Stand up. Sit down. Whatever your choice, paddling along New England’s vast network of waterways is unbeatable. Here are five favorite spots to drop in and explore.
Westport River, Mass.
Drop your SUP, canoe or kayak into the calm waters at the Head of Westport and venture south along the tide-driven east branch of the Westport River for a little out-and-back paddle bordered by tall grasses and accompanied by ducks and osprey. The more adventurous might want to work their way seven miles or more into the Westport Harbor mouth (time your trip with the incoming and outgoing tide for a little assistance) which leads out to Buzzards Bay and Rhode Island Sound. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore along the way. Pull up for a break on one of the remote islands, jump off Ship Rock, explore the marshes or take a nap on Boat Beach. Cut about six miles off the East Branch journey by dropping in at the state boat launch by the Back Eddy restaurant. Then come back another time to explore the river’s west branch. savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/head-of-westport-town-landing/