63 Route 7
West Cornwall, CT 06796
(860) 672-6365
www.clarkeoutdoors.com
The Housatonic River in Northwestern Connecticut is a great choice for rafting, and Clarke Outdoors will guide you down it. You have the option of rafting down a six or 10 mile section depending on your level of expertise. Shuttles and vans are provided to transport you to the rafting area. Pick ups are on a half hour schedule and all participants are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes before shuttle departure. In addition to rafting, river water sport lovers can also go canoeing and kayaking with Clarke Outdoors – the company even offers kayak lessons for those who are interested.
7 Main St., Route 2
Charlemont, MA 01339
(800) 532-7483
www.zoraoutdoor.com
A trip to Massachusetts will bring you to one of the pioneer rafting places, with more than four river banks to experience the fullness of rafting. West River in Vermont, Millers River, Concord River and the Deerfield River are all available for a great outdoor adventures. Rafting trips can be taken on Class I to Class IV rapids, and more moderate float trips are available for families with kids. If you’re looking for a full experience, check out the zipline and raft packages available. Homemade meals are available to provide the full experience. And safety is key —at Zora, the staff is comprised of professional, well trained and certified guides to provide a fun yet safe experience
170 Main St. Route 44
New Hartford, CT 06057
(860) 693-6791
www.mainstreamcanoe.com
Experience a river trip via canoe or kayak with Main Stream. Their most popular trip begins in Riverton and features a 12 mile paddle to New Hartford. If you’re looking for something shorter, there are multiple put-in locations to choose from. They allow patrons to rent equipment, including the kayaks, and also provide shuttle service to transport you to the river. Guidance is also provided by trained staff and instructors for safety. Prices vary based on daily and weekly participants and those who provide their own transportation.
212 Baileyville Road
Middlefield, CT 06455
(860) 424-3000
www.lakelubbers.com
For beginners who are looking for a nice, flat lake to practice and improve their kayaking skills, this is the ideal spot. According to the site, the lake runs about 116 acres and is an average of 12 feet deep. Surrounded by hills and history, Beseck is suitable and accommodating for most outdoor water activity.
7 Liftbridge Lane W.
Fairport, NY 14450
(585) 748-2628
www.eriecanalboatcompany.com
If you’re looking to turn a kayaking experience into an overnight visit, then you may want to check out this location. Offering kayaking on the historic Erie Canal waterway in Fairport, just outside of Rochester New York, Erie Canal Boat Company caters to groups and families, and offers more than just the kayaking experience. On site camping, breakfast and plenty of fun times and memories are all available on the grounds.
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