Join us on the River! Trips are free and include a variety of routes for all skill levels and interests. Check out local wildlife, birds, and scenic habitats! Trips are made possible by our dedicated crew of volunteer trip leaders and the generosity of our members and advertisers.
Questions? Call trip leaders (evenings unless noted), program coordinators Gwen or Doug Whitbeck, evenings at (603) 878-9046, or the MRWC office at (978) 655-4742.
Be sure to read our What To Bring and What You Need To Know guides.
Click here to download the 2011 Source to the Sea Paddling Trips Brochure.
Check out our recent profile on CHRONICLE!
JULY 2011 TRIPS
July 2 (Saturday) – MERRIMACK RIVER, Manchester (MODERATE) S2S
This moderate trip can offer a challenge but one worth taking. Starting in the urban historical factory section of Manchester, class II rapids will be encountered before entering a more remote section which passes a lock that has survived from the Old Middlesex Canal System.
Meet 9:00 am in Manchester, NH. Rte 293 to exit 6 (Amoskeag Bridge). Before crossing river, turn right into Amoskeag Fishway parking lot.
Trip Leader: Please contact Gwen Whitbeck at (603) 878-9046 for information about this trip Trip Partner: NH Rivers Council.
July 3 (Sunday) – NASHUA RIVER, Pepperell, MA, (EASY)
A short leisurely trip which allows time to watch skydivers from the Pepperell Airport.
Meet 10:00 am in Pepperell, MA. From Rte 3 exit 5, take Rte 111 west. Approximately 2.2 miles after Pepperell Airport take left at blinking light onto Mill Street. Take left at stop sign onto Groton Street. After going through covered bridge take left onto Lowell Street, and immediately turn into parking area.
Trip Leaders: Gwen Whitbeck, (603) 878-9046 and Linda 603-880-5447.
July 9 (Saturday) – YORK RIVER, York, ME (EASY TO MODERATE) -REGISTRATION REQUIRED
The trip has been planned to follow the outgoing tide down stream about five miles to the ocean. It’s an easy paddle past a golf course, historic buildings and beautiful homes along the river. After stopping for lunch at a miniature suspension bridge and playing in the white water outlet of a millpond, we venture into the ocean for a short distance, if wind and sea conditions permit. Please do not block traffic at put-in, park on opposite side of the street from the boat ramp and on other side of the bridge if necessary.
Meet at 9:30 am at Scotland Bridge in York, ME. Take Rte 95 to exit 7 in York, ME. At end of exit ramp go east toward US Rte 1. Right onto US Rte 1 south. Follow Rte 1 south for 0.7 miles and turn right onto ME Rte 91. Follow ME Rte 91 west for 2.2 miles and turn left onto Scotland Bridge Rd. Follow Scotland Bridge Rd about 0.2 miles to bridge across York River. Put in at boat ramp next to bridge.
Trip Leaders: Julie Smith (603) 891-0267, email: cantdog@comcast.net.
July 10 (Sunday) – MERRIMACK RIVER, Merrimack (EASY) S2S
This is the beginning of the flat reach of the river and many signs of our rich history are still in evidence along the river. This trip is highlighted by seeing the remains of the lock and canal system described by Henry David Thoreau in his, “A Week on the Concord and the Merrimack River”.
Meet 9:00 am in Merrimack, NH. From south, take Everett Turnpike to exit 12 (Bedford Rd, northbound exit only); right onto Bedford Rd. Right onto Rte 3; first left (Depot Street) to end.
Trip Leader/Guest Speaker: Historian, Chuck Mower (603) 424-1200. Trip Partner: NH Rivers Council.
July 16 (Saturday) MERRIMACK RIVER, Nashua (EASY) S2S
A flatwater section which at one time passed only fields and meadows. They are are joined by residential and commercial establishments.
Meet at 9:30 am in Nashua, NH. From the south take the Everett Turnpike to exit 7E, at top of exit go straight on Henri Bourque Highway to end , take a right on Concord then take the 4th left onto Hills Ferry Road to the end which bears left and becomes Cassandra Lane. Take first right and pass over railroad tracks before taking another right onto a dirt road. Continue to boat ramp.
Trip Leaders: Doug and Gwen Whitbeck (603) 878-9046, Trip Partner: NH Rivers Council. Guest Speaker: Curt Laffin, The American Chestnut Foundation.
July 17 (Sunday) – PAWTUCKAWAY LAKE, Nottingham, NH (EASY) – REGISTRATION REQUIRED, Space is very limited.
A leisurely paddle along the less active side of the lake, picking wild blueberries and hunting for mushrooms. We will have two wild mushroom experts on this trip. There will be a cookout afterwards.
Call trip leader for meeting time and directions.
Trip Leader: Nancy Gero (603) 895-0274, email: coolcanoechic@comcast.net Trip Partner: NH AMC Paddlers.
July 23 (Saturday) – MERRIMACK RIVER, Tyngsboro/North Chelmsford, MA (EASY) S2S
This section offers flatwater and quickwater. There are more signs of human habitation from Tyngsboro to North Chelmsford/Lowell. The river is followed by the railroad. A number of interesting old stone bridges and culverts span small tributaries.
Meeting place and time TBD.
Trip leaders: Bill, Paula and Meaghan Brooks, (978) 807-4793, email: wbrooks18@comcast.net.
July 24 (Sunday) – MERRIMACK RIVER, Lowell/Dracut, MA (EASY- MODERATE) S2S
We’ll paddle our boats from the foot of Pawtucket Falls downstream to the Dracut-Methuen line. We will enjoy a few short spots of fun and easy whitewater (suitable for boaters of all abilities), which soon settle down to gently flowing water with pretty riverbanks.
Meet at 9:30 am in Lowell, Ma., at Lalecheur Baseball Park. Take Rte 3 to 495N to Lowell Connector, exit 5B. Follow signs to baseball park.
Trip Leader: Bob Jeffers, (978) 663-3664, email: rsfun22008@yahoo.com.
July 30 (Saturday) – CONCORD RIVER, No. Billerica (EASY)
Enjoy a seldom-paddled, lovely, quiet part of the Concord as it slowly flows along forested and marshy banks between the Talbot Mills dam in North Billerica and the dam in Lowell.
Meet at 10:00 am in North Billerica, MA. Route 495 to exit 37, “Woburn St, S. Lowell” (just north of Rte 3). At end of ramp, turn toward No. Billerica. At the end of the street (just after the Billerica train station parking lot) turn right onto Mt. Pleasant, go under the railroad bridge, and bear right at the fork. Go past the mills, over the river, past more mills, and bear right until you reach the fire station on Lowell Street. Take a right on the dirt road just before the fire station
Trip Leader: Bob Jeffers, (978) 663-663-3664, email: rsfun22008@yahoo.com.
July 31 (Sunday) – MERRIMACK RIVER, Lawrence, MA (EASY TO MODERATE) S2S
This trip begins and ends in urban areas, but the views from the river during much of the trip are similar the wilderness of northern New England. The river is generally wide and slow moving for more than ten miles. Views of the Lawrence mill buildings along the first half-mile of river will give you a new perspective of their size.
Meet 9:30 am at boat ramp below dam in Lawrence, MA. Rte 495 to exit 41B, Rte 28 north for 1.75 miles to bridge over Merrimack. Cross RR tracks, then before traffic lights take right between factory buildings. River access is behind Pacific Paper Products building.
Trip Leader: Ted Krzesowski (603) 329-8168.
AUGUST 2011 TRIPS
August 6 (Saturday) – MERRIMACK RIVER, West Newbury, MA. (EASY TO MODERATE) S2S
This section is broad and tidal. We will stay out of the channel to avoid speeding power boats.
Meet at 9:00 am in West Newbury, MA. North on Rte 495, take exit 53. At end of exit go south on Broad Street toward Merrimacport. Right onto River Road and bear left at fork staying on River Rd. Go left over the Rocks Village Bridge, follow curve of the road, then bear right at Y on Church Street; the launching ramp is immediately on your right.
Trip Leader: Jack Van Loan (978) 462-8046. Guest Speaker: A representative from the Lowell Boat Shop.
August 7 (Sunday) – CHARLES RIVER, Weston, MA, (EASY) – REGISTRATION REQUIRED, Limited space
A pleasant paddle upstream to Newton Lower Falls where we’ll stop long enough for a quick snack or perhaps an ice cream. On the return trip there will be ample time for lunch in a park. You’ll forget that Route I-95 and the Mass. Pike are never too far away.
Meet at 9:30am in Auburndale. Rte 95/128 to exit 24 (Rte 30 W) toward Wayland, straight ahead at intersection onto River Rd, turn right at Norumbega Rd, then right into parking lot.. Be prepared to paddle against the current.
Trip leader: Bob Jeffers (978) 663-3664, email: rsfun22008@yahoo.com.
August 13 (Saturday) – MERRIMACK RIVER DINNER CRUISE, Newburyport, MA. S2S – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Note: This trip has been CANCELED. There will be a public dinner cruise available on Friday, July 19, through the same company. Interested parties are encouraged to make reservations and enjoy a beautiful night out on the river! Please call Captain’s Fishing Parties at (978) 462-3141 to register.
Meet at 5:30 pm, (the cruise will not wait), at 10 82nd Street, Plum Island Point, Newburyport, Ma. From the North: Take Route 95 south to exit 57. At the top of the exit ramp take a left and cross over Route 95. Follow for 4 miles and approximately 7 sets of lights. Take a left onto Rolfes Lane and follow it to the end (3.4 miles). Take a right to Plum Island and cross the bridge continuing straight until the road bears left. Follow it left approximately 1.5 miles to the northern end of the island. We are approximately 15 minutes from exit 57 of Route 95 south.
August 21 (Sunday) – NASHUA RIVER, Lancaster, MA (EASY) A member of the Brookline Bird Club will be on this trip.
A continuation of our May 22th trip without the fast water. We’ll paddle from Lancaster Center through the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge.
Meet at 10:00 am in Lancaster. From Rte 495, take exit 27, Rte 117W toward Bolton. Through Bolton 5.0 miles. Left onto Main Street/MA70 1.2 miles. Put-in is a left turn on dirt road after the bridge in Lancaster Center.
Trip Leader: Peter Urban, (978) 407-6551, email: ptrurban@yahoo.com. Trip Partner/Guest Speakers: Tom Christopher of Lancaster Friends of the Nashua and Diane Fruguglietti & Paul Ippolito of the Brookline Bird Club, www.brooklinebirdclub.org.
August 27 (Saturday) – SQUANACOOK RIVER, Groton, MA, (EASY) A member of the Brookline Bird Club will be on this trip.
This trip is ideal for beginners, but the scenery, beauty, and wildlife will not let down experienced paddlers either. There is no shuttle. It is an up and back trip on a narrow winding stream with some beautiful marshes, and with very little current. We paddle to the site of a former small mill town called Thompsonville, now referred to as the Bertozzi Wildlife Management Area. We will take a walking tour of the site before paddling back to the H & V mill pond.
Meet at 10:00 am at the West Groton Water District on Townsend Road in West Groton, MA. Directions: Route 111 to Pepperell, MA. Right on Route 113 West toward Townsend. Right on Rte 119. Left on Townsend Road to the West Groton Water District building. Take the driveway before the sign.
Trip Leaders: Trip Leaders: Denise Hurt, (603) 889-4812, hurt28@charter.net & Sue Sanborn, (603) 880-1687, asis72@msn.com. Trip Partner/Guest Speakers: Diana Fruguglietti & Paul Ippolito of the Brookline Bird Club, www.brooklinebirdclub.org.
August 28 (Sunday) - IPSWICH RIVER, Topsfield, MA (EASY) A member of the Brookline Bird Club will be on this trip.
A leisurely 6 mile paddle on a winding river through protected lands. Bird watching is a favorite pastime on this section of the river.
Meet at 9:30 am in Topsfield, MA. Rte 1 to Rte 97 South/East. Go 1/2 mile to bridge.
Trip Leader: Paul Husted, (978) 649-9618, email: phusted46@comcast.net. Trip partners: Ipswich River Watershed Association, Brookline Bird Club, www.brooklinebirdclub.org. Guest Speakers: Diana Fruguglietti & Paul Ippolito of the Brookline Bird Club.
SEPTEMBER 2011 TRIPS
September 10 (Saturday) – NASHUA RIVER, Nashua Mine Falls, Nashua, NH (EASY)
REGISTRATION REQU9RED
Susan Edwards, Dir/Producer of “Work of 1000”, the story of the cleaning up of the Nashua River and Marion Stoddard’s formation of the Nashua River Watershed. will join us for a paddle behind the woolen mills, up to Mine Falls and then back with the current. You’ll be surprised at the wildlife we’ll encounter on this urban paddle. A screening of the movie will take place at Peddlar’s Daughter after the paddle. Call or email for meeting time and directions.
Trip Leaders: Denise Hurt, (603) 889-4812, hurt28@charter.net; Sue Sanborn, (603) 880-1687, asis72@msn.com. Trip Partner: NH Rivers Council. Guest Speaker: Susan Edwards, “Work of 1000”.
September 11 (Sunday) – ASSABET, W. Concord, MA (EASY)
This small, friendly river offers quickwater as well as flatwater. The trip includes the Concord National Historical Park and a portion of the Great Meadows wildlife refuge.
Meet at 9:30 am in W. Concord. Take Rte 62 into Concord, turn South onto Pine Street, continue down hill and park at river. Note: From Rte 2, go West on Rte 62 about ¾ mile and turn left onto Pine St., (sign can be difficult to see), park at river.
Trip Leader: Bob Jeffers (978) 663-3664, email: rsfun22008@yahoo.com.
September 17 (Saturday) – MERRYMEETING, Alton, NH (EASY) REGISTRATION REQUIRED
This beautiful winding river makes its way through marsh lands abundant with red winged blackbirds, great blue herons, eastern painted turtles and so much more. Don’t forget binoculars and your camera.
Time TBD. From Manchester, take Route 28 North to the Alton traffic circle. Go right on Route 11 South for approx. 2.4 miles. You’ll see the boat ramp at the Merrymeeting State Wildlife Management Area on the right.
Trip Leaders: Lucie and Peter Villeneuve (603) 528-0136. Trip Partners: Outdoor Escapes NH and NH Rivers Council. Call in advance for rentals or email: naturenut@outdoorescapesnewhampshire.com.
September 18 (Sunday) – WINNIPESAUKEE RIVER, Tilton, NH (EASY TO MODERATE)
This popular paddle is always enjoyed by everyone. It offers not only flatwater but also a couple of Class I-II sections thought to be excellent training for beginners.
Meet at 9:00am. Rte 93 to exit 20 (Tilton); meet at McDonalds parking lot.
Trip Leaders: Nancy Gero, John Jenkins (603) 895-0274, email: coolcanoechic@comcast.com., Trip Partners: Friends of the Winni, Merrimack Valley Paddlers and NH Rivers Council.
September 24 (Saturday) – MERRIMACK RIVER, Boscawen, NH (EASY)
Enjoy our overnight paddle as a day trip. You’ll still have time to enjoy the rope swing and the sandy beaches. You may also choose to visit the Hannah Dustin Memorial at the confluence with the Contoocook River.
Meet at 9:30 am in Boscawen, NH. Rte 93 to exit 17, Rte 4W four miles to Rte 3N, 3 1/2 miles to ramp marked “Merrimack County Boat Access” on right just past prison.
Trip Leaders: Ted Krzesowski (603) 329-8168, Gene Stanphill, email: phillgene@mcttelecom.com. Trip Partner: NH Rivers Council.
September 25 (Sunday) – DUBES POND PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP, Hooksett, NH (EASY) – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
No matter what your expertise behind the lens, grab your camera and spend a fall afternoon on this lovely little pond snapping photos of birds, dragonflies, sundews, and other flora and fauna.
Meet at 1:00 for some tips on taking nature photos from Bonnie St. Pierre of award winning B. St. Pierre Studio of Merrimack, NH. We’ll hit the water in time for some lovely afternoon light. From Manchester, take Rtes 3/28 north. Turn R onto Rte 27. Boat access is on Rte 27 on the left, 2.3 miles beyond the junction with Bypass 22.
Trip Leader: Denise Hurt (603) 889-4812, email: hurt28@charter.net. Trip Partner/Guest Speaker: Bonnie St. Pierre of B.St.Pierre Studio.
OCTOBER 2011 TRIPS
October 1 (Saturday) – NASHUA RIVER, Groton, MA (EASY) REGISTRATION REQUIRED
“NATURE’S WORK”, ART ON THE RIVER!
Enjoy 1/2 day of paddling and art instruction with Kimberly Aaronson. No experience is needed, all levels are welcome and will receive individual instruction. We’ll paddle to 2 or 3 locations to draw the subject of your choice. It will be a fun-filled day with the opportunity to bring home your masterpiece. Fee is $50, payable to Kimberly Aaronson that day. Please bring a 14 x 17 drawing pad, a big clip, a variety of drawing pencils, charcoals, kneaded eraser, a rag, and of course your lunch.
Meet at 10:00 am in Groton at the Petapawag Canoe launch. Route 119 Groton towards Townsend, take R onto Nod Road after passing Nashua River Watershed Office. Boat launch is straight ahead.
Raindate: Saturday, October 8
Trip Leader: Gwen Whitbeck, (603) 878-9046. Trip Partner: Nature’s Work
October 15 (Saturday) – CONTOOCOOK RIVER, Peterborough, NH (EASY)
A beautiful fall foliage paddle past woods, meadows, to an old covered bridge for lunch. Trip may continue into scenic Powder Mill Pond if conditions are good.
Meet at 9:00 am in Peterborough, NH. Rte 101 to Rte 202 at junction of Rt. 202 north and Rt. 136 east, go east onto 136 and stop within 100 yards at the turnout on the left which is the riverbank. Do not cross the Rt. 202 bridge.
Trip Leader: Tom Quarles (603) 673-7515. Trip Partner: NH Rivers Council
Lawrence, MA
978-655-4742
www.merrimack.org
info@merrimack.org
M E R R I M A C K R I V E R
WATERSHED COUNCIL
35TH ANNIVERSARY
Details inside!
2 www.merrimack.org www.merrimack.org 3
The Merrimack River watershed is the fourth largest
watershed in New England, spreading through New
Hampshire and Massachusetts. At its heart is the Merrimack
River, running 180 miles from the White Mountains to the
Atlantic Ocean, providing drinking water, power, irrigation,
fantastic recreational opportunities and other benefits for the
over 1.9 million people living here.
The Merrimack was once among the top 10 polluted rivers in
the country, but thanks to efforts of the Merrimack River
Watershed Council and others, the Merrimack is now cleaner
than it has been in over 150 years.
The Merrimack River Watershed Council is still working
throughout the watershed to protect and preserve our rivers
and streams and precious water resources. Learn more about
our programs on our web site www.merrimack.org.
What can you do to help? Become a member! Fill out and mail
the membership form on page 6 or go on-line to join. You’ll be
on your way to making a difference!
Beaver
Cohas
Contoocook
Merrimack
Nashua
Pemigewasset
Piscataquog
Powwow
Salmon
Shawsheen
Soucook
Souhegan
Spicket
Stony
Suncook
SuAsCo (Sudbury/Assabet/Concord)
Winnipesaukee
Exploring our
Welcome Rivers
Welcome to the MRWC’s 2011 paddling season. This year
we offer a total of 45 trips, (one a dinner cruise) in nearly
every part of the watershed. The highlight of this season is
our “Source to the Sea” (S2S) trips. None of this would be
possible without our dedicated trip leaders, so please take a
minute to thank them.
Our S2S trips will take place on weekends allowing
everyone the opportunity to participate. We’ll start our
S2S venture at the headwaters of the Pemigewasset River at
Profile Lake in Franconia with a ceremonial paddle where
we’ll collect water from the source of the Merrimack. The
final leg will be a dinner cruise up the Merrimack and then
out to the sea, where the water in the bottle will be reunited
with the river.
This year marks our 35th year of operation and our 25th
year of offering canoe/kayak trips. All of this is possible
because of Roz and Nate Tufts who had the foresight to
recognize that the environment needed protection and
donated many years of hard work towards that end.
While going through the brochure you’ll notice that we’ll
have a number of interesting guest speakers and a couple of
new trips. We’ll have members of the Brookline Bird Club
assist us in identifying the birds we see; we’ll have a chance
to improve our photography and see what type of artist we
are. Please read the entire brochure since “registration” is
required on some of our trips and there are items that you
will need to bring.
We firmly believe that the more the public enjoys the
natural resources of the Merrimack River watershed, the
more they will support our mission to protect and improve
its water quality. That is why we’ve been hosting these
paddling trips for so many years.
If you are a member of the MRWC, we thank you for your
support. If you are not yet a member, we hope you’ll join
us. If you’ve paddled the waters of the Merrimack River
Watershed, you know the beauty and value of this great
environmental resource. If not, we hope you’ll join us on
one of our trips this year to learn firsthand about its beauty,
history and value to our communities.
See you on the river!
Gwen Whitbeck
MRWC Director & Paddling Program Coordinator
4 www.merrimack.org www.merrimack.org 5
What you should know . . .
• Know how to swim.
• You are responsible for your own safety.
• Beginners should take trips labeled EASY.
• We discourage taking small children unless you
are an experienced boater.
• Please leave your pets in the safety of their own
home.
• Dress appropriately for the water temperature, not
the air temperature. April and May trips involve
cold water; paddlers on all April trips must dress
for cold water conditions and carry dry clothes in
their boats.
• Go to put-in first to drop off boat; volunteers will
help coordinate shuttling drivers to take-out.
• We paddle at a leisurely pace with a lunch break
around noon.
• Most trips end by 3:00 pm.
• We usually paddle rain or shine, but it would be
wise to check with the trip leader the night before
the trip in case of cancellation.
How our trips are rated . . .
The following descriptions may help you decide on
the trips that you attend. Please note that all descriptions
“include” but are not “limited to” the conditions noted
below. Contact the trip leader for more specific details
on each trip.
Trips marked “EASY” – Flat water, quick moving
water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions,
all obvious and easily missed with little training.
Trips marked “MODERATE” – Straightforward
rapids with wide, clear channels, occasional
maneuvering may be required; rocks and medium sized
waves are easily missed by trained paddlers.
Trips marked “DIFFICULT” – Rapids with moderate,
irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and
which could swamp a boat. Complex maneuvers in fast
current and good boat control are often required.
Scouting is advisable.
About our trips . . .
All trip leaders are volunteers and not trained in
assisting special needs. You are responsible for your
own safety and must be able to swim and be capable of
self-rescue.
• Please read the entire brochure, including
“What you should bring” and “What you should
know.”
• Water conditions can change. Trips labeled
“easy” could be “moderate” due to conditions
beyond our control. Please check with trip leader
before travelling long distances.
• Please call trip leaders to see if touring kayaks are
appropriate for their trips. Kayaks over 13’ are
not appropriate on some rivers.
• Registration is required on some trips. See
individual trip descriptions.
• All trips are free, but there may be fees for certain
activities.
What you should bring . . .
• Your own canoe or kayak and paddles
• Life preserver/personal flotation device (PFD)
• Lunch
• Footwear that can get wet
• Dry clothes and a towel in a plastic bag
• Wetsuits or drysuits are required on early trips.
See individual trip descriptions.
New Hampshire Personal Flotation
Device (PFD) Law:
One wearable PFD must be present for each
person in the boat. That PFD must be worn by
everyone age 12 or under.
Massachusetts (PFD) Law:
A PFD must be worn by each person under age
12, and by all persons between September 15
and May 15.
6 www.merrimack.org www.merrimack.org 7
2011
Paddling Trips
These FREE trips are made possible by our dedicated
crew of volunteer trip leaders and trip partners. A few
trips are outside the Merrimack River watershed.
If you have questions on a specific trip, call the Trip
Leader (evenings unless noted).
Program Coordinators Gwen and Doug Whitbeck,
evenings at (603) 878-9046
For the very latest information on
our sponsors, trips, and events,
please visit us on the web at
www.merrimack.org
or email us at
info@merrimack.org
BECOME A
MEMBER TODAY!
YES! I want to join the Merrimack River
Watershed Council and help protect the rivers
and streams in my community.
