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There are lots of fantastic places to go kayaking in Massachusetts, whether you’re looking for a coastal adventure or a scenic river.
But it’s not just great scenery you get in the Bay State, you can paddle through history on some of these waterways, including seeing the 1620 landing site of the pilgrims on the Mayflower.
Whether you’re into history, wildlife, architecture, or just great scenery, this New England state seems to have something for everyone. We’ve listed a few of our favorite spots to help you plan your next outing.
7 Of The Best Places To Kayak In Massachusetts
1: Plum Island
Kayaking can be one of the best ways to explore Plum Island. Much of this barrier beach island is protected and forms the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. There are many small islands, inlets, and sheltered waterways to check out, with an abundance of wildlife.
The refuge is home to hundreds of species of birds, so you might want to bring binoculars.
There is only one boat ramp inside the refuge, opposite the first parking lot after the park’s entrance. You’re not allowed to land or launch anywhere else within the refuge. However, there is a public boat launch in nearby Newburyport, where kayak rentals and tours are also available.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to launch & how to get there:
Refuge Road, Newbury, MA 01951. Take a right onto Sunset Drive from Plum Island Turnpike. Follow the road to the park entrance. The boat ramp is opposite Parking Lot 1.
2: Cape Cod
Cape Cod can be a great place for paddling, with Cape Cod National Seashore providing diverse habitats for wildlife and plant species. This historically significant area is also known for sharks. This includes great whites, so it can be best to be on your guard and avoid paddling on your own or in areas where there are seals and schools of fish.
A good spot to launch is at Powers Landing Beach. From the beach launch you can paddle around the protected area of Wellfleet Harbor and into the many creeks and coves.
On the western side of Cape Cod Bay, you can paddle around Plymouth Harbor and check out the replica of the Mayflower. A good spot to launch for this is at the state boat ramp just off Water Street.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/Flatwater (easy)
Where to launch & how to get there:
555 Chequessett Neck Road, Wellfleet, MA 02667.
3: Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is New England’s longest river, flowing around 400 miles into the Long Island Sound. There are various access points along the river as it flows through Massachusetts.
This can be a relaxing place to paddle, with generally slow-moving water, making it ideal for family trips and suitable for canoes.
From the Pauchaug launch, it’s around a five-mile paddle to Munn’s Ferry Campsite, which offers boat-in camping or you can continue a further three miles to Riverview Picnic Area where you can take-out.
It’s 13 miles from the Pauchaug ramp to Barton Cove public boat ramp. Kayaks and canoes are available at Barton Cove Campground.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I to II (easy to moderate)
Where to launch & how to get there:
Pauchaug Ramp Road, Northfield, MA 01360.
4: Sudbury River
The Sudbury River is a mostly slow-moving river that eventually joins with the Assabet River and becomes the Concord River. The last 17 miles of the river between the Danforth Street Bridge and where it forms the Concord River, is a designated Wild and Scenic River.
A relaxing seven-mile paddle can take you from Sherman’s Bridge Landing in Wayland to the take out on the Concord River at Old Calf Pasture, just past Egg Rock in Concord.
This route takes you through the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge so it can provide excellent opportunities for spotting birds.
You can rent kayaks at the South Bridge Boathouse in Concord.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/II (easy)
Where to launch & how to get there:
71 Sherman’s Bridge Road, Wayland, MA 01778.
5: Charles River
If you’re looking for some fantastic views of the Boston skyline, you might want to check out the Charles River. There are several places you can launch along the river, including at Herter Park, where you can also rent kayaks. This launch has a decent amount of parking too.
From Herter Park, you can paddle along the river past Harvard University and its boathouses, where Harvard University’s rowing teams are based. A couple of miles from the launch you can stop for a rest at Magazine Beach, just in front of the Boston University Bridge.
You can also continue paddling along the river past M.I.T and the Charles River Esplanade for stunning views of downtown Boston. The river is flat and can be paddled in either direction.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I (easy)
Where to launch & how to get there:
Christian Herter Park, Soldier’s Field Road, Boston, MA 02134.
6: Merrimack River
The Merrimack River is a long river that gently flows toward the Atlantic Ocean. This can be a scenic spot that travels through both wild and urban landscapes.
Launching from Riverfront Park in Tyngsborough, you can paddle through leafy surroundings on gently flowing water to the take-out at Rourke Brothers Boat Ramp in Lowell. This can be a short trip that’s ideal for beginners and families with children. Rentals are available at the Bellegarde Boathouse in Lowell.
You can also choose to launch at Pemberton Park in Lawrence, where you can paddle past the historic textile mills from America’s Industrial Revolution as you head along to the take-out at Haverhill.
Class of Rapids rating:
Class I/II (easy)
Where to launch & how to get there:
Riverfront Park, 71 Frost Road, Tyngsborough, MA 01879.
7: Pontoosuc Lake
Pontoosuc Lake is a 511-acre flatwater lake that can be a great place for beginners to develop their skills. Despite being relatively urban, with lots of lakeside homes, this can be a peaceful place to paddle with trees and views of the surrounding hills. However, it can often be busy on weekends and summer months with recreational boaters.
You can launch from the public boat ramp at the southeastern side of the lake, where there is also ample parking. Kayak rentals are available on the eastern shores of the lake.
Pontoosuc Lake can be an ideal place for kayak fishing, with bass, muskie and trout to be found, as well as many other species. The lake is also a popular spot for ice fishing during the winter.
Class of Rapids rating:
N/A – Flatwater lake
Where to launch & how to get there:
Pontoosuc Lake Boat Ramp, Hancock Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
What Are The MA Kayak Laws?
We’ve included some of the main rules and regulations for paddling in Massachusetts but it can be wise to research the laws for yourself. These are simply for reference and not legal advice.
- A USCG-approved PFD is required to be carried and easily accessible for each person on your kayak or canoe. Between September and May all paddlers and passengers must wear their PFD.
- Children under 12 must wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times while on a kayak or canoe.
- A paddle is required on all boats less than 16 feet, which includes pedal kayaks.
- Registration is not required for non-motorized kayaks.
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI) of alcohol or drugs is illegal. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08% and penalties can include the loss of your driver’s license.
Kayak Rentals And Tours Around Massachusetts
There are several places where you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour to make the most of these scenic locations.
- Plum Island Kayak (Plum Island – rentals and tours)
- Jack’s Cape Cod (Cape Cod – rentals)
- Barton Cove Campground & Canoe Rental (Connecticut River – rentals)
- South Bridge Boathouse (Sudbury River – rentals)
- Paddle Boston (Charles River – rentals and tours)
- UMass Lowell Bellegarde Boathouse (Merrimack River – rentals)
- Berkshire UDrive Boat Rentals (Pontoosuc Lake – rentals)
Final Words
Massachusetts can be an exciting place to paddle, filled with history and famous landmarks. You’ll also find beautiful scenery and miles of paddling trails.
Remember to wear your PFD between fall and spring. And stay safe out there.
Let us know what you think of our favorite spots and tell us about some of yours? Share this to help others find new places to paddle.