Paddling the North Country: Tandem Kayak Rentals Out of Errol

ERROL KAYAK FIELD GUIDE

Paddling the North Country: Tandem Kayak Rentals Out of Errol

Northern Waters Outfitters rents tandem kayaks for day trips and multi‑day paddles into Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, the Magalloway River and the Rapid River—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Paddling the North Country: Tandem Kayak Rentals Out of Errol.

Duration
1- 7 days
Location
Errol
Operator
Northern Waters Outfitters
Category
Kayak
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Northern Waters Outfitters in Errol, New Hampshire, puts tandem kayakers at the gateway to a vast weave of rivers, lakes, coves, islands and marshes. From shoreline meanders in the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge to the winding channels of the Magalloway and the storied Rapid River, rentals can be built as a serene day trip or a backcountry overnight that immerses paddlers in the North Country’s quiet waterways.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

WILDLIFE & WETLANDS

Launch into Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

Rentals give access to Lake Umbagog, a wildlife‑rich refuge of marshes, coves and islands ideal for low‑key paddling and observation from a tandem kayak.

THE RIVER

Winding Runs on the Magalloway

The Magalloway River presents a quieter, more secluded paddle north of Errol—an appealing route for those who want to move beyond the base’s immediate Androscoggin access and deeper into the region’s waterways.

BACKCOUNTRY

Rapid River and Overnight Options

For multi‑day travelers, the Rapid River is one of the region’s legendary routes—rentals can be tailored from a single day to a backcountry overnight so paddlers can string together longer itineraries.

What the day feels like

What the paddle feels like

A day from the outfitter begins at the waterline—easy strokes in a tandem kayak, shoreline views that alternate between open lake and marsh, and the option to push north where channels narrow and isolation grows. Multi‑day hires extend that feeling into backcountry nights and longer river runs, with the operator helping shape an itinerary to match the pace you want.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this is right for—and who should look elsewhere.

1
First‑time paddlersSuitable—Northern Waters welcomes first‑time paddlers and offers tandem rentals that make introductory lake and river paddling accessible.
2
Day trippersA good match—rentals can be arranged for single‑day outings from the Errol base for paddlers wanting a contained excursion.
3
Backcountry paddlersIdeal—multi‑day and overnight backcountry options are part of the rental program for those planning longer river or refuge itineraries.
4
Seasoned explorersAlso suitable—experienced paddlers can string together multi‑day routes and push northward for more secluded river travel.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Rentals are available for durations ranging from 1 to 7 days, allowing for everything from a single‑day paddle to a multi‑day backcountry trip.

Meeting & Launch

All trips and rentals begin at Northern Waters Outfitters in Errol—the outfitter is the meeting location and launch point for local and northbound routes.

Trip planning & support

Northern Waters Outfitters will help tailor itineraries for day or overnight paddles and advise on route choices between the Androscoggin, Lake Umbagog, the Magalloway and the Rapid River.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where do I meet for my rental?

All rentals and trip departures begin at Northern Waters Outfitters in Errol, NH.

How long can I rent a tandem kayak?

Rentals are offered from 1 to 7 days, so you can choose a single‑day outing or a multi‑day backcountry trip.

Can I paddle Lake Umbagog and the Magalloway with a rental?

Yes—rentals provide access to Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge as well as routes on the Magalloway River and toward the Rapid River.

Is this suitable for first‑time paddlers?

Yes—the outfitter serves first‑time paddlers as well as more experienced explorers and can tailor the itinerary to your comfort level.

Can I do an overnight or backcountry trip with a rental?

Yes—rentals can be arranged for multi‑day and backcountry overnight itineraries.

Do you recommend staying near the base or heading north?

Trips on the Androscoggin are available from the base, but the outfitter recommends heading north for a more scenic and secluded experience.