Kayaking down the Bantam River is likely my favorite venue. It is filled with character and opportunity to enjoy the wildlife with so many photo ops!
The launch site is on White’s Woods Road and holds about 7 cars. It does fill up so keep that in mind. It’s also part of the White memorial Conservation Center which has so many other options as well for outdoor adventures.
It was here that I first decided to be bold and carry my real camera on board the kayak instead of just using my cell phone.
It’s approximately a 2.5 mile ride to Bantam Lake. This river is known for its beaver dams so we found it beneficial to carry a strong stick with us to push off rocks to get over some of them. I never did see a beaver but I have seen loads of turtles, ducks, lily pads, herons and fish swimming just below the surface.
Once you hit Bantam lake you have the true lake experience where you need to watch for motor boats. If you go to the right you do hit a small beach where you can have a picnic and take a break. We would stop there and then return for the ride back.
From there we put away the kayak and grabbed our bikes! We rode for lunch to West Shore Seafood, 449 Bantam Lake Rd, Morris, CT, which is a few miles away around the other side of Bantam Lake. It has great food and picnic tables. On the drive back we stop at Arethusa for ice cream in Bantam proper.
Both kayaking and biking really made this one of my top choices for an awesome day of exercise and to be present! It’s also way better than a world of make believe Disney safari!
Pivot and Pause in New England 