On the Water
The waters that flow through, pool in, and lap at the shores of the New England states lend the region much of its character. From the headwaters of mighty inland rivers to placid Long Island Sound, from massive Lake Champlain to the always-in-motion Atlantic Ocean, these bodies of water have also long invited thrill-seekers. How will you add a splash of H2O to your New England adventures? Dip into the possibilities, and you’ll discover there are on-the-water activities to suit practically everyone.
RIDE THE RAPIDS
Running from spring through early fall, New England’s whitewater scene transforms a number of the region’s twisting rivers into nature’s roller coasters. And whether you book a half-day excursion or a multiday adventure, you’ll enjoy a growing sense of camaraderie as you and your rafting companions paddle through the foam and spray, bracing for the next heart-stopping plunge.
In Maine, the Penobscot, Kennebec, and Dead rivers—also known as “the Big Three”—are famed for their Class III, IV, and even V rapids. Two of these rivers meet in the Kennebec Valley region at a place called The Forks, which since 1976 has been the epicenter of whitewater rafting in New England. Several outfitters are clustered here, and even if you’re not up for paddling the longest unbroken stretch of Class III–V whitewater in the eastern United States (a 16-mile/26km stretch found on the Dead River), you’ll find plenty of trip options suitable for beginners.
In southern New England, the Deerfield River in western Massachusetts offers tamer Class I and II rapids that are well-suited to newcomers and family groups, but there are stretches of Class III and IV rapids along this river, too, for those seeking blood-pumping thrills. Two of New England’s best-known whitewater outfitters, Zoar Outdoor and Crab Apple Whitewater, are based on the Deerfield and lead numerous trips on their home river as well as at other whitewater rafting spots in New England, including the West River in Vermont.
If the more intense sport of whitewater kayaking is something you’d like to try, head to New Hampshire, which—in addition to hosting a number of whitewater outfitters—boasts New England’s first-ever year-round whitewater park. Located in Franklin on the Winnipesaukee River, Mill City Park has a stationary wave that lets whitewater kayakers practice their skills; planned additions will allow for all-year surfing, too.
GRAB A PADDLE
For those who prefer gentler paddling, New England offers endless opportunities for flatwater canoeing and kayaking. In Massachusetts, visitors to Boston can get started right in the shadow of this historic city by heading out onto the Charles River, where the famed Head of the Charles Regatta, one of the world’s largest rowing competitions, is held each fall. The outfitter Paddle Boston has a number of locations around the city and rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards in addition to offering instruction and guided trips.
Nature lovers will appreciate the pristine setting of Connecticut’s 500-acre (202ha) Great Island salt marsh, considered one of the best paddle sports destinations in the Northeast. Join one of the small-group ecotours or sunset outings offered by Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme, and kayak through beautiful salt marshes and creeks where you’re more likely to encounter ospreys or egrets than other humans.
Coastal kayaking abounds in Maine, whose southern region is home to the state’s two largest salt marshes, in Wells/Ogunquit and in Scarborough, just south of Portland. Plus, all along Maine’s 3,500-mile (5,633km) coast there are islands within paddling distance; the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, which conserves both mainland and island properties, and the Maine Island Trail Association offer helpful resources for planning an island journey suited to your ability.
Finally, for those seeking an epic paddling adventure, New England’s legendary canoe trails are a journey through history as well as a test of endurance. The 740-mile (1,191km) Northern Forest Canoe Trail was a paddling and portage highway utilized by indigenous peoples; today it’s the longest inland water route in the United States. Beginning in Old Forge, New York, it cuts through Vermont and New Hampshire and edges into Canada en route to Fort Kent, Maine. Another option is the 400-mile (644km) Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail, which winds from New Hampshire’s Great North Woods to Long Island Sound, offering canoers and kayakers put-in points and primitive campsites along New England’s longest waterway.
CATCH A WAVE
If you’ve never experienced the excitement of standing atop an ocean wave, make surfing lessons part of your New England vacation plans. Southern New England’s most vigorous swells are found in the state of Rhode Island—particularly in Narragansett, a laid-back beach town that’s attracted a surf crowd eager to share knowledge with newcomers. Narragansett Surf and Skate is home base for legendary New England surfer Peter Panagiotis’ Peter Pan Surf School, which offers excellent instruction all year long.
No instruction is needed, however, to try the American invention known as boogie boarding. You’ll find these colorful foam boards for rent at major oceanside destinations along the New England coast, best represented by Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. This wide swath of white sand is the largest and most popular among the state’s beaches—not to mention one of the cleanest beaches in the nation—and has reliably great waves for boogie boarders. A few tries, and you’ll get the hang of paddling out, belly down, and turning yourself around just in time to ride the crest back to shore.
REEL ONE IN
Some of the best salmon fishing in the world can be found right here in New England, in the Grand Lake Stream region of eastern Maine. Whether you stay at a sporting camp situated right on the shore—such as Leen’s Lodge, founded in 1958 on the prime salmon waters of West Grand Lake—or hire a Registered Maine Guide, avail yourself of local expertise in your quest to reel in landlocked salmon, which are best pursued in May and June.
In Rhode Island, saltwater anglers will discover frequent deep-sea excursions departing from the classic fishing village of Galilee. Even kids can experience success on a half-day fluke fishing trip, and they’ll squeal at their first glimpse of this odd fish, which has both eyes on the same side of its head. More intensive trips allow you to go after larger game fish, such as tuna, seabass, and cod. And if you’re a night owl, you’ll never forget hauling in squid during a May or June fishing expedition that won’t get you to bed until after 1 a.m.
The world-record striped bass was caught in Connecticut waters, and charter outfits along the state’s southeast coast will take you night fishing for your own trophy. You might snag a striper on a daytime fishing tour, too, or focus your efforts on bottom-dwelling porgies or even sharks.
SET SAIL
In Rhode Island, the 2022 opening of The Sailing Museum in Newport further punctuated this city’s long and storied association with the sport and its most famous race, the America’s Cup. If Newport is on your itinerary, don’t miss the thrill of a wind-powered adventure. America’s Cup Charters owns the world’s largest fleet of former America’s Cup champion yachts, and in addition to sightseeing tours, visitors can sign on for an actual hands-on racing experience. Experienced sailors looking to skipper their own boat can head to nearby Sail Newport, New England’s largest public sailing center, to rent a Rhodes 19 or J/22 keelboat for three- to six-hour cruises.
But Rhode Island isn’t the only state in which you can chart your own course: Massachusetts visitors can explore Boston’s Charles River Basin via keelboat rentals from Community Boating, while in Vermont, Burlington’s Community Sailing Center invites you to harness the winds that whip up waves on Lake Champlain.
POWER UP
For a true one-of-a-kind adventure, it’s hard to top sightseeing by mini speedboat. In Connecticut, for instance, you can combine looking at lighthouses and landmarks and having a blast on the water when you rent your own personal powerboat for two from Mystic Boat Adventures in Mystic. Tours begin with a narrated look at Mystic Seaport’s historic ships and other notable sights along the Mystic River. Then, you’ll get your chance to go full throttle on open waters—and even try some stunts!
