Exeter River in New Hampshire

Trip Overview

My husband and I are beginner kayakers. We prefer quiet, peaceful, relaxing paddles to unwind from our busy workweeks. On a recommendation from a friend, we tried the Exeter River, and were pleasantly surprised.

I had read another report from someone who didn't have very good reviews. However, I think it makes a big difference which part of the river you are on. There were a few houses at the very beginning from where we put in, but they were mostly set back from the shore. Along the way we saw a few other homes, but again, they were set back and did not spoil the solitude. For the most part, it was very secluded, peaceful and absolutely beautiful! It was like a piece of heaven - only ten minutes from home!

We saw an enormous red-tailed hawk, a blue heron, many turtles sunning themselves on logs, a duck that surprised us, as much as we must have surprised her, and we were graced with an eagle that soared through the sky for several moments. We noticed many places that you can pull over and have a nice picnic lunch, or just get out and stretch for a few minutes. We paddled for 3 1/2 hours round trip, but could have easily kept going.

We plan on going again next weekend (with food) and continue to explore further from the point where we decided to turn around and head back. The current here is not very strong at all, so it was just as easy to paddle upstream as it was to paddle back downstream.

Accommodations:

No facilities. Plenty of places to rest or have lunch.

Fees:

None

Directions:

Route 111E from Kingston heading towards Exeter. Turn left at Pickpocket Road. There's a bend in the road and you'll see a white house on the left (Reedy Sign). This is Pickpocket Road. Follow for approx. 1 mile. You will see a dam in front of you. You can park in this area.

Launches:

To the right of the parking area there is a grassy trail that leads to the water. It is rocky where you put in, and a little tricky, but it can be done.