The Best Wilton, New Hampshire Kayaking Destinations
Wilton is a small, rural town that sits at the foothills of Mt. Monadnock in southern New Hampshire where the Souhegan and Stony Brook rivers meet. The town is known for its old-growth forests, farmland, parks, swimming holes, hiking and biking trails and much more. If you happen to be an avid kayaker, you may also know the area for its white-water rapids.
Kayaking Near Wilton, NH
Whether you are looking for a leisurely paddle or a thrilling white-water experience, you can find just what you’re looking for near Wilton, New Hampshire. Here are a few of the top kayaking destinations located near this charming small town.
Stony Brook River
Route 31 to Wilton
The Stony Brook River runs right through the heart of Wilton, NH before meeting up with the Souhegan River. There is a short, but challenging stretch from Route 31 to Wilton where highly skilled kayakers can take on some class III-IV white-water rapids. In a short amount of time, you’ll get quite the workout while getting to enjoy some of the best natural beauty New Hampshire has to offer.
Souhegan River
Blue Water Canoe Trail
The Souhegan begins in New Ipswich, NH, flowing north and east before meeting the Merrimack River in Merrimack, NH. The upper portion of this river offers a good intermediate white-water experience. Farther down the river, you’ll find a mix of smooth water and rapids. The 1.5 mile stretch from Monadnock Water to Wilton offers class 3 and 3+ rapids. Enjoy navigation rocks in the very swift current and a sharp class 3+ drop over The Horseshoe.
Silver Lake State Park
Hollis, NH
The 34-acre lake at Silver Lake State Park is popular for a quiet recreational paddle. It’s less than a 20 minute drive to the southwest of Wilton. The beautiful park spans 80 acres with a sandy 1,000-foot beach that curves along Silver Lake. Paddlers of all skill levels will appreciate the pristine waters. However, the beach is very popular and often fills up early on weekends and holidays and can get a bit crowded.
Greenfield State Park
Greenfield, NH
Twenty minutes from Wilton, NH in the other direction, you’ll find Greenfield State Park. This tranquil 400-acre park has ponds, bogs and a lush forest that extends all the way to shore of the undeveloped Otter Lake, offering many points of interest to explore by kayak in the park.
Bear Brook State Park
Allenstown, NH
About an hour north of Wilton in Allenstown, you’ll find New Hampshire’s largest state park, Bear Brook State Park. This enormous park sprawls across over 10,000 acres. It offers forty miles of heavily forested trails that lead to marshes, bogs, summits and several ponds connected by small brooks. Making this the perfect destination for an undisturbed, nature-filled kayaking trip. One of the most popular ponds is Beaver, where there is also a beach and campground.
New Hampshire Kayak Storage
With rapid-filled rivers and so many breathtaking state parks, New Hampshire is a kayaker’s paradise. Make sure your kayak is ready to go with a proper place to store it. Our exquisitely crafted kayak, canoe and SUP racks are the perfect solution to your kayak storage needs. Made from durable, naturally weather-resistant 100% norther cedar logs, they’ll keep your shoreline neat and orderly, and your kayaks protected and ready for your next New Hampshire adventure. Shop our kayak racks online now and enjoy free shipping or contact us to discuss a custom kayak storage solution designed to meet your exact storage needs.