North Star Canoe Livery is a family owned and operated canoe rental business with two locations on the Connecticut and White Rives in Cornish, New Hampshire and White River Junction, Vermont. These two pristine waterways offer the canoeist a peaceful journey through the past. Islands along the way offer a wonderful opportunity to picnic, swim or just plain relax. The fisherman will not be disappointed either with excellent opportunities for bass, pike and trout.
2000 "Editors' pick" Yankee Magazine's Travel Guide to New England
North Star Canoe Rentals operates from Memorial Day through Columbus day. We offer self-guided canoe, kayak, and raft trips of varying lengths: half day, full day, or multi-day overnight trips. North Star offers sections of river considered moving "flat water", suitable for people of all ages and canoeing abilities. As well as "fast water" and "class I" sections of white water for experienced boaters looking to chalenge themselves.
Our experienced staff's can help you set up great overnight canoe camping trips. You can choose from camping in state park Adirondack style shelters to "roughing it" at primitive campsites along the river. North Star will also provide custom shuttling service for guests with their own boats.
With our large fleet of canoes, kayaks, rafts, and shuttle vehicles we are adept at planning for and accommodating large groups. School, Youth, Church, Club, Offices and Scouting groups and groups of 16 or more people are eligible for discounts.
Classic day trips from our Cornish, NH Outpost
You will arrive at our 40 acre farm on the banks of the Connecticut River where we raise Suffolk-punch draft horses. You may be greeted by a flock of chickens or turkeys as you pull up to the barn. Inside our two story barn, circa 1914, you can sign-in, get your gear and then discuss the length and details of your trip with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Once you've got all you gear together, the shuttle bus will load up and head to the designated launch site. Your outing will end back at our landing, just a short walk (5 minutes) from your vehicle.
"Leave all your pressures and tensions at home....."
Our full day trips begin at the base of the Hartland Rapids. This is one of the last remaining sets of natural rapids left on the Connecticut River. Also know as Sumner Falls, the early Indians used this area as a place to net or spear salmon during the spring spawning runs. Today's fisherman catch good numbers of pike, smallmouth bass and trout in the pools and eddies belows falls. River drivers, men managing the great log drives of years past, were known to have carved their names on the rocks here.
Memberships: Conn. River Watershed Council, National Association of Canoe Liveries & Outfitters
It is twelve (12) miles from the launch area to the take-out at our farm. The river winds peacefully past the tall pines on the New Hampshire banks while Mt. Ascutney rises 3150 feet and dominates the view on the Vermont bank. Mt. Ascutney is the largest mountain in the Connecticut River Valley. A few miles down river is Hart Island. A ferry operating between Hartland, Vermont and Plainfield, New Hampshire remained in service here until 1911. It was large enough to carry a Model T Ford across the river and was powered by a yoke of oxen that turned a windlass.
Half day trips begin just north of the covered bridge and conclude back at our farm (approximately 4 miles downstream). This is our most popular trip and is perfect for family outings.
The river varies in depth during the summer months and in most places the bottom is visible. Because of this, there is virtually no motorized water traffic in this stretch. Further downstream, the famous Cornish-Windsor covered bridge comes into view. The bridge was built in 1866 by James Tasker at a cost of $9000 and is still used today. Mr. Tasker could neither read nor write but was an accomplished craftsman and has four of his covered bridges still standing in the Cornish area.
North Star Livery offers you a convenient, inexpensive opportunity to canoe the Connecticut.
Waterfowl is plentiful along the river. Several species of ducks, herons and smaller birds are common. A bald eagle has also been sighted on numerous occasions. Several mill brooks enter the river from both sides and provide forage and habitat for both fish and fowl. Fishing for pike, trout and bass is excellent during the summer and early fall.
Just south of the covered bridge is Chase Island. The southern end is an ideal place to stop and rest, swim or sunbathe. Downstream (approx.2 miles) from the island, our large red barn and white farm house come into view on the New Hampshire side. This is the take-out point and a sign along the bank will show you where to beach your canoe. A short walk across our pasture and you'll be back at our base.
CALL OR WRITE TODAY AND LET NORTH STAR PUT YOU ON THE RIVER!!!
Contact North Star Canoes
email:nstarcanoes@cyberportal.net
603-542-6929
North Star Canoes
1356A RT12A
Cornish, NH 03745
