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Although the North Cove by itself is a easy body of water to paddle, if you go along the entire trail to South Cove and back, it gets tricky as you have to navigate on the Connecticut River, which has some chop, is windy and has strong currents.

The tidal wetlands of North Cove are considered "brackish" with freshwater tidal wetlands beginning to appear just up river from Essex near Post Cove in Deep River.

Please be especially aware of currents in the channel area to Middle Cove by the Essex Yacht Club and in the channel area to North Cove between the Steamboat Dock and Essex Island. Caution should be used when canoeing/kayaking in these areas. While canoeing and kayaking in the Connecticut River between Middle and North Coves, stay in areas close to shore where you are less likely to encounter river currents. Be especially aware of large vessels as you pass the southern channel to North Cove by the Steamboat Dock and in the vicinity of the yacht clubs near the Middle Cove channel entrance.

From mid-fall to early spring, the North Cove area provides wonderful viewing opportunities for bald eagles which winter in the lower Connecticut River valley. Perching areas where eagles can often be seen soaking up the sun include the trees in the area of Riverview Cemetery on North Cove, the trees along the western and southern boundaries of South Cove including Haydens Point as well as Nott Island across the river from South and Middle Coves.

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