Paddle The Beautiful Moore Reservoir
By Gary Moore
I love to kayak. Gliding along under my own power inches from the water is relaxing and enjoyable. Paddling on beautiful Moore Reservoir is a real treat. Once away from the dam, you feel like you are on some remote northern lake. No camps or homes line the shore and few motor boats are encountered most times and those generally are fishing.
Since early spring I had been trying to fit in a visit to North County Kayak located at the Dodge Hill Boat Launch in Littleton to check out the operation and take a paddle.
The last Friday in June, I finally made it and had a most enjoyable paddle and a chance to chat with new owner Jack Varin whose obvious love for, and knowledge of, the region is very evident.
Jack has been a professional tour guide in the White Mountains region for two decades. His day job is activities director at Pollard Brook Resort in Lincoln where he provides interpretive experiences for visitors. Jack is also a volunteer wildlife educator with NH Fish & Game traveling around the state providing presentations about wildlife.
In the mid-2000s, Jack worked for a Grand Canyon river rafting outfitter and got a taste of the water sports industry while also falling in love with backpacking. I enjoyed talking with him about his western experiences as we paddled the serene Moore Reservoir.
North Country Kayak was established in 2021 by Jack s friend Elijah Sobel. Jack purchased the business from him in April as he wanted to dedicate more time to his new family.
He told me, Elijah built a great reputation which I plan to maintain and build upon.
Jack grew up in central Massachusetts and would visit the White Mountains every summer with his family to explore the region, hike and camp.
He said, I remember boarding the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and the operator called me over to "drive" the Tram car. I pushed the button and we went soaring through the sky. That made an everlasting memory.
He added, Twenty or so years later, I decided to make the White Mountains my home, and one of my first jobs was operating the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Not only that, but the gentleman who trained me how to do the job, was the same guy who let me push the button when I was 3 or 4 years old. Then I got to carry on that tradition and let the little kids drive the Tram car.
North County Kayak has an agreement with landowner Great River Hydro to operate May through October.
In addition to single and tandem kayaks, paddle boards are also available to rent. One need bring nothing as pfds and dry bags are supplied.
Guided two-hour tours, sunset tours, full moon tours and private tours for groups are available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jack pointed out that they offer regular morning guided tours, which may be the best time for bird and wildlife watching.
Local residents within an approximate 30-mile radius with a VT or NH ID get a discount weekdays at 9 a.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. to rent a kayak or paddle board for $25.
To learn more about North County Kayak go to https://northcountrykayak.com/ or you can stop by the Dodge Hill Boat Launch on Moore Reservoir in Littleton. Be sure to say hi to Winston the resident schnozzle and grumpy old man.
I intend to return for a paddle when I have more time. Perhaps I will see you there. Be sure to look for the bald eagles who perch in the trees on the point across from the launch.