Paddling near Keene, NH
Set in Cheshire County within southwestern New Hampshire's Monadnock Region, Keene sits along the Ashuelot River, which runs 64 miles from Pillsbury State Park to the Connecticut River at Hinsdale and passes directly through the city. The region holds dozens of lakes, ponds, and rivers, with everything from Class II–IV whitewater above town to flatwater stretches below the Surry Mountain Dam. The Connecticut River, about 30 miles west, opens up 400+ miles of multi-day canoe and kayak exploration.
Top waters to paddle near Keene
Connecticut River
Ashuelot River
Contoocook River

Sunapee Lake
Millers River
Sugar River

Merrimack River

Wachusett Reservoir
Souhegan River
Otter Creek
Paddle smarter with real-time insights
Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.





New Hampshire licenses and regulations
Explore Keene
Top paddling waters
Loading top waters...
Popular Cities
Loading popular cities...
Smarter Paddling Starts in the App.
Paddleways gives you everything you need to plan smarter, paddle better, and own every trip from first launch to takeout.


