Paddling the Connecticut Lakes in far northern New Hampshire, near the Canadian border, is a great escape from the summer crowds found in much of the rest of New England. With three of the four Connecticut Lakes accessible to kayakers and many small ponds, bogs and quiet rivers nearby, paddlers can spend several days in the Great North Region and never travel the same waters twice.
Remote North Woods Region Gives Kayakers Solitude
Even in July and August it is possible to kayak for several hours without seeing another human. Instead there will be plenty of wildlife viewing, with deer, bald eagles, loon and even moose on or near most watercourses. Kayak fishing can be enjoyed on most ponds and lakes, but fishermen need to be aware that some ponds and bogs may be very shallow.
In the afternoon winds can build in the Connecticut Lakes region, creating significant chop on the larger waterways and a tougher paddle for kayakers returning to a launch site against the wind. Sudden rain showers are not uncommon so paddlers are advised to keep waterproof kayaking clothing handy.
Kayaking the East Inlet to Second Connecticut Lake
To get to East Inlet take East Inlet Road, just north of the boat access to Second Connecticut Lake, and turn right after crossing the bridge. Follow the dirt road uphill to find the parking area and launch on the left.
This flat water paddle is one of the best for wildlife viewing, with river otter, muskrat, bald eagle, loon and several species of duck regularly present. An early morning or late afternoon/sunset kayak tour increases chances for seeing moose at Moose Pasture at the far end from the launch point. Scan the woods along the shore for other birds, including black backed woodpecker and boreal chickadee.
Scott Bog Paddle for Navigational Challenges and Wildlife
For those short of time, Scott Bog can be a brief paddle with some challenging navigation. This is one of the shallowest kayak sites in the area and tree stumps are everywhere. But Scott Bog is also very wildlife friendly so a slow paddle around it is likely to reward the observant with some interesting birds and mammals.
As with East Inlet, early morning or late afternoon are good times to be on the water here and enjoy the solitude. It is not uncommon to have the waters to yourself. To get to Scott Bog take East Inlet Road and take the left once over the bridge. The parking lot and launch point will be a couple of miles up the road.
Connecticut River to Second Connecticut Lake Kayak Tour
The launch site for this kayak trip is on East Inlet Road as well. Go right after the bridge and stop at the first big turnout. Getting to the water will require negotiating a short rocky path but once on the water let the gentle current take you down the river into Second Connecticut Lake.
Staying to the left will allow you to explore a multitude of inlets far from road traffic noise. The lake is over 1,200 acres so this kayak tour can be as long or short as you like. The shoreline offers many places for stopping to enjoy a walk or a bite to eat before paddling on.
Paddling Back Lake in New Hampshire’s Great North Region
Back Lake is much more built up than the previous three paddling trips but it offers good kayak fishing and more chances for loons and bald eagles. The part of the lake furthest from the two launch points is the least built up and worth a little extra time scanning the trees along the shore for birds.
To access Back Lake take Spooner Road to the public launch site or take Beach Road to the town beach where it is also easy to launch a kayak.
Each of these kayak tours is suitable for novice paddlers in calm weather, and they are just a few of the many choices for kayakers in the Great North Woods Region of New Hampshire.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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