3 More Awesome Spots To Paddle Board On The NH Seacoast
A continuation of our "Best Paddle Board Spots" blog series! Our first three spots can be found on our blog page!
Rye Harbor
Where to find it:
Rye Harbor is located along Route 1A in Rye, NH. There is Rye Harbor State Park (Ragged Neck) where there is parking, bathrooms, and access to a jetty with great views. There are various spots to put your paddle board in at Rye Harbor. You can either go into the State Park where there is reliable parking but is sometimes closed. If the park is full or closed, there are parking spots on both sides of the road further down Route 1A heading toward the marina, but before you reach the bridge. The State Park does not allow furry friends to accompany you inside the park which could be another reason to take advantage of the parking down the road!
Why we love it:
Rye Harbor is protected from the jetty, so while you are still in the ocean, you will not get the intensity of open waters. Additionally, there is so much to explore! Not only can you paddle around the harbor and admire the boats up close, you can go underneath the bridges on either side of the harbor and get access to the expansive Awcomin Marsh of Rye. With potential sightings of bald eagles, deer or fish, there is no shortage of amazing scenery and wildlife at Rye Harbor! Who knows, you could even see a tuna fishing boat come in with its latest catch!
Tips for paddling:
While Rye Harbor is tidal, it is possible to paddle here throughout the day! The main concern when paddling in Rye Harbor is boat traffic! The channel right through the middle of the Harbor can get busy in the summer (especially on weekends with all the recreational boats) so it is important to give other vessels the right of way!
Things to note:
Parking lot
Porta-potty
Parking fee
For paddling +/- 3 hours within high tide
No animals allowed
Squamscott River, Chapmans Landing - Stratham, NH
Where to find it:
Chapmans Landing is located on College Road in Stratham, NH, and has a parking area and boat launch that are easy to access. To get to this point from Portsmouth, you take Route 33 just past Stratham Hill Park and take a right on Squamscott Road, before taking one more right on College Rd. The boat launch will be on your right shortly after that.
Why we love it:
There is a concrete boat launch that allows you to easily walk your board into the water, and there is not a lot of heavy boat traffic. There is opportunity while exploring this area to see wildlife such as eagles, egrets, herons, and more. The river is tidal, but is relatively calm and protected, particularly as you go under the bridge towards Exeter. It also is another great access point to Great Bay, an important part of our local ecosystem. You have the choice to go and explore Great Bay or go upriver towards Exeter!
Tips for paddling:
The Squamscott River is tidal, depending on which direction you choose to go, it will be helpful to be mindful of the current so you are not caught fighting the current. If you choose to paddle towards the Great Bay, you may encounter more boat traffic, as well as more choppy water due to more wind exposure! As with any launch area that also serves boats and the sport of fishing, we recommend wearing shoes of some sort to launch your board, before tucking them into your deck net.
Things to note:
Parking lot
Free parking
For paddling +/- 3 hours within high tide
No animals allowed
Pawtuckaway Lake / State Park - Nottingham, NH
Where to find it:
Pawtuckaway State Park is located about 40 minutes from Portsmouth, and about 20 minutes from Exeter, making it a great paddle boarding location for anyone along Route 101. There are multiple entries to Pawtuckaway Lake, the primary and most accessible being through the State Park entrance. The second entrance is on the Northside of the lake at the Fundy Boat Launch, and will take a little longer to get to.
Why we love it:
Lake Pawtuckaway is a beautiful lake with many little inlets and islands for exploring on a paddle board. You can spend time at the State Park which has a beach and swimming area, as well as picnic tables, a camp store, and playgrounds. From there, you can explore many of the small islands and areas in the Southern portion of the lake. The water is warm, and great for swimming. There are plenty of places that provide shade, and the chance to see wildlife such as Bald Eagles! If interested in a longer stay, camping is available, but we recommend booking that in advance.
Tips for paddling:
This lake is very friendly to paddle sports, however there are motor boats on the lake so simply be mindful of those. There are no wake zones near the camping and State Park areas, which makes those areas much more paddle friendly for families. Additionally, this is a popular summer camp spot, so it is worth getting there early, or reserving a beach pass!
Things to note:
Parking lot
Gate Entry Fee
No Alcohol in State Park area
Limited Operating Hours and Dates
Accessible outside of operating season at own risk