You will arrive at our 40-acre farm on the banks of the Connecticut River where we raise Suffolk-Punch draft horses and organic beef cattle. 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 discuss the length and details of your trip with our friendly staff. Your boats will be loaded on to the trailers and the shuttle bus will head north to your designated launch site. Because your trip will end back at our farm you can make your own return time. Our landing is just a 3-minute walk to your car.

Our FULL DAY TRIP launches at the base of the Hartland Rapids on the Vermont side of the river. This is one of the last remaining sets of natural rapids left on the Connecticut River and provides a spectacular backdrop for the start of your river adventure.

Also known as Sumner Falls, the early Native American’s used this area as a place to net or spear salmon during the spring spawning runs. Today's fishermen catch good numbers of pike, small-mouth bass and trout in the pools and eddies below the falls. River drivers, men managing the great log drives of years past, were known to have carved their names on the rocks here.

It is a twelve-mile journey from the launch area to where you will take-out of the river at our farm. Paddling straight through without stopping to fish, swim or picnic this trip takes approximately three and a half to four hours. The river varies in depth during the summer months but in most places the bottom is visible. Because of this, you will encounter virtually no motorized water traffic on your journey. The river winds peacefully past tall pines on the New Hampshire banks, while Mt. Ascutney rises 3,150 feet to dominate the view on the Vermont bank. Mt Ascutney is a monadnock mountain & 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.

Further downstream, the famous Cornish-Windsor covered bridge comes into view. Just north of this bridge is the launch site for our HALF DAY TRIP, at the Cornish Landing. This trip continues the remaining four miles down stream to our farm and can be paddled in one and a half to two hours if you choose not to stop along the way. This is our most popular trip, perfect for families or a quick excursion.  Both trips paddle under the famous historic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. The bridge was built in 1866 by James Tasker at a cost of $9,000 and is still used today.  Mr. Tasker could neither read nor write but was an accomplished craftsman and four of his covered bridges still stand in the Cornish area.

Waterfowl are plentiful along the river. Several species of ducks, herons and smaller birds are common. Nesting eagles are often sighted along this stretch.  Several mill brooks enter the river from both sides and provide forage and habitat for fish, deer, bank beaver, otter and muskrat.  Brilliant Indian paintbrush are among the fauna that dot the wooded shoreline.

Just south of the covered bridge is Chase Island. The southern end is an ideal place to stop and swim or sunbathe.  If you explore this island one of its surprises is the wild pasture made by the horses and pony that swim over from the NH bank and graze.  Downstream (approx. 2 miles from the island) you will clearly see a huge colony of bank swallows coming and going from their holes on the NH bank. Here we suggest you wonder over to the New Hampshire side of the river. Our large red barn and white farmhouse will come into view through the trees. This is your take-out point for both the Full Day Trip or the Half Day Trip. A sign on the bank will show you where to beach your canoe or kayak and a short walk in our field will find you back at your car.

The Connecticut River is the longest river in New England, a 411 mile ribbon of history that forms the border between the states of Vermont and New Hampshire.  A canoe or kayak trip down this majestic waterway offers a great experience for any school, scout, church, camp or outdoor club. Northstar can custom design a trip to fit for the right lengh and the right budget.

For more information see our groups page.

Our OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES are designed from a personal love of canoe camping. Slow paced days of exploration, river sunsets, camp fire cooking and mornings with nothing in front of you but more spectacular river. These are memories we at North Star like to help you make. Our knowledgeable staff can help design an itinerary that suits your desires.   You can choose from the chain of primitive campsites created by the Upper Valley Land Trust or Vermont's beautiful, riverside Wilgus State Park. Check some of our most popular overnight itinerary options and maps.

Primitive canoe camping for two days one night.
Campground canoe camping for two days one night.

We now partner with two country Inns to offer you the comfort of INN TO INN PADDLING. Call or e-mail us for details.