Attention all kayakers! Join the effort to help keep our coastal shores clean for local wildlife and paddling enthusiasts alike. Bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board to Portsmouth Kayak Adventures on May 31, 2019 and participate in cleaning up the shores of the beautiful Sagamore Creek.
Volunteers should plan to meet and launch their boats at Portsmouth Kayak Adventures. Depending on how many volunteers sign up, paddlers may be divided into several groups to collect trash all along the creek.
REGISTER: Sign-up for the event through NatureGroupie.org. Updates and/or cancellation will be posted at “Save the Great Bay – Piscataqua Estuary” Facebook page.
WHAT TO BRING: Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own kayaks or SUPs, but a limited number of boats will be available from Portsmouth Kayak Adventures. Please bring your own gloves and paddling safety equipment (PFDs). Bug repellant is suggested. Snacks and water will be provided.
QUESTIONS?Contact Melissa Paly at mpaly@clf.org or call 603-502-0798.
The beautiful views of Mt. Chocorua, clear water, and the fact motors are not allowed here, are the top reasons to kayak Chocorua Lake and its adjoining neighbor, Little Lake. At only 222 acres, Chocorua Lake is small and shallow but its views are large, reason enough to paddle here.
Although Rte. 16 traffic can often be heard from the lake, once you paddle out into the middle, or over to the western side of the lake, you’ll feel like your paddling a much more secluded body of water.
If you love mountain views as much as I do, its a fantastic place to paddle for a couple of hours, or longer, if you decide to have lunch and swim.
WHY PADDLE HERE? – For mountain scenery, exercise, relaxation, family fun or a fall foliage paddle.
Westerly views
Northwest views
Primarily a forested shoreline
Beautiful views of Mt. Chocorua as seen from middle of the lake
Lots of paddlers on the lake today
Looking toward the eastern shore
Paddling toward Little Lake
Paddling under the bridge to Little Lake
Pickerelweed in Little Lake
Beware of bees around the pickerelweed
Paddling around Little Lake
Paddling around Little Lake
Paddling around Little Lake
Looking north toward Chocorua Lake
Paddling back to Chocorua Lake
Back in Chocorua Lake
Paddling back along the eastern shore
Paddling northbound
Paddling back along the eastern shore
Enjoying the views one last time
Its a popular lake to paddle. Several launch spots seen in distance.
One of several spots to launch or swim
Close up of launch spot
Back at the launch spot, end of paddle
THE PADDLING ROUTE – We launched into Chocorua Lake from one of the several access spots adjacent to the parking area. Once on the water, we couldn’t resist immediately paddling to the center of the lake to take in the wonderful views of Mt. Chocorua and its surrounding peaks.
We paddled across the lake, along the westerly shore and under the bridge into Little Lake. We paddled around Little Lake for a while and then back under the bridge returning to Chocorua Lake. We paddled along Chocorua’s eastern shore and then back to the middle one last time before landing back where we launched.
CAUTIONS! – Winds and rapidly changing weather. Also, be careful of the bees when paddling near the pickerelweed in adjoining Little Lake.
Parking along Old Rte 16
Lake access from parking lot
We launched here, just steps away from where we parked
PARKING & LAUNCH – Chocorua Lake Conservancy owns and maintains the public access to Chocorua Lake located on the east side of the lake along Old Route 16 where you will find parking and several areas to access the lake. There are more parking and access areas on the southern end of the lake near the bridge to Little Lake. Watch the signage to avoid parking in the Tamworth residents only section.
RESTROOMS- Yes, there are portable toilets located at both parking areas.
WHEN TO VISIT- Anytime during spring, summer or fall is a great time to paddle here. Parking spaces are more prevalent during early morning or late afternoon hours.
This section of the Contoocook River running from Contoocook Village, NH to the Contoocook Canoe Co. in Concord, NH is a 9 mile journey along a tree-lined river replete with fallen trees and limbs to avoid. If you’re lucky, you may see some wildlife, Canada Geese, Blue Heron, turtles and eagles are occasionally spotted here. The high river banks and feeling of seclusion will make you forget you’re so close to the city.
WHY PADDLE HERE?– For a leisurely 9 mile paddle on a tree-lined river, a shorter family paddle to Daisy Beach or a fall foliage paddle.
Starting out downriver
Shortly after launch we encountered what would be the first of many fallen trees and limbs in the river
This section of the river is heavily wooded with a mostly undeveloped shoreline
Paddling downriver around a bend
This flock of Canada Geese were the only wildlife we observed today
Reflections on the still water made interesting shapes
We landed at Daisy Beach after paddling for 7 miles and took a well deserved break
The Daisy Beach rope swing is a popular local attraction
The River Lady, a fancy little dame
Once you pass this old bridge remnant, the Contoocook Canoe Co. is on your left
Returning to the Contoocook Canoe Co. launch, end of paddle
THE PADDLING ROUTE – We rented a tandem kayak from the Contoocook Canoe Co. 9 Horse Hill Rd. Concord, NH opting for their 9 mi./14.5 km. one way trip. What a value at only $30 for 2 paddlers and 1 tandem kayak, including transportation. After the usual safety briefing, we were shuttled upriver to the Contoocook Village kayak launch by a very helpful employee who carried our kayak down the short, but steep, embankment to the river launch site.
Once launching, our group began paddling downriver and within a couple of minutes, we encountered what would be the first of many fallen trees and branches congesting the river.
We continued paddling downriver taking our time, always on the lookout to avoid the next sunken tree or limb.
After paddling several miles, we were ready to pull over and stretch our legs, but most of the river is tree-lined, with high banks and few places to pull over. The few decent spots we did eye, were already filled with other kayakers and we were forced to continue paddling until reaching Daisy Beach at the 7 mi./11.2 km. mark.
Thank goodness for Daisy Beach, a welcome relief after a long paddle without a break. By the time we arrived, we were more than ready to ditch the kayak and eat lunch sitting in our comfortable camp chairs, yes, that’s right, camp chairs. I can’t emphasize enough how much of a difference having chairs can make during a long paddling trip, or any paddling trip, especially as you age.
Excluding the Wilderness Girls paddlers, I’ve never seen any other paddlers bring chairs with them and I often wonder why. Which would you rather sit on, the ground, your kayak or a perfectly comfortable chair? Call me a wooss if you like, but I’ll always choose a chair over sitting on the ground.
Stow one in your kayak hatch, or under the bungee cords on your deck if you can, but always bring a chair, it really does make a difference.
We rested and ate lunch at Daisy Beach, which I would describe as a sweet little riverfront swimming hole. It has a couple of picnic tables and a rope swing. The rope swing appears to be popular among the locals and provided entertainment for the rest of us.
We finished our lunch and re-launched for the final leg of the trip, an easy 2 mi./3.2 km. paddle bringing us directly back to the Contoocook Canoe Co.’s own riverfront launch site. The staff awaits your arrival, they’re eager to help you exit your kayak and carry your personal belongings back to your car for you. Bring cash to tip the staff, they deserve it.
The only wildlife we saw during this trip was a flock of Canada Geese on the side of the river as we silently paddled by.
I’m not sure how I feel about this trip, 7 miles is just too long for me to paddle without a guaranteed place to break. I most likely won’t ever paddle here again, but on the off-chance I do, it will be during fall foliage and I will launch directly from the canoe company’s own put-in, enabling me to paddle upriver to Daisy Beach and beyond, paddling only as far as I choose to go.
In my opinion, the lower section of this trip is much more enjoyable to paddle with fewer obstacles to avoid, but there is a trade-off, unlike the upper section, it has less nature and some development, which personally, I don’t mind. Every paddler has different likes and dislikes, so you’ll just have to judge this trip for yourself.
CAUTIONS! –Watch out for the numerous fallen trees, branches, rocks and debris at, or just below, the waterline. In the busy season, be prepared to paddle almost the entire trip without a break as you may not be able to find an unoccupied space to land before reaching Daisy Beach, at the 7mi./11.2km. mark.
Contoocook Canoe Co. parking area
Contoocook Village, path down to river launch
Getting ready to launch
Contoocook Village launch site looking upriver
PARKING & LAUNCH– There is plenty of parking at the Contoocook River Canoe Co. where we rented a tandem kayak for this trip. We took a shuttle to the launch site at Contoocook Village where you’ll find signage and a path leading down a short, but steep, embankment to the launch.
RESTROOMS – NO. There are portable toilets at the Contoocook River Canoe Co. but they are too disgusting to use. Visit the Dunkin Donut shop, 98 Fisherville Rd. (Rte 3 near Bog Rd.) prior to arrival.
WHEN TO VISIT – Visit during summer if you are paddling with children to swim at Daisy Beach. Opt for a shorter trip by launching directly from the Contoocook Canoe Co.’s own launch and paddling 2 mi./3.2 km. upriver to Daisy Beach and as far beyond as you wish. Otherwise, a fall foliage paddle is the best time to paddle this section of the river.
Skip this trip entirely if you have to travel any distance to get here, there are just too many better waterways in NH to paddle than this section of the Contoocook River.
Sagamore Creek in Portsmouth, NH is a very attractive paddling destination for both local kayakers and visitors alike. Not only is paddling here scenic, but your efforts rewarded by the rare opportunity to paddle to a popular seafood restaurant where you’ll find a soft landing area for kayaks. At BG’s Boathouse Restaurant, paddlers can enjoy a meal on the deck while keeping an eye on their kayaks and the tide. Because Sagamore Creek is tidal, the ability to use the tides in your favor makes this paddling endeavor that much more enjoyable.
WHY PADDLE HERE? – For coastal nature, harbor views, a tidal water experience and an opportunity to paddle to lunch or dinner at BG’s Boathouse Restaurant, a popular waterfront restaurant located on Sagamore Creek in Portsmouth, NH.
THE PADDLING ROUTE – In planning today’s trip we had one simple goal in mind, paddle to BG’s Boathouse Restaurant for dinner and a glass of wine. We launched our kayaks from the public boat ramp at Odiorne Point State Park Boat Launch approximately two hours prior to high tide.
Once launching, we turned right and paddled into Little Harbor, paddled underneath the Rte 1B bridge and then paddled upriver with the flood tide. We veered left into Sagamore Creek and paddled the length of the creek landing to the left of BG’s Boat House Restaurant where we enjoyed an excellent seafood dinner. We highly recommend the haddock!
After dinner, we re-launched with the ebb tide, and reversed course paddling downriver. We paddled back under the Rte 1B bridge and into Little Harbor where we took a short paddle to watch the sun set before returning to the boat launch before nightfall.
Little Harbor, especially at sun set, is one of my favorite places to paddle. If you paddle here, you will not be disappointed.
Entering Little Harbor after launching from Odiorne Point Boat Launch
Cormorant in Little Harbor
Paddling under the Rte 1B bridge
Paddling under the Rte 1B bridge
Paddling upriver with the flood tide
We launched our kayaks from Odiorne State Park Boat Launch, turned right and paddled under the Rte 1B bridge and then paddled upriver with the flood tide toward Sagamore Creek.
Paddling up Sagamore Creek to BG’s Boathouse Restaurant
Paddling up Sagamore Creek to BG’s Boathouse Restaurant
BG’s Boathouse Restaurant, kayak landing to the left of building
Nice soft landing area for kayaks at BG’s Boathouse Restaurant
View of Sagamore Creek from inside BG’s Boathouse restaurant
We veered left into Sagamore Creek, paddled the length of the creek and landed to the left of BG’s Boathouse Restaurant.
Laury and Bobbi, all fueled up and ready to go
Lisa, ready to paddle back downriver
Paddling Sagamore Creek downriver with the ebb tide
Paddling downriver
Lisa, leading the way back downriver
Bobbi paddling a Point 65 break apart kayak that fits inside a mini-van
Paddling downriver
Paddling downriver, the historic Wentworth Hotel in distance
After dinner we re-traced our route paddling down Sagamore Creek with the ebb tide and back under the Rte 1B bridge to Little Harbor.
Back in Little Harbor
Paddling around Little Harbor as the sun is setting
Watching the sunset
Sun is low, time to go
End of paddle, waiting in line as many boaters attempt to exit before dark
Once back in Little Harbor, we paddled around the harbor while the sun was setting before returning to the boat launch before nightfall.
CAUTIONS! – Tides, strong currents, and boat traffic. The tidal currents are strong as you paddle underneath the Rte 1B bridge. For safety, paddle under the bridge as close to slack tide as possible and avoid paddling in the center where the current is always the strongest, and paddle as you pass underneath the bridge. We routinely paddle under the bridge within two hours either side of the high tide without issue but after that, the current becomes increasingly strong and should be avoided by novice kayakers.
Ordione Point State Park Boat Launch
Self pay station
Parking lot
Parking lot
Boat launch, looking to the right
Boat launch
PARKING & LAUNCH – The State of NH maintains a public boat launch at Odiorne Point State Park 570 Ocean Blvd. Rye, NH. The boat launch itself is located on Ocean Blvd. approximately one mile north of the main entrance. The launch has a concrete ramp and a large parking lot for vehicles and trailers. There is a self pay station with suggested donation fees.
RESTROOMS – Yes, there are portable toilets located in the parking lot. Additional restrooms are located in Odiorne Point State Park near the main entrance, approximately one mile south of the boat launch.
WHEN TO VISIT- Summer is the best time to paddle Little Harbor and Sagamore Creek. Avoid holidays and weekends if you can as the boat launch parking lot is used by both boaters and those visiting Odiorne Point State Park.
