Lake Tarleton Self-Guided Paddle: White Mountains Views

Set your own pace on the water with a map and the mountains ahead

A self-guided paddle on Lake Tarleton in New Hampshire's White Mountains, where you rent equipment and navigate at your own speed using a detailed pamphlet guide. The lake sits in protected public lands ringed by forest, with Mt. Moosilauke rising on the horizon. You receive a personal flotation device, dry bag, bottled water and snacks. The paddle takes around five hours.

The experience

You meet at the public boat launch and set out on your own, paddling at whatever pace suits you around a naturally occurring lake whose water level is maintained by a dam built decades ago. The shoreline is almost entirely protected (either part of Lake Tarleton State Park or the White Mountain National Forest), so the view stays unbroken. Mt. Moosilauke, one of the White Mountains' famous 4000-footers, dominates the horizon and grows more defined as you move across the water.

Your equipment includes a paddle, a personal flotation device, and a waterproof dry bag to keep your things safe. You also get a detailed pamphlet with photos and information about what you'll see on the lake, plus recommended routes so you can choose how far to explore. Bottled water and snacks come along, so you can rest on the water or pull ashore without leaving the lake.

What’s included

• Paddle and personal flotation device.
• waterproof dry bag.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• detailed pamphlet guide with photos, information about lake sights, and recommended paddling routes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 17 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Ammonoosuc Outings

Is this one for you?A five-hour paddle fills most of a day, so book this if you have a full morning and afternoon free and want to spend it on the water. The self-guided format means you control the route and the stops, but it also means you're navigating on your own, not following a guide.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I paddle Lake Tarleton if I've never paddled before?

The activity requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. The pamphlet guide and recommended routes help you navigate, but you should be comfortable handling a paddle and spending several hours on the water.

What's Mt. Moosilauke and why does it matter on this paddle?

Mt. Moosilauke is one of the White Mountains' famous 4000-foot peaks, and it rises prominently on the horizon throughout your time on Lake Tarleton. The mountain is a landmark you'll see from multiple points on the water as you paddle.

How much of the day does this paddle take?

The paddle takes around five hours, which leaves room for breakfast before you start or a meal after you finish, but not much else in a single day.

What happens if I want to stop and rest during the paddle?

You set your own pace, so you can pull ashore whenever you want. The lake is surrounded by protected public lands, giving you places to land and take a break.