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The place is the Finest Paddling in Western Massachusetts?
I’ve explored miles of navigable water in Western Massachusetts for paddling journeys. Plus, add in some paddling streams that weren’t so navigable. To whit, Amethyst Brook after a hurricane–however that’s one other story. Listed below are my favourite paddling locations in Western Massachusetts. The selection areas are clustered across the Connecticut River Valley and don’t lengthen as a lot into the Berkshires, although there are some outstanding locations to paddle additional west.
Folks with beginner-level paddling expertise will get pleasure from these solutions. Most are flatwater paddling appropriate for any form of kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. A few fast water journeys are sprinkled in for a bit extra expert paddlers. Canoeing and kayaking in Western Mass is a ton of enjoyable so let’s get began. For extra info on any of the our bodies of water listed right here try the Massachusetts Paddler.
Lakes and Ponds for Paddling in Western Massachusetts
Tully Lake
Let’s begin with the most important paddling lake within the space. Tully Lake is a 1300-acre reservoir in Royalston that gives among the greatest canoeing and kayaking in Massachusetts. The principle lake is sprinkled with pine-covered islands with pocket swimming seashores. Launch on the predominant boat ramp simply previous the massive dam on Route 32 north of Athol to spend extra time within the island-studded lake. Fishing and swimming are in style with boaters and are allowed all through the lake.
For a paddle up the Tully River into Lengthy Pond, put-in on the canoe/kayak boat launch on Doane Hill Highway simply previous the campground. From the put-in, go left to get out into the principle lake. Nevertheless, I like to move proper up the slow-moving river to get pleasure from a pure kaleidoscope. So many birds, turtles, and aquatic vegetation are discovered as you’re employed your means up the mirror glass waterway. In case you are feeling adventurous, paddle and possibly portage your means by means of the smaller channels previous Lengthy Pond and you should have the place to your self in a maze of fantastic pure magnificence.
Don’t overlook to go to the falls in your paddle journeys. Doane’s Falls and Spirit Falls might be reached by tying your boat up close to the entry trails and strolling in.
Doane’s Falls
Canoes and kayaks might be rented on the campground. Head over to my extra detailed submit on Tully Lake to get extra info on paddling there in addition to tons of different outside adventures at Tully Lake.
Associated Put up -> 11 Superior Outside Adventures at Tully Lake
Lake Wyola
A research in contrasts, Lake Wyola is the story of the two-sided lake. The north facet has a busy state park with a preferred sandy seaside and plenty of summer time cottages ringing the lake. Nevertheless, the south facet is an undisturbed haven for paddling in peace. The truth is, the lake is known as after a Native American phrase that means quiet waters.
The put-in is on the finish of Randall Highway in Shutesbury and has loads of free parking. Since you’re on the extra marshy finish of the lake, don’t be shocked to see a Nice Blue Heron or different aquatic birds. You may also paddle to the state park on the north facet to swim on the sand seaside. Parking there may be $8 for Massachusetts residents, $30 for non-resident plates however if you’re in a paddle craft, no worries. Lake Wyola State Park has achieved an distinctive job of creating its services accessible to folks with disabilities.
Lake Wyola is a superb after-work paddle spot or an ideal place to follow your kayak roll. It will get busy on weekends, so a moonlight paddle there’s a improbable expertise.
This round-up of the very best paddling spots in Western Massachusetts provides concepts for quite a lot of paddling together with lakes, slow-moving rivers, and a few fast water/simple whitewater Share on X
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Aldrich Lake
If you would like one thing extra secluded than Lake Wyola, strive Aldrich Lake in Granby. Motorboats are prohibited by city regulation so paddlers could have the place to themselves. Fairly actually! Within the hundred or so instances I’ve paddled on Aldrich Lake, I can rely on one hand what number of instances I’ve seen different boaters.
Lake Aldrich
However, I’ve seen extra turtles right here than some other paddling spot in Western Massachusetts. Turtles of all sizes lounge on downed logs. In the event you paddle within the spring you may see the new child turtles swimming within the shallows.
Amherst Avenue divides the lake into two basins. On the west facet, paddle beside a mature white pine forest across the nook right into a cove usually visited by geese and herons. Steer clear of the dam on the north facet. You will note the basic horizon line the place the water falls over the dam.
After having fun with the west basin, paddle by means of one of many culverts passing underneath Amherst Avenue to get to the east bay of the lake. Now you will have entered turtle nation. Proceed by means of the huge lake to the marshy finish. Right here you will discover current beaver exercise together with their lodges. In the event you can paddle up the inlet stream by ducking and pulling over logs you will discover a small waterfall. It’s fairly an journey.
By way of the culvert on Aldrich Lake
The Aldrich Lake hand-carry put-in is at a pull-off space on Amherst Avenue in Granby. Be tremendous cautious as a result of the realm has poor visibility for the speedy autos cresting the hill there.
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Lake Warner
Lake Warner is one other heat water paddling pond positioned in North Hadley. Tucked within the shadow of Mount Warner, this lake is enjoyable to probe for a day. The water might be weedy, particularly within the late summer time when fertilizer run-off from adjoining farm fields accelerates lake eutrophication. However, it’s an attractive spot to paddle.
The far attain of the lake the place the Mill River enters is preserved by the Kestrel Land Belief. In excessive water, you possibly can paddle up the Mill River a bit. One excessive water spring day, I launched a canoe within the Mill River on the recreation space of the identical title in Amherst for an journey. I wasn’t certain the place I’d find yourself however after many hours of New England jungle paddling and portaging, we popped out in Lake Warner. Add that journey to the record of not-so-navigatable waters.
The boat ramp is subsequent to the bridge and the dam on Mt. Warner Highway. Park up within the grassy triangle space close by.
The historical past of the dam contains being an influence supply for an early grist mill and the positioning of a manufacturing facility manufacturing broom instruments and knives. Further historic analysis exhibits that an necessary Native American village and burial website existed close by.
Leverett Pond
Leverett Pond could also be small but it surely packs a number of surroundings into its tiny watershed. Majestic pine timber encompass the weedy 91-acre lake. The hen life on the pond is intensive together with blue herons, Canada geese, osprey, and eagles. Don’t be shocked to listen to beavers slapping the water with their tails to warn of your boat approaching. Beaver lodges are prevalent on the shore.
On the north finish of the lake are a number of dead-end channels to discover. A paddle down considered one of these forks is sort of a journey by means of the northern lakes of Canada. The peaceable magnificence is unmatched within the quick exploration of this space.
The put-in for Leverett Pond is a gravel seaside on the south finish of the lake alongside Depot Rd. in Leverett. Park alongside the highway throughout from the launch. Parking is proscribed to 5 automobiles.
Oxbow of the Connecticut River
River programs change on a regular basis and the Oxbow of the Connecticut is a testomony to that reality. As soon as part of the principle movement of the Connecticut River, the Oxbow is an impounded waterway left behind when the massive river determined to maneuver in a brand new route. Now it’s a boating vacation spot. Paddlers will share the oxbow with all kinds of boats massive and small.
The oxbow bustles with massive motor boats in a rush. On a heat day, waterskiers glide previous. In case you are fortunate you possibly can see the Oxbow Water Ski Present Group carry out cool tips.
There’s quiet paddling close to the shores of the Oxbow the place you’ll discover wading birds, beaver indicators, and aquatic flowers.
In the event you paddle to the fitting from the busy state boat launch space in Easthampton off Route 5, you possibly can pop into the Connecticut River predominant channel. Paddle as much as Mitch’s Island to swim or discover. Fascinating reality. Mitch’s Island didn’t exist 35 years in the past. I used to paddle on the market when it was a sandbar with a couple of twigs sticking up. Now it’s a full-blown island with a mature riparian forest. Did I point out how rivers change?
Oxbow boat launch with passage to the principle river underneath the bridge
If you wish to see the Oxbow from above, a hike up Mount Holyoke provides a wonderful view of the realm. Try my submit on Western Massachusetts outside adventures to seek out the Mount Holyoke hike.
Rivers for Paddling in Western Massachusetts
Swift River
The Swift River is exclusive in river paddling spots in Western Massachusetts due to the colour of the water. Most lakes and slow-moving rivers in New England are a tea-colored brown because of the tannins from the pine timber leaching into the water. Nevertheless, for the reason that Swift River’s water is launched from the very backside of the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, it’s a shocking emerald inexperienced.
Swift River
The river is stocked with trout so it’s a enjoyable shock to seek out them swimming alongside within the crystal clear water. Paddle downstream from the boat launch to benefit from the quiet channels within the marshlands earlier than the Bondsville dam. Go upstream towards the sluggish present to seek out extra river magnificence. There are a couple of riverside homes however they add to the appeal. Discover facet channels off the principle river to seek out wildlife. Proceed upriver for a sandy swim seaside on the left. When you will have explored sufficient, flip round and experience the present again to the touchdown.
The put-in is on the Swift River boat launch positioned on Chilly Springs Highway in Belchertown. It may be busy on a summer time weekend.
Exploring facet channels of the Swift River
Mill River
Paddling underneath the bridge initially of the Mill River
The Mill River is located subsequent to the Oxbow of the Connecticut however is miles away in solitude. When you paddle underneath the bridge from the Oxbow to the Mill River, the engine buzz of the Oxbow transforms into the cackles of kingfishers and the muted hush of paddle strokes. You’ll be able to virtually hear the poison ivy rising .
Within the fall, migrating geese and geese fill the community of slim channels which might be pleasant to sneak by means of. In the event you proceed previous the Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary shoreline on the left, you possibly can push up the Mill River to discover a magical inexperienced tunnel of botanical delight. It’s a enjoyable problem to barter the stream twists, ducking underneath fallen timber and pulling over a shallow place or beaver dam.
Touring upstream on the Mill River is a real journey that rewards with a shock each time. As soon as I noticed a snapping turtle within the shallows close to my boat. I swear the traditional terrapin was 1 / 4 the dimensions of my canoe. Sure, I saved my fingers out of the water that day.
As soon as you possibly can’t work upstream any additional, benefit from the mild present that takes you again to the take-out. Finest entry to the Mill River is from a neighborhood hand-carry put-in on the bridge on Previous Springfield Highway in Easthampton. To get there drive down Fort Hill Highway. Move by the Fort Hill Brewery and Mass Audubon indicators. Each locations are a not-too-shabby go to after your river journey relying on if you’re hankering for brews or birds. Once you attain the bridge, boats might be launched from both facet. Park within the dust lot.
Barton Cove
Barton Cove is a water impoundment of the Connecticut River created by the dam at Nice Falls. The ensuing cove is a paddlers’ paradise. It would higher be referred to as the Cove of White-headed Birds. That’s since you are prone to see each bald eagles and mute swans whereas boating at Barton Cove. The bald eagles have nested right here for 3 many years and are nonetheless going robust of their nest on Barton Island within the middle of the cove. The mute swans nest right here as nicely. Within the spring, you may see swan cygnets trailing a mother or father pair.
White-headed birds of Barton Cove
Outside Professional Tip: To essentially get pleasure from the fantastic thing about birds, get your self pair of binoculars and a trusty hen guide. You don’t need to lay our a fortune when beginning out. I like to recommend Celestron binoculars. They’ve unimaginable optics at an affordable worth. I exploit my Celestron Outland 10×42 binocs for hen feeder and window birdwatching. For the sector, I take alongside my Celestron Nature binoculars. My really helpful hen guide is the Peterson Information to Birds of North America. This basic guidebook, frequently up to date, has accompanied me for 50-plus years.
In addition to birds, I as soon as noticed an otter feeding within the reeds in the course of the cove. These playful characters inhabit many paddling rivers in Western Massachusetts however are a rarer deal with to watch. As a result of they’re most lively at daybreak and nightfall, paddling at these instances makes sighting otters in addition to beavers extra doable.
Barton Cove logistics
The launch website for Barton Cove is on the public boat ramp on Route 2 in Gill. The facility firm, FirstLight, has a canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rental facility simply previous the boat ramp on Route 2. In addition they run the favored Barton Cove tent-only campground so you may make a weekend out of a paddling journey. For paddlers doing a multi-day tenting journey down the Connecticut River, Munn’s Ferry is a primitive campsite positioned upriver. The facility firm provides a free shuttle across the dam to the Montague put-in to proceed downriver.
Connecticut River
Early morning fog on the Connecticut River
The Connecticut River was an necessary commerce route for a lot of Native American tribes. The river was named, Kwinitekw, that means the lengthy river. It was a transportation freeway and is the middle of sustenance for Indigenous individuals who have inhabited the land for the final 12,000 years.
This Montague to Sunderland paddling journey is a particular a part of the Connecticut River. As a result of the part is off-limits to motorboats above 10HP and jetskis, it’s a chic journey by means of pure magnificence. You journey by forested shorelines and fertile agricultural fields supporting quite a lot of birdlife and wildlife. Three islands are excellent stopping factors for lunch, swimming, or exploration.
Third Island is a couple of miles downriver on the paddling journey. It has an eagle nest so keep away from stopping there earlier than July thirty first to offer the child eagles time to fledge. The present on the sandy east shore is surprisingly robust which makes a enjoyable swimming float of the island from tip to tip. Search for freshwater mussels on this space, an indicator of the readability of the water.
Second Island is subsequent, previous a facet stream coming into on river left. Search for right here to see the scenic waterfall coming from Whitmore Pond. A bit additional are clean riverside rocks that look excellent for a picnic however the landowner doesn’t agree. Due to this fact, proceed on to Second Island for a cease on the sandy seaside on the fitting facet of the island.
Approaching an island on the Connecticut River
The paddle from Second Island to First Island has magnificent views of Mount Sugarloaf. The mountain is called Ktsi Amiskw or the Nice Beaver. The story of the Nice Beaver has been handed down by means of the oral traditions of the Abenaki folks within the space.
Put-in and take-out
You have to to shuttle automobiles for this paddling journey in Western Massachusetts. The put-in off Poplar Avenue in Montague has loads of parking however is a bit epic to hold boats to the water. It’s slippery and steep on the prime, and rocky on the river. Don’t strive it in flip-flops. As soon as on the river, remember that the entry of the Deerfield River close to the bridge on the put-in creates swirly currents that may capsize a ship.
The take-out is on the Sunderland public boat ramp under the bridge. Drive down College Avenue in Sunderland and discover the dust highway to the ramp on the left. You’ll be able to depart a shuttle automotive on the Sunderland Library and take boats as much as the Poplar Avenue put-in.
Professional Tip: Security aware paddlers put on their private floatation gadget (PFD) in virtually all paddling conditions. Even on a heat day, the chilly water temperatures could cause a capsized paddler to lose the flexibility to rescue themselves shortly. In over 80% of leisure boating deaths, the victims weren’t sporting a lifejacket. Makes you suppose, proper? Having a well-fitted, snug PFD is essential to desirous to put on it. My favourite PFD is the Kokatat OutFIT Tour Private Flotation System. I put on it for flatwater, whitewater and sea kayaking and barely know I’ve it on besides once I want a snack out of the great zip pockets. Backside line, get PDF, and WEAR IT!
For extra info on the Swift River, Barton Cove, and an up-and-back paddle journey on the Connecticut River, jump over to my submit right here.
Decrease Deerfield River
The Bardwell’s Ferry to Stillwater bridge journey is nice for paddlers who know what an eddy or a strainer is. In different phrases, it’s a quickwater and Class 1 paddling journey. The surroundings is second to none as you journey by means of a formidable gorge. A waterfall on the left comes into view early within the journey after which quite a few stunning water rivulets cascade within the river alongside the way in which. The South River coming into on the fitting is a scenic cease. Bald eagles frequent this space. You’ll be able to climb up the financial institution to cross the river on the 130-foot pedestrian bridge. It’s a part of the Mohawk-Mohigan mountaineering path.
Having some primary whitewater paddling expertise will make this journey secure and enjoyable. A speedy is instantly encountered on the put-in however is negotiated by staying within the middle of the river till you attain eddies on both facet of the river after the Bardwell’s Ferry Bridge. The decrease Deerfield continues by means of a sequence of sweeping turns down the gorge. Keep to the calmer within the turns and keep away from any fall tree strainers within the fast water close to the riverbanks. The ultimate vital speedy is true earlier than the river pops out of the gorge into flatwater. There’s a massive rock within the middle of the river that creates a hydraulic at totally different river ranges. Experience the standing waves down the river left facet of the speedy and you need to obtain my favourite whitewater mantra–upright is alright.
Fast at put-in on Decrease Deerfield
Put-in and take-out
The put-in for this paddling journey in Western Massachusetts is on the Bardwell’s Ferry Bridge on Bardwell’s Ferry Highway in Conway/Shelburne, MA. Take out on the river financial institution after the Stillwater bridge on Stillwater Highway in Deerfield. Alternatively, proceed to a take-out spot simply after the Route I-91 bridge. There’s parking accessible in any respect entry factors. You’ll want a shuttle to paddle this part.
Fort River
Fort River
This candy little stream is just runnable within the spring when the water is excessive. Paddling the Fort River is an journey that might not be for everybody. You have to to paddle round downed timber within the river or generally portage them. The present will carry you into them should you aren’t a artful paddler. Enterprise out on this tributary of the Connecticut River if you’re up for a winding wonderland of paddling challenges.
Put in on the bridge over the Fort River on Southeast Avenue in Amherst. Take out at both the Hickory Ridge golf course or proceed to S. Maple Avenue in Hadley. In case you are actually intrepid proceed on previous the Silvio O. Conte Nature Refuge and take out on the bridge on Route 47. It’s positively a choose-your-own-adventure form of paddling enjoyable.
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Wrap up of the Finest Paddling Spots in Western Massachusetts
This round-up of the very best paddling spots in Western Massachusetts provides concepts for quite a lot of paddling together with lakes, slow-moving rivers, and a few quickwater/simple whitewater. Actually, Western Massachusetts is a whitewater paddling mecca to not be missed both. The higher Deerfield, Millers, and Farmington Rivers entice whitewater paddlers from far and huge.
In the event you haven’t perfected your whitewater paddling expertise sufficient to tackle these Class 2 by means of Class 5 rivers, take into account going with one of many whitewater rafting corporations within the Berkshires. They provide the very best whitewater rafting in Western Mass. Expertise the joys of rafting by means of massive rapids on a guided journey with a bunch of mates. Or deliver the entire household for a float journey on the Deerfield River. If you wish to get a style of paddling whitewater your self, then go for a visit in a steady kayak with knowledgeable instruction from an skilled information. There’s something for everybody’s whitewater urge for food.
for later!
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