On Labor Day 2022 I bought a used kayak from Paddle Boston in Waltham and spent a year exploring the rivers near Boston. The above map provides guidance on where one can put in and if you click on each pin, you’ll get my very short write-up of each spot.
Below is a list of rivers I’ve visited with some practical information and my general impressions. I’m also into birding and photography so I’ve included some photos and details on the birds and wildlife I’ve encountered.
Metro West Boston – click for profiles of different rivers and rides
Lots of information on Metro West page including details on where to put in, photos, what it’s like to paddle there.
Ipswich River
In Topsfield there are two put-in spots (see map above), including one on Route 97 where there’s access to a bike path as well. Then there’s the Ipswich River Canoe Launch on Ipswich Road near Bradley Palmer State Park. Between these two spots lies a very large swamp, the Wenham Swamp, which makes for excellent kayaking/canoeing. Big open areas with lots of wildlife, including all kinds of birds and many signs of beavers (I saw dozens of lodges on my last trip.) There are three islands where you can get out and take a break, have a picnic, etc.
Generally, it’s very quiet although the river goes along Ipswich Road for a while and there are houses here and there. From Route 97 going downstream, you will pass the Mass. Audubon Ipswich River sanctuary (where you can rent canoes.) As it’s a swamp, you do need to take some care not to take wrong turns and end up in a dead end of marshy grasses or get turned around.
I’ve done Route 97 to Colt Island and back, which was probably two hours or so (although I did a wrong turn on the way back and ended up covering the same ground again by accident!) I’ve also gone from the Ipswich River Canoe Launch to Colt Island and back, which was about 2 1/2 hours round trip. At the Canoe Launch there’s a map that shows a number of other places to put in on the Ipswich River. Here’s a link to the site with the map and there’s an app to download as well.
Like I said, swampy. Really critical habitat and source of municipal water as well.
Out of state adventures (under construction)
Muskegon River, Michigan
Green River Reservoir Vermont