Massachusetts

Organization for the Assabet River - Maps, information, and events.

Foote Brothers Canoe Rentals on the Ipswitch River - Canoes can be rented at Foote
Brothers, Willowdale Dam, 230 Topsfield Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938, 978- 356-9771

Charles River Caoe and Kayaking - You can rent canoes or kayaks here. Parking
is available in a dirt parking lot on the west side of Rt. 128. Then the paddlers walk
across Rt. 128 to 2401 Commonwealth Avenue in Newton (617-965-5110). They also
run kayaking trips in the Boston Harbor or you can make arrangements for them to
deliver and pick up boats.

Mystic River and Lakes in Arlington - Lots of parking. It's fun to put in late afternoon
and paddle with your supper at sunset up to the lakes.

North Shore Kayak Outdoor Center. They do an interesting overnight camping
trip to Thacher Island.

New Hampshire

 Merrimack River Watershed Council, Inc. - Fourth largest watershed in New England, 
 spreading through New Hampshire and Massachusetts. At its heart is the Merrimack River, 
 running 180 miles from the White Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Good overview map and
 trip listings.

Squam Lake - The Squam Lakes Association manages 12 backcountry campsites on Moon
Island, Bowman Island and Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest. Each campsite is located
within 150-feet of Squam Lake and has toilet facilities nearby, dock or beach access, a campfire
ring and miles of hiking trails.

Squam Lake Alternative
This is a great summer trip run at the end of June or in July and August. It can include swimming
and picnicking. Rent canoes from Ski Fanatics at Exit 28 on I-93 in Campton (603-726-4327).
If you rent 9-10 canoe, they will deliver to the lake. Launch at Squaw Cove. Go down Rt. 113 past
the Morgan and Percival Trailheads, just past the town line for Sandwich. Watch for Metcalf Avenue
on the right. (you will miss it if you blink!). Drive down Metcalf (a dirt road) until you come to a
clearing and you see the water on your left. There is parking on right opposite this clearing.
Paddle out of Squaw Cove and around the outside of Hoag Island. Paddle to the Five Finger Peninsula
Area which is UNH property and welcomes picnickers. There is a mile long wooded loop trail.
On the trip back, circle the inside of Hoag Island back to Squaw Cove.

Rhode Island

Wood River, Pawtuxet River and Narrow River - These are great day trips. Carpool from Boston
and don't forget to stop at Allie's Donuts on Route 2 in North Kingstown. Homemade donuts and fillings,
3661 Quaker Lane North Kingstown, RI 401-295-8036. Most of the canoeing opportunities in Rhode Island
are in the southern part of the state. You are usually going to need to "spot cars".

RI DEM/Fish and Wildlife-Public Boat Launching Sites  -  This includes both fresh
water and salt water launch sites with regulations.

Gilbert Stuart Birthplace - North Kingstown, RI off Route 1 south. Put your canoe in the Narrow River
here and paddle down to the Narragansett Bay. If you have enough energy and are careful, you can canoe
surf here. Paddle out as far as you want, then turn quickly to avoid waves hitting you broadside, and ride
the surf in. Guess what! You can't get all the way in to shore without swamping. It takes a lot of energy
to empty the boat and go again. The average canoeist can only manage about three rides.