Good early fall weather days bring about wonderful opportunities to go flat water kayaking around New England.
Kayaking is a fabulous way to experience the peaceful side of New England while getting some outdoor exercise. Rentals are often affordable — and if you have your own kayak, the joys of budget travel kick in even more!
Here are some relaxing spots to kayak around Massachusetts and New Hampshire…
CHARLES RIVER, MILLIS-MEDFIELD MASS.
How many of you know that the Charles River extends 26 miles beyond its best known area in Boston and Cambridge? The Charles ends in Bellingham, with the one of the most beautiful spots — as you can see in the photo above — at about the 20 mile point right off Route 109 in Millis and Medfield. You can rent a kayak for $20 an hour at the Charles Cafe, which happens to be a pretty darn good restaurant, too, for breakfast, lunch and dinner! The Charles Cafe is located at 35 Main St. (Route 109) in Millis, Mass. For more information, call (508) 376-2020.
ECHO LAKE STATE PARK, FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK, N.H.
One of New England’s most beautiful lakes, Echo Lake gets the most press as a summertime swimming beach, but kayakers also find a slice of idyllic, New Hampshire nirvana here, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the 28-acre lake and the Franconia Range and Kinsman Ranges meeting at Cannon Mountain. Like the Charles River in Millis, Mass., kayak rentals are also $20 an hour. Echo Lake State Park is located at 9 Franconia Notch Parkway in Franconia NH. Call (603) 823-8800 for more information.
WHITE’S LANDING, BROOKFIELD MA
- White’s River, Brookfield MA (photo by Eric)
Like so many recreational opportunities in Central Massachusetts, White’s Landing offers incredible scenery that takes you miles away from the faster-paced ways of the city.
White’s Landing provides amazing views of the Quaboag River and along the way, as well as forests, marshes and open land — and if you are lucky, maybe spotting a blue heron. You can start your journey at White’s Landing office where staff can quote you a reasonable price on an hourly or daily kayak ride, give advice on a journey that matches your boating experience (you can go a short distance or a few miles) and offer maps and information on points of interest in the area. The Quaboag Cafe is also located at the White Landing building. White’s Landing is located at 7 Fiskdale Rd. Call (508) 867-6651 for current rates.
Editor’s note: With all kayak destinations listed above, please call ahead to make sure of local weather conditions, kayak and canoe rental availability, that the office is open when you plan to arrive, and to ensure taking the proper water route, reflective of your level of ability.
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