McDaniel’s Marsh
May 29th, 2008 by Kim
First looks can be deceiving. That’s certainly the case when you arrive at McDaniel’s Marsh in Enfield, NH. At first glance you see a relatively large body of water, but you can see the shore and you’re sure it will be a short day of paddling.
In all actuality, McDaniel’s Marsh is larger than popular Grafton Pond (and a lot quieter on the weekends). As you paddle the quiet waters you’ll discover the marsh continues on for quite some distance and well beyond what your eyes thought they saw.
Lots of birds make their homes here. From wood ducks and canadian geese to red-wing blackbirds and a number of tree sparrows, bird-watchers will find this an enjoyable location. A number of abandoned beaver huts may lead you to believe that the beavers have long since abandoned this marsh. But, the last time I paddled here, several beavers made it clear that this was their home and I was not welcome.
McDaniel’s Marsh is a quiet place to paddle with only one house along the shore and close to the boat launch. A few nicely cleared locations on the bank allow for a nice lunch break or opportunity to stretch your legs.
This is definitely a place to paddle in the spring and early summer. Late summer paddlers may find the vegetation too dense to paddle through successfully.
All in all, when other paddle locations are too busy for a comfortable or quiet day, McDaniel’s Marsh is an excellent place to go.
How to get there: From Take Route 4A to Bog Road (just outside of Enfield Center). Follow Bog Pond Road all the way to the end where it meets George Hill Road. You’ll see the boat launch right with ample parking in front of you.
The boat launch: Easy gravel and shallow.
2 Responses to “McDaniel’s Marsh”
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June 5th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Kim,
Good information here…thanks! I absolutely love Sadie’s ratings. I also have a blog dedicated in part to kayaking stillwater in NH; I’ve added to a link to your site on mine. So far we haven’t duplicated paddling sites, which reinforces the idea that there are PLENTY of great spots in our state. Do you enjoy the marsh-type locales rather than more open area ponds?
June 11th, 2008 at 10:17 am
There are so many great spots to paddle in NH! There could be ten blogs and easily no duplicates. No preference for paddle locations, really. Any excuse to get out in the boat is perfect enough.