You might have noticed that we’ve been talking a lot about the summer around here! That’s because it feels like it’s just around the corner and that means it’s time to make some seriously fun plans to keep busy. Between hiking and other activities that raise a sweat, we’re making sure to round things out with activities that are meant to cool us down. River tubing in New Hampshire is perfect for that!

1. The Ammonoosuc River
Ammonoosuc River, New Hampshire, USA
Virginia State Parks / Flickr
This beauty goes from Mount Washington to Woodsville, offering lots to do in between. Your best bet is to head to Bretton Woods, where you can rent tubes for two hours at the Adventure Center. Just remember that you'll have to walk about a quarter of a mile back to the launching point if you haven't arranged transportation ahead of time. You’ll find some of the best New Hampshire tubing here!
2. The Baker River
James Walsh / Flickr
This 36-mile river makes its way through the White Mountains before meeting the Pemigewasset River. In addition to tubing folks enjoy all sorts of water sports including kayaking and canoeing. This is a great river if you don't have your own tube or if you'd prefer that someone else do a lot of the work! You can find outfitters willing to rent tubes all along the river including Plymouth Ski and Sports in Plymouth. We love this lazy river in New Hampshire.

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3. The Contoocook River
Contoocook River, New Hampshire, USA
glass_house / Flickr
Flowing from the Rindge and Jaffrey border, you can take this beauty all the way to Merrimack. This is a great option if you'd like to enjoy some relaxation, but don't mind some faster-moving sections in the mix. This is a great place to go river tubing in New Hampshire.
4. The Connecticut River
Home on the Connecticut, 651 River Rd, Lyme, NH 03768, USA
management / TripAdvisor
Flowing along the Vermont border, this river is another wonderful option for a relaxing day of tubing. We recommend the Upper Valley section for the most relaxing trip. And if you can get to the Vermont side, you can rent tubes from Great River Outfitters. They'll set you up for a self-guided tubing trip that can last as short as a few hours or as long as all day! One of the best spots for New Hampshire river tubing.
5. The Pemigewasset River
Pemigewasset River, New Hampshire, USA
Mitch Barrie / Flickr
This New Hampshire favorite starts in Franconia Notch State Park and makes its way south to merge with the Merrimack River in Franklin. Those who want a relaxing tubing experience will love that this river is fairly slow going and the portion found between North Woodstock and Bristol is slow with some movement making it perfect. There are plenty of places to throw your tube in along the Pemigewasset River, too!

Have you ever gone river tubing in New Hampshire? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

To combine both hiking with water, consider heading out on a route that leads to some of the state’s most beautiful water features. Here’s the ultimate bucket list for anyone in New Hampshire who loves waterfall hikes!

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River Tubing In New Hampshire

Megan McDonald | June 15, 2023

What is the best tubing river in New Hampshire?

For several compelling reasons, the Saco River is widely considered the best tubing river in New Hampshire. It boasts breathtaking scenic beauty, featuring enchanting wooded areas, rocky shores, and tranquil landscapes that enhance the tubing experience. The river's accessibility is a major advantage, with numerous entry and exit points along its course, allowing tubers to choose various sections and tailor their tubing adventure to their preferences.

One of the key factors contributing to its popularity is the Saco River's gentle current, providing a relaxed and leisurely float without encountering daunting rapids or challenging stretches. Additionally, tubing services, rental outfitters, campgrounds, and shuttle services in the surrounding areas further enhance the convenience and enjoyment of tubing on the Saco River.

What are the best tubing rivers in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire offers several rivers that are popular for tubing. While preferences may vary depending on individual preferences, here are a few rivers known for tubing in New Hampshire:

  • Saco River: The Saco River, flowing through both New Hampshire and Maine, is a popular destination for tubing. It offers scenic views and various tubing routes of different lengths and difficulty levels.
  • Lamprey River: The Lamprey River in southeastern New Hampshire is another option for tubing. It features calm sections suitable for a leisurely float, making it a popular choice for tubing enthusiasts.
  • Pemigewasset River: The Pemigewasset River, located in central and northern New Hampshire, is known for its picturesque landscapes and offers tubing opportunities in certain sections. However, it is important to note that some river sections may have more challenging rapids, so it is advisable to research specific areas suitable for tubing.
  • Merrimack River: The Merrimack River is the longest river in New Hampshire and offers tubing options in certain sections. Choosing calmer sections of the river for tubing is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Remember to prioritize safety while tubing by wearing appropriate safety gear, being aware of the water conditions and currents, and adhering to any regulations or guidelines provided by local authorities or tubing operators.

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