Discover tranquil lakes and picturesque shorelines in the Granite State.
New Hampshire offers stunning settings to connect with nature on your paddleboard journey.
Experience the best places to paddle board in New Hampshire as we unveil these hidden gems.
Grab your board and let’s embark on this New England adventure.
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in New Hampshire
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Lake Winnipesaukee
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Weirs Beach Public Docks (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Largemouth bass, trout, loons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Mount Major, Rattlesnake Island, Meredith Bay
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of boat traffic, respect no-wake zones
Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, offers over 70 square miles of pristine waters surrounded by stunning mountains and forest scenery.
It’s an ideal spot for paddle boarding with numerous coves and islands to explore, providing endless adventure possibilities.
#2 Little Lake Sunapee
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Little Sunapee Public Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, sheltered lake waters
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Trout, bullfrogs, ospreys
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Rolling wooded hills, serene shoreline
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect private shorelines, be mindful of swimmers and boats
Little Lake Sunapee is a tranquil oasis nestled among the picturesque New Hampshire hills.
Its calm, sheltered waters make it an excellent spot for paddle boarding, particularly for beginners or those looking for a peaceful escape away from the larger lakes.
#3 Squam Lake
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Squam Lakes Association (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional afternoon winds
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Bald eagles, loons, bass
- Landmarks & Views: Rattlesnake Mountain, numerous islands
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch out for swimmers and boats, protect fragile shoreline habitats
Squam Lake, made famous by the film “On Golden Pond,” entices paddleboard enthusiasts with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
With over 30 islands and miles of quiet shoreline, Squam Lake provides a peaceful setting for a day on the water.
#4 Rye Harbor
- ????️ ️Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Rye Harbor State Park (Google Maps)
- ???? Currents & Wind: Ocean conditions, winds can pick up in the afternoon
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Sea lions, seals, birds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Isles of Shoals, rocky coastline
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of ocean currents, watch for boat traffic
Rye Harbor provides a unique paddleboarding experience along the rocky shoreline of the New Hampshire coast.
The harbor’s picturesque cliffs and adjacent expansive ocean create a stunning backdrop for a day of aquatic adventure.
#5 Piscataqua River
- ????️ ️Location Type: River
- Access Point: Hilton State Park (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Strong tidal currents, ocean influence
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seals, striped bass, waterfowl
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic bridges, Portsmouth Harbor
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Know the tide schedule, be cautious of strong currents, stay clear of commercial vessels and shipping lanes
The Piscataqua River, which serves as a natural border between New Hampshire and Maine, offers paddlers a mix of saltwater estuary and riverine environments.
With historic bridges and views of Portsmouth, it’s an exceptional spot for those seeking a combination of historic charm and natural beauty.
#6 Great Bay
- ????️ ️Location Type: Bay
- Access Point: Adams Point Boat Launch (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Protected bay waters, tidal currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seals, various fish species, waterfowl
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Adams Point
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for tidal currents, stay clear of sensitive marsh habitats
Great Bay, a coastal estuary located in southeastern New Hampshire, offers a diverse array of habitats for paddleboarders to explore.
Paddlers can enjoy the calm, protected bay waters while observing the abundant wildlife or taking in the unique marshland views of this ecologically important area.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in New Hampshire?
Great paddle boarding locations in New Hampshire include Lake Winnipesaukee, Echo Lake State Park, and Portsmouth Harbor.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in New Hampshire?
No, it is not necessary to register paddle boards in New Hampshire.
When is the best time to paddle board in New Hampshire?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in New Hampshire is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warm.
