Merrimack River Kayak Trip

We used Quickwater to rent the kayaks and shuttle us up the Merrimack River. Joe and Chris had their own kayaks so all they needed was a shuttle up the river. Luciano and Craig were unable to get the 11AM shuttle together so they booked the 10AM shuttle and waited for us at the starting point. We had 8 overall making this an official gay flotilla!

Quickwater provided us a shuttle 10 miles upstream on the Merrimack River and we arrived at the starting point around 11:30am. Our plan was to paddle downstream back to their property by 4pm. 

Soon after starting, there was an island. We were informed to take a left since the water level on the right side was low. There were some shallow sections but we never once had to get out of our boats to drag our boats over the rocks.

On the river itself we were surprised as to how many birds we saw: cormorants, white egrets and even eagles accompanied us throughout the day! We did not see very many people so it felt like we were paddling in a remote wilderness. There were a few rope swings at the start but there were groups of people using them so we continued paddling.

We pulled onto a big boulder to have a swim and lunch. Even Thelma & Louise has been here! The water temperature was perfect! We were having such fun we lost track of time. This was a 3-4 hour paddle so we had get moving to make it back by the 4pm deadline.

For the most part, we found ourselves paddling together encountering other groups of kayakers and tubers now and then.  We reached the halfway point around 1:30 and pulled onto a sandy beach for a swim. Across the river was the Boscawen Old Home Day festival so we heard music in the background.  

There was a beautiful and tall river embankment that we paddled by. By this point, some of the guys wished we had done the much shorter 5 mile trip but everyone dug in deep and continued paddling. We then saw the bridge crossing the river and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. We were almost done! We pulled into a sand bar for the final swim of the day. The water was so shallow that just to get to wait deep water we had to walk about 150 yards! We arrived back at the Quickwater property just in time for the 4pm deadline.

What a great trip and what a great bunch of fun guys. Everyone was so supportive. Can't wait to do it again. Fun, fun, fun!!!

Ten mile kayak trip downstream on the Merrimack for those looking to spend a day on the water this summer!

Are you looking for a relaxed activity? Then join us for a leisurely paddle along a beautiful river where there is an abundance of beaches where we can swim, picnic and lie in the sun!

Spend a leisurely day paddling and relaxing on the many sandy beaches and bluffs. This trip is very popular for its scenery and remoteness! Enjoy abundant wildlife including ospreys, bald eagles, blue heron and other beautiful creatures that make their home along the Merrimack River. We'll encounter a few rope swings for the adventurous.

While there are fewer beaches on the first half of this trip, its a great way to start the day as we eventually find the beaches five miles down river. The half way mark of this trip is the old bridge pilings from the Canterbury / Boscawen bridge that was dismanteld in 2014. Once past this section we'll find plenty of beaches to enjoy the rest of the day with. So plan on paddling in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon on the beaches in the lower section of our trips.

We'll meet at 10:30 am to fill out the paperwork so we can get on the 11AM shuttle that will take us upstream. We paddle back to the outfitter.  

The cost with shuttle is $40 for a single kayak or $55 for a canoe [you'll need to find another member to join you]. It includes a paddle and life jacket. Fill out this form to make a reservation with the outfitter or call 603-753-0025 to setup your appointment.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

• Water (2 quarts)
• Swim Trunks & Towel
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Lunch
• Small cooler for cold beverages such as beer
• River shoes, sandals or an old pair of shoes
• Dry bag to keep items dry [or place a couple of trash bags in your pack and place your items in there]
• Camera