Parker River is a beautiful and quiet river that runs through an expansive marshland with few trees and little development. On this river you will find solitude and have excellent bird-watching opportunities. As you reach the mouth of the river that opens into Plum Island Sound, you may visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge across the sound on Plum Island. Extensive mud and sand flats arise here at low tide.

The Great Works River is a historic river that is known for being the first to turn a water-powered mill in the United States. The river is also very scenic though as it runs through heavily wooded rural terrain between North and South Berwick. The river is narrow and winding and consists of mostly class I waters and flatwater. The upper section of the river can be shallow and dry during the summer. Downed trees and other debris can also be an issue, especially during the first part of the run. The last 3 or 4 miles usually have sufficient water for paddling all season long. Be sure to take out at Brattle Street as there is a dam and falls just after the bridge.

Located in beautiful Eden, Lake Eden is sandwiched between Stowe and Jay Peak. Private campgrounds, vacations rentals and summer homes dot the perimeter of the lake. The lake is small and offers excellent paddling conditions. There is a small gravel launch ramp but no facilities provided. It can be enjoyed year round but the parking and ramp are not plowed during the winter months.

This open water outing takes you from a beautiful seaside park by the side of Rye Harbor (entrance fee required) to a small cluster of islands just off the coast. As this trip is on the open ocean appropriate navigation and deep-water re-entry skill are required. At the Isles you find several rocky outcroppings to explore as well as a historic New England village and the Star Island Hotel on its namesake isle. With prior planning this could easily be an excellent overnight adventure. Check and heed weather reports before going

This is perhaps the most popular portion of the Mascoma for whitewater. An excellent put-in facility exists at the outlet of Mascoma Lake were this run begins. The area surrounding is fairly scenic, covered in woodlands and dotted by farms. There are two whitewater courses in this stretch of river, take care not disturb the equipment in place. Be sure to make the take-out, a small but dangerous dam is located down stream.

Squam Lake offers some excellent paddle touring on a large lake with a convoluted and scenic shoreline. The center of the lake is host to many islands from tiny wooded outcroppings to larger inhabited woodlands. The northeastern portion of the lake has several isolated bays to explore that are separated by narrow straits. There are ample fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities on the lake and the nearby town of Holderness can provide basic services. Boat ramp and parking fees apply.

This section of the Saco River is very popular in the summer months, so be prepared for crowds during that time. During the spring, high waters usually force this into a one-way trip, however, at some other times the water is slow enough to allow upstream travel for those with no shuttle options or are novice paddlers. On this route, there should be little-to-no signs of development, but only natural scenery. One can also detour and visit Pleasant Pond while paddling, but be courteous since the pond is located within private property. There are usually fees associated with parking at many of the take-out areas by the Route 160 bridge.

Grafton Pond has at least half a dozen bays to explore as well as many small islands and the straights between them. Despite being labeled a pond Grafton has over six miles of wooded shoreline to paddle along with a minimum of development. The lake has powerboat restrictions concerning wake and horsepower making it safer and quieter for the paddler. This lake is particularly attractive in fall when foliage colors are vibrant.

Willard Pond is located on a large Audubon Society preserve making its shores almost entirely free of development. This pond has clean, crystal-clear water, views of a nearby mountains and densely wooded banks. Powerboats are not permitted on Willard Pond so paddlers can be sure they’ll have peace and quiet. This pond is particularly scenic in fall when foliage colors are vibrant.

This is nice paddle beginning in Peterborough; it wanders out of town into suburban and then pastoral settings ending at Powder Mill Pond. This stretch is almost always navigable and has a good blend of flat, quick and whitewater that makes it accessible for most. There is a portage along the way but it is a short one encountered at the outlet of the Contoocook Reservoir at about mile 1.8.