New Hampshire
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Best Kayaking Lake In New Hampshire Is One You May Never Have Heard Of

Purity Lake in New Hampshire offers year-round beauty and is perfect for kayaking and other water activities.

Published Aug 16, 2021

Written by 

Michelle

Located throughout the state of New Hampshire you'll find all sorts of fun outdoor adventures to enjoy. Whatever your passion, from hiking to swimming to nature-filled road trips, there are so many places to explore that you'll always have something fun to do. For those who love the water, kayaking is a great way to spend the day and this lake is one of our favorites.

Purity Lake, located in Carroll County about 15 minutes from the Maine border, is one of New Hampshire's most beautiful waterways.

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Management / TripAdvisor

The 96-acre lake is beautiful year-round and offers plenty of opportunities for activities on the water.

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Capecod080 / TripAdvisor

Whether you enjoy swimming in the lake or simply sitting next to the lake enjoying the calm, this is a small lake that often flies under-the-radar.

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Getaway741678 / TripAdvisor

And there's no better way to explore it than by kayak. Kayaking is a popular activity among New Hampshirites because it can be fairly easy to do solo. This makes it a great last-minute activity when a few hours open up in the day.

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cloakedmonk / Flickr

It's also fun to do with a group. Especially if you've chosen to spend a few nights at the nearby family-owned Purity Spring Resort.

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Management / TripAdvisor

The water here is fairly clear and the shoreline hasn't been built-up. Unlike other lakes in the region, Purity Lake offers the opportunity to be completely surrounded by nature.

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Management / TripAdvisor

From spring to summer to fall, this is a lake that offers beauty year-round. If you choose to visit in the summer expect the blues and greens we love. And if you love the changing fall foliage, you'll want to make sure to visit in September or October.

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Management / TripAdvisor

Whenever you choose to visit, Purity Lake is a lovely spot to explore!

Purity Lake is a beautiful place to spend the day. If you'd like to make a weekend of it, check out Purity Spring Resort. What are some of your favorite places to kayak? If you're willing to share your secrets we'd love to read about them in the comments.

Prefer your exploration to be a bit more relaxing than a day of paddling? You got it! This 60-mile train ride is the most relaxing way to enjoy New Hampshire scenery.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The 136-Mile Long Lazy River In New Hampshire Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

Published Jul 12, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

I admit I'm not a big swimmer, but I do love being near water! Fortunately, New Hampshire is graced with many wonderful water features like lakes, ponds, rivers, brooks, and waterfalls. Chances are you don't have to go far to visit one of these natural areas of beauty. Once summer arrives and the temps heat up, getting to the nearest water source for some natural cooling is a must. One New Hampshire river, the Saco River, has been a source of recreation for centuries and it will definitely keep you cool.

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New Hampshire's Saco River begins at the tiny Saco Lake in Crawford Notch. This small body of water doesn't look like it could feed such a long river.

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Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

The river travels 136 miles through New Hampshire and Maine, eventually emptying into Saco Bay and then the Atlantic Ocean.

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Doug Kerr/Wikimedia Commons

In between, the river has long been used for industry, transport, and recreation. All along its length are spots where you can enjoy its waters.

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Doug Kerr/Wikimedia Commons

The river winds its way downhill from the White Mountains in one of the most scenic areas of the state. Even if you don't take a dip, simply enjoying the views is pleasant.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

The Saco is a boater's paradise. There are numerous public access points to put in and paddle or simply float downstream.

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Saco Canoe Rental Company/Facebook

The river remains a popular site for recreation, attracting thousands of people each summer to its busiest sections. But with a little exploring, you can find quieter, out-of-the-way spots to enjoy.

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kelsey ferreira/All Trails

As with all large waterways, the Saco River can also be dangerous and should be respected. It is prone to flooding and several major flooding events have occurred in recent years.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Now that summer has arrived and the heat is on, this New Hampshire river is the place to be! For more information on what there is to do along the Saco River, visit northconway.nh.com. You can also download an environmental fact sheet (PDF) on the river from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Remember to be safe on the water and have fun!

The Saco River is just one river that shapes New Hampshire. Learn about more of our interesting waterways below!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/rivers-nh/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

5 Lazy Rivers In New Hampshire That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day

Discover alternative rivers in New Hampshire for a relaxing tubing experience away from the crowds.

Updated Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Rachel

Tubing in New Hampshire is one of the best ways to while away the heat during the sticky months. This is an activity where you can find a little adventure and some relaxation all wrapped up in one. While there are several destinations for tubing in our great state, let's take a look at these five lazy rivers in New Hampshire!

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1. Pemigewasset River

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Robert Linsdell/Flickr

The "Pemi" originates in Franconia Notch State Park and flows south until it merges with the Merrimack River in Franklin. It's a quiet river in the state, and the stretch between North Woodstock and Bristol is especially good for river tubing New Hampshire, with plenty of places to start your journey.

And for an organized tubing trip, consult the Pemi River Campground website where you might find a reason to stay for a while.

2. Baker River

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Robbie Shade/Flickr

Baker River starts at Mount Moosilauke and joins the Pemigewassett - and like the Pemi, it's one of the most fun places to go tubing in New Hampshire. Lots of outfitters offer rentals for both rivers.

Look into renting a tube for the Pemi and Baker Rivers on the Plymouth Ski & Sports website. Canoe and Kayak rentals are also available for the Newfound or Squam lakes in the White Mountains of Central New Hampshire.

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3. Ammonoosuc River

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Jasperdo/Flickr

The Ammonoosuc, a tributary of the Connecticut, flows from Mount Washington to Woodsville. It's another great river for water tubing in New Hampshire - start in Bretton Woods for lovely views.

The staff at the Twin River Campground can start your tubing expedition in the center of Bath, just behind the historic Brick Store. Discover more on the Twin River Campground website.

4. Connecticut River

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Peter Rintels/Flickr

The Connecticut River creates New Hampshire's border in Vermont, and sections of it - like the slow-moving Upper Valley section - are great for tubing. It's an idyllic place and one of the best floats in New Hampshire.

Great River Outfitters in Vermont offers tubing trips in New Hampshire that are available on its website.

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5. Contoocook River

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Glass_House/Flickr

Starting at the Jaffrey/Rindge border, the Contoocook River river flows all the way down to the Merrimack. Some sections are faster but there are nice peaceful areas for tubing too. Check out the Contoocook River Canoe Co. website for rental information.

Tubing in New Hampshire is the best way to spend a sunny day. Where do you like to float? Shout it out in the comments below!

If you'd like to spend more time outdoors, consider taking one of these summer day trips in New Hampshire. And check out the lovely choices on Vrbo to spend the night.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/nh-day-trips/

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