It’s sheer size and easy access right in Manchester make Lake Massabesic a favorite kayaking spot for locals despite the strict rules about not touching the water. The lake serves as the water supply to the City of Manchester and Manchester Water Works prohibits any bodily contact with the lake or its tributaries. Lake Massabesic gets its name from a Native American word meaning “the place of much water.” An appropriate name as the lake covers over 2,500 acres. The clear water, rocky shores, dense forests make for a particularly beautiful fall foliage paddle.
Merrimack River
Manchester, NH
The Merrimack River snakes through 30 cities and towns on its 125 mile trek from Franklin to Manchester and Nashua. The section that flows through Manchester is popular for its three whitewater play spots: Arms Park or Crack Pipe, 293 and Goffs Falls. This 5.3 stretch is rated by American Whitewater as a class I-II+(III) section. It is not a course for beginners. More seasoned kayakers will enjoy the workout and the urban as well as Hillsborough County scenery.
Pawtuckaway State Park
Nottingham, NH
Pawtuckaway State Park is well-known for its bass fishing, beachside swimming, lakeside camping, and extensive wildlife. Covering over 5,500 acres, it offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone. The southern end of the lake is more heavily development and has more motorboat traffic, so for a serene paddle you may want to stick to the northern end. There’s plenty of peaceful water to explore with a heavily wooded shoreline and lots of coves, inlets and islands. There is a large family beach on the lake as well as plenty of hiking trails, a mountaintop fire tower, an extensive marsh where you might spot beaver, deer or great blue herons, and a unique geological field with large boulders called glacial erratics from the end of the Ice Age.
Powder Mill Pond
Hancock, NH
Powder Mill Pond was created by the damning of the Contoocook River. This small but beautiful lake is only 419 acres, but you’ll find lots of inlets and marshy eddies to explore as well as a covered bridge and access to the rest of Contoocook River. Most of the area feels secluded and offers lots of opportunities for seeing wildlife.
Lake Winnisquam
Belknap County, NH
Located in New Hampshire’s stunning Lakes Region, Lake Winnisquam is an excellent destination for a calm paddle. It’s 10.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, making it the fourth largest lake in the state, but its slower traffic makes it the perfect spot for kayaking, canoeing and standup paddleboarding. It serves as a link between the much larger Lake Winnipesaukee and the Merrimack River and has a convenient public launch in Laconia. The lake has five islands to paddle around and explore, picturesque views and lots of fresh mountain air.
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