Hamburg Cove is a tidal cove on the lower Connecticut River, approximately eight miles upstream from Long Island Sound. It is widely regarded as a premier, well-protected paddling destination, offering quiet water and significant shelter from wind and waves due to the surrounding wooded hills, making it suitable for beginners. The primary access points for paddlers are informal launches. One is on Cove Road in Lyme, a patch of dirt serving as a parking lot next to the Hamburg Cove Yacht Club, providing direct entry to the cove and the Eightmile River. Another formal launch is at Cove Landing Marine on Hamburg Road, where a fee of five dollars per kayak is charged for dock access; this boatyard is located within the inner cove. A common route involves launching from Essex on the west side of the Connecticut River and crossing to the cove, though this requires a quick crossing due to powerboat traffic on the main river.

The paddling experience is characterized by exploration through marinas, under low road bridges, and up into the narrow, winding upper reaches of the cove and the Eightmile River. The current in these upstream sections is very weak, making for easy paddling. Paddlers pass by large, stunning homes and can observe wildlife including osprey, blue herons, and white egrets. The cove can become very crowded with moored boats on summer weekends. A specific hazard is the channel entrance to the outer cove, which has muddy shoals and rocks just outside a narrow, marked channel; boaters must stay within the markers to avoid grounding. While anchoring is forbidden throughout the cove, transient moorings may be available from Cove Landing Marine. Seasonal issues include the occasional presence of dead menhaden fish, particularly in the fall, which can create an odor in the upper parts of the cove. The overall environment is picturesque, with a Maine-like quality, and offers a variety of routes ranging from a short exploration of the inner cove to longer trips integrating the Connecticut River.