Paddleboarding from Odiorne Point Boat Launch
Looking for a quiet beach day? Want amazing views? You have landed at the right place! Paddleboarding from Odiorne State Park puts you in a position to join the few of us who know about a secret stretch of beach that faces out into the start of the Piscataqua River.
Stare out at the historical Wentworth Hotel and the many majestic yachts that grace its piers.
Getting There
Odiorne State Park is worth your time. This coastal park stretches across the head of the Piscataqua River, with walking trails, rocks with lively tide pools, a playground, and a private beach, it has something for everyone. Odiorne State Park is also home to the Seacoast Science Center, my kids’ favorite spot in the area to learn all things coastal.
When you are parking to paddleboard, you will want to enter the Odiorne Point Boat Launch. There is a fee to park here. The day-use fee is $4 for adults 12 and over; $2 for kids ages 6 to 11; and free for New Hampshire residents over the age of 65 or children ages 5 and under.
If you are a New Hampshire resident with a NH State Park license plate, you can enter this park for free, regardless of the number of people in your car or their ages.
Be aware that the parking lot gait is open during a limited number of hours through on-season so be sure to time your paddleboard adventure accordingly. I have been locked inside the parking lot. Thankfully, the Rye Police Department seems pretty familiar with the process of opening the gates for those of us who lose track of time when on the water.
Ideally, I try to park along the left side of the parking lot, backing in under the trees where I can have a stretch of grass behind my car offering plenty of space for blowing up my boards and organizing my gear.
There are several, fairly clean porta-potties available from late spring through October.
Paddleboarding along Odiorne State Park
Odiorne State Park boasts a picturesque coastal landscape that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. The park spans over 330 acres, featuring rocky shores, sandy beaches, and tidal pools. The breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean make it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful escape by the sea.
Always remember to check your tide chart before scheduling a time to paddleboard on a coastal river. You can easily end up in inches of water during the lowest part of the tide.
Heading out from the Odiorne Point Boat Launch, I like to head right toward the Wentworth By the Sea Country Club golf course. Be aware of the sandbars along this route, I have gotten stuck on them during low tide. One of the best ways to determine how shallow the water is around you, is to watch the seagulls – are they floating or are they actually walking?
Take a right corner of the peninsula, and cruise along the coastline, toward a long rocky getty, protecting the harbor from the open ocean waves.
As you get closer to the jetty, you will pass moored boats, lobster buoys, and the many cormorants that have made the area their home.
The beach by the jetty is one of my favorite summer spots. Be sure to pack a beach picnic and plan to spend some time here, swimming and hunting for hermit crabs in the glassy cold water, walk the jetty for incredible views, and take in the splendor of the Wentworth Hotel across the way.
Enjoy Hiking?
Paddleboarding is not the only activity you can enjoy here. One of the park’s most fascinating aspects is its diverse ecosystem. Odiorne is home to various plant and animal species, creating a haven for birdwatchers, botanists, and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, which wind through lush woodlands and offer glimpses of the diverse flora and fauna that call Odiorne home.
Odiorne’s Historic Fortifications
History buffs will appreciate the park’s historical significance, as it was once the site of Fort Dearborn during World War II. Today, remnants of the fort, including bunkers and gun mounts, can be explored along the park’s trails. Interpretive signs provide a glimpse into the past, offering a fascinating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.
The Pros and Cons of Paddling at Odiorne State Park
This is easily one of my favorite places to paddleboard all summer long. If you can take a full day to fully enjoy all this area has to offer, I would encourage you to pack your board up with a picnic and plenty of water, a good book and a beach towel. Spend the day on the beach, explore the jetty and relax on the sand. Swim in the crystal clear water – the cold New England water will be very refreshing!
I have also combined this paddleboarding location with the New Castle Island location, paddling under the bridge by the Wentworth Hotel, into the marshy river area that separates New Castle Island from the rest of the land.
