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Where is the Best Paddling in Western Massachusetts?
I’ve explored miles of navigable water in Western Massachusetts for paddling trips. Plus, add in some paddling streams that were not so navigable. To whit, Amethyst Brook after a hurricane–but that’s another story. Listed here are my favorite paddling places in Western Massachusetts. The choice areas are clustered around the Connecticut River Valley and don’t extend as much into the Berkshires, though there are some remarkable places to paddle further west.
People with beginner-level paddling skills will enjoy these suggestions. Most are flatwater paddling suitable for any kind of kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. A couple of quick water trips are sprinkled in for a bit more skilled paddlers. Canoeing and kayaking in Western Mass is a ton of fun so let’s get started. For more information on any of the bodies of water listed here check out the Massachusetts Paddler.
Lakes and Ponds for Paddling in Western Massachusetts
Tully Lake
Let’s start with the biggest paddling lake in the area. Tully Lake is a 1300-acre reservoir in Royalston that offers some of the best canoeing and kayaking in Massachusetts. The main lake is sprinkled with pine-covered islands with pocket swimming beaches. Launch at the main boat ramp just past the big dam on Route 32 north of Athol to spend more time in the island-studded lake. Fishing and swimming are popular with boaters and are allowed throughout the lake.
For a paddle up the Tully River into Long Pond, put-in at the canoe/kayak boat launch on Doane Hill Road just past the campground. From the put-in, go left to get out into the main lake. However, I like to head right up the slow-moving river to enjoy a natural kaleidoscope. So many birds, turtles, and aquatic plants are found as you work your way up the mirror glass waterway. If you are feeling adventurous, paddle and maybe portage your way through the smaller channels past Long Pond and you will have the place to yourself in a maze of amazing natural beauty.
Don’t forget to visit the falls on your paddle trips. Doane’s Falls and Spirit Falls can be reached by tying your boat up near the access trails and walking in.
Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the campground. Head over to my more detailed post on Tully Lake to get more information on paddling there as well as tons of other outdoor adventures at Tully Lake.
Related Post -> 11 Awesome Outdoor Adventures at Tully Lake
Lake Wyola
A study in contrasts, Lake Wyola is the tale of the two-sided lake. The north side has a busy state park with a popular sandy beach and many summer cottages ringing the lake. However, the south side is an undisturbed haven for paddling in peace. In fact, the lake is named after a Native American word meaning quiet waters.
The put-in is at the end of Randall Road in Shutesbury and has plenty of free parking. Since you are at the more marshy end of the lake, don’t be surprised to see a Great Blue Heron or other aquatic birds. You can also paddle to the state park on the north side to swim at the sand beach. Parking there is $8 for Massachusetts residents, $30 for non-resident plates but if you are in a paddle craft, no worries. Lake Wyola State Park has done an exceptional job of making its facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
Lake Wyola is a great after-work paddle spot or a perfect place to practice your kayak roll. It gets busy on weekends, so a moonlight paddle there is a fantastic experience.
This round-up of the best paddling spots in Western Massachusetts offers ideas for a variety of paddling including lakes, slow-moving rivers, and some quick water/easy whitewater Click To TweetAldrich Lake
If you are looking for something a bit more secluded than Lake Wyola, try Aldrich Lake in Granby. Motorboats are prohibited by town law so paddlers will have the place to themselves. Quite literally! In the hundred or so times I’ve paddled on Aldrich Lake, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen other boaters.
On the other hand, I’ve seen more turtles here than any other paddling spot in Western Massachusetts. Turtles of all sizes lounge on downed logs. If you paddle in the spring you might see the newborn turtles swimming in the shallows.
Amherst Street divides the lake into two basins. On the west side, paddle beside a mature white pine forest around the corner into a cove often visited by ducks and herons. Stay away from the dam on the north side. You will see the classic horizon line where the water falls over the dam.
After enjoying the west basin, paddle through one of the culverts passing under Amherst Street to get to the east bay of the lake. Now you have entered turtle country. Continue through the wide lake to the marshy end. Here you will find recent beaver activity including their lodges. If you can paddle up the inlet stream by ducking and pulling over logs you will find a small waterfall. It’s quite an adventure.
The Aldrich Lake hand-carry put-in is at a pull-off area on Amherst Street in Granby. Be super careful because the area has poor visibility for the speedy vehicles cresting the hill there.
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Lake Warner
Lake Warner is another warm water paddling pond located in North Hadley. Tucked in the shadow of Mount Warner, this lake is fun to explore for an afternoon. The water can be weedy, especially in the late summer when fertilizer run-off from adjacent farm fields speeds up lake eutrophication. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful spot to paddle.
The far reach of the lake where the Mill River enters is preserved by the Kestrel Land Trust. In high water, you can paddle up the Mill River a bit. One high water spring day, I launched a canoe in the Mill River at the recreation area of the same name in Amherst for an adventure. I wasn’t sure where I’d end up but after many hours of New England jungle paddling and portaging, we popped out in Lake Warner. Add that trip to the list of not so navigatable waters.
The boat ramp is next to the bridge and the dam on Mt. Warner Road. Park up in the grassy triangle area nearby.
The history of the dam includes being a power source for an early grist mill and the site of a factory manufacturing broom tools and knives. Additional historical research shows that an important Native American village and burial site existed nearby.
Oxbow of the Connecticut River
River courses change all the time and the Oxbow of the Connecticut is a testament. Once a part of the main flow of the Connecticut, the Oxbow is an impounded waterway left behind when the big river decided to move in a new direction. Now it’s a boating destination. Paddlers will share the oxbow with all sorts of boats large and small.
The oxbow bustles with big motor boats in a hurry. On a warm day, waterskiers glide past. If you are lucky you can see the Oxbow Water Ski Show Team perform cool tricks.
There is quiet paddling near the shores of the Oxbow where you’ll find wading birds, beaver sign, and aquatic flowers.
If you paddle to the right from the busy state boat launch area in Easthampton off Route 5, you can pop into the Connecticut River main channel. Paddle up to Mitch’s Island to swim or explore. Interesting fact. Mitch’s Island didn’t exist 35 years ago. I used to paddle out there when it was a sandbar with a few twigs sticking up. Now it’s a full-blown island with a mature riparian forest. Did I mention how rivers change?
If you want to see the Oxbow from above, a hike up Mount Holyoke gives a glorious view of the area. Check out my post on Western Massachusetts outdoor adventures to find the Mount Holyoke hike.
Rivers for Paddling in Western Massachusetts
Swift River
The Swift River is unique in river paddling spots in Western Massachusetts because of the color of the water. Most lakes and slow-moving rivers in New England are a tea-colored brown due to the tannins from the pine trees leaching into the water. However, since the Swift River’s water is released from the very bottom of the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, it’s a stunning emerald green.
The river is stocked with trout so it’s a fun surprise to find them swimming along in the crystal clear water. Paddle downstream from the boat launch to enjoy the quiet channels in the marshlands before the Bondsville dam. Go upstream against the slow current to find more river beauty. There are a few riverside houses but they add to the charm. Explore side channels off the main river to find wildlife. Continue upriver for a sandy swim beach on the left. When you have explored enough, turn around and ride the current back to the landing.
The put-in is at the Swift River boat launch located on Cold Springs Road in Belchertown. It can be busy on a summer weekend.
Mill River
The Mill River is situated next to the Oxbow of the Connecticut but is miles away in solitude. Once you paddle under 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 can almost hear the poison ivy growing 😂.
In the fall, migrating ducks and geese fill the network of narrow channels that are delightful to sneak through. If you continue past the Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary shoreline on the left, you can push up the Mill River to find a magical green tunnel of botanical delight. It’s a fun challenge to negotiate the stream twists, ducking under fallen trees and pulling over a shallow place or beaver dam.
Traveling upstream on the Mill River is a true adventure that rewards with a surprise every time. Once I saw a snapping turtle in the shallows near my boat. I swear the ancient terrapin was a quarter the size of my canoe. Yes, I kept my fingers out of the water that day.
Once you can’t work upstream any further, enjoy the gentle current that takes you back to the take-out. Best access to the Mill River is from a local hand-carry put-in at the bridge on Old Springfield Road in Easthampton. To get there drive down Fort Hill Road. Pass by the Fort Hill Brewery and Mass Audubon signs. Both places are a not-too-shabby visit after your river trip depending on if you are hankering for brews or birds. When you reach the bridge, boats can be launched from either side. Park in the dirt lot.
Barton Cove
Barton Cove is a water impoundment of the Connecticut River created by the dam at Great Falls. The resulting cove is a paddlers’ paradise. It might better be called the Cove of White-headed Birds. That’s because you are likely to see both bald eagles and mute swans while boating at Barton Cove. The bald eagles have nested here for 3 decades and are still going strong in their nest on Barton Island in the center of the cove. The mute swans nest here as well. In the spring, you might see swan cygnets trailing a parent pair.
Outdoor Pro Tip: To really enjoy the beauty of birds, get yourself a good pair of binoculars and a trusty bird book. You don’t have to spend a fortune when starting out. I recommend Celestron binoculars. They have incredible optics at a reasonable price. I use my Celestron Outland 10×42 binocs for bird feeder and window birdwatching. For the field, I take along my Celestron Nature binoculars. My recommended bird book is the Peterson Guide to Birds of North America. This classic guidebook, continually updated, has accompanied me for 50-plus years.
Besides birds, I once saw an otter feeding in the reeds in the middle of the cove. These playful characters inhabit many paddling rivers in Western Massachusetts but are a rarer treat to observe. Because they are most active at dawn and dusk, paddling at these times makes sighting otters as well as beavers more possible.
The launch site for Barton Cove is at the public boat ramp on Route 2 in Gill. The power company, FirstLight, has a canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rental facility just past the boat ramp on Route 2. They also run the popular Barton Cove tent-only campground so you can make a weekend out of a paddling trip. For paddlers doing a multi-day camping trip down the Connecticut River, Munn’s Ferry is a primitive campsite located upriver. The power company offers a free shuttle around the dam to the Montague put-in to continue downriver.
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River was an important trade route for many Native American tribes. The river was named, Kwinitekw, meaning the long river. It was a transportation highway and is the center of sustenance for Indigenous people who have inhabited the land for the last 12,000 years.
This Montague to Sunderland paddling trip is a special part of the Connecticut River. Because the section is off-limits to motorboats above 10HP and jetskis, it is a sublime journey through natural beauty. You travel by forested shorelines and fertile agricultural fields supporting a variety of birdlife and wildlife. Three islands are perfect stopping points for lunch, swimming, or exploration.
Third Island is a few miles downriver on the paddling trip. It has an eagle nest so avoid stopping there before July 31st to give the baby eagles time to fledge. The current on the sandy east shore is surprisingly strong which makes a fun swimming float of the island from tip to tip. Look for freshwater mussels in this area, an indicator of the clarity of the water.
Second Island is next, past a side stream entering on river left. Look up here to see the scenic waterfall coming from Whitmore Pond. A bit further are smooth riverside rocks that look perfect for a picnic but the landowner doesn’t agree. Therefore, continue on to Second Island for a stop on the sandy beach on the right side of the island.
The paddle from Second Island to First Island has magnificent views of Mount Sugarloaf. The mountain is known as Ktsi Amiskw or the Great Beaver. The story of the Great Beaver has been passed down through the oral traditions of Abenaki people in the area.
Put-in and take-out
You will need to shuttle cars for this paddling trip in Western Massachusetts. The put-in off Poplar Street in Montague has plenty of parking but is a bit epic to carry boats to the water. It is slippery and steep at the top, and rocky at the river. Don’t try it in flip-flops. Once on the river, be aware that the entry of the Deerfield River near the bridge at the put-in creates swirly currents that can capsize a boat.
The take-out is at the Sunderland public boat ramp below the bridge. Drive down School Street in Sunderland and find the dirt road to the ramp on the left. You can leave a shuttle car at the Sunderland Library and take boats up to the Poplar Street put-in.
Pro Tip: Safety conscious paddlers wear their personal floatation device (PFD) in almost all paddling situations. Even on a warm day, the cold water temperatures can cause a capsized paddler to lose the ability to rescue themselves quickly. In over 80% of recreational boating deaths, the victims were not wearing a lifejacket. Makes you think, right? Having a well-fitted, comfortable PFD is key to wanting to wear it. My favorite PFD is the Kokatat OutFIT Tour Personal Flotation Device. I wear it for flatwater, whitewater and sea kayaking and barely know I have it on except when I need a snack out of the nice zip pockets. Bottom line, get a good PDF, and WEAR IT!
For more information on the Swift River, Barton Cove, and an up-and-back paddle trip on the Connecticut River, hop over to my post here.
Lower Deerfield River
The Bardwell’s Ferry to Stillwater bridge trip is great for paddlers who know what an eddy or a strainer is. In other words, it’s a quickwater and Class 1 paddling adventure. The scenery is second to none as you travel through an impressive gorge. A waterfall on the left comes into view early in the trip and then numerous beautiful water rivulets cascade in the river along the way. The South River entering on the right is a scenic stop. Bald eagles frequent this area. You can climb up the bank to cross the river on the 130-foot pedestrian bridge. It’s part of the Mohawk-Mohigan hiking trail.
Having some basic whitewater paddling skills will make this trip safe and fun. A rapid is immediately encountered at the put-in but is negotiated by staying in the center of the river until you reach eddies on either side of the river after the Bardwell’s Ferry Bridge. The lower Deerfield continues through a series of sweeping turns down the gorge. Stay to the calmer inside of the turns and avoid any fall tree strainers in the quick water near the riverbanks. The final significant rapid is right before the river pops out of the gorge into flatwater. There is a big rock in the center of the river that creates a hydraulic at different river levels. Ride the standing waves down the river left side of the rapid and you should achieve my favorite whitewater mantra–upright is alright.
Put-in and take-out
The put-in for this paddling trip in Western Massachusetts is at the Bardwell’s Ferry Bridge on Bardwell’s Ferry Road in Conway/Shelburne, MA. Take out on the river bank after the Stillwater bridge on Stillwater Road in Deerfield. Alternatively, continue to a take-out spot just after the Route I-91 bridge. There is parking available at all access points. You’ll need a shuttle to paddle this section.
Fort River
This sweet little stream is only runnable in the spring when the water is high. Paddling the Fort River is an adventure that may not be for everyone. You will need to paddle around downed trees in the river or sometimes portage them. The current will carry you into them if you aren’t a crafty paddler. Venture out on this tributary of the Connecticut River if you are up for a winding wonderland of paddling challenges.
Put in at the bridge over the Fort River on Southeast Street in Amherst. Take out at either the Hickory Ridge golf course or continue to S. Maple Street in Hadley. If you are really intrepid continue on past the Silvio O. Conte Nature Refuge and take out at the bridge on Route 47. It’s definitely a choose your own adventure kind of paddling fun.
Wrap up of the Best Paddling Spots in Western Massachusetts
This round-up of the best paddling spots in Western Massachusetts offers ideas for a variety of paddling including lakes, slow-moving rivers, and some quickwater/easy whitewater. Certainly, Western Massachusetts is a whitewater paddling mecca not to be missed either. The upper Deerfield, Millers, and Farmington Rivers attract whitewater paddlers from far and wide.
If you haven’t perfected your whitewater paddling skills enough to take on these Class 2 through Class 5 rivers, consider going with one of the whitewater rafting companies in the Berkshires. They offer the best whitewater rafting in Western Mass. Experience the thrill of rafting through big rapids on a guided trip with a group of friends. Or bring the whole family for a float trip on the Deerfield River. If you want to get a taste of paddling whitewater yourself, then opt for a trip in a stable kayak with expert instruction from an experienced guide. There is something for everyone’s whitewater appetite.
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28 Comments
Tranquil Trekker · August 11, 2020 at 9:55 am
These all look so beautiful! I do love canoeing in the northeast, we’ve enjoyed some lovely places in the New Hampshire and Maine area.
Karen · August 11, 2020 at 11:11 am
I’m so glad you have done some paddling in the NE–there are indeed some beautiful waterways. Maybe you will try Massachusetts after this post.
Tara · August 11, 2020 at 2:48 pm
Another great post! I am excited to say that I haven’t paddled any of these spots, which means I have some exploring to do! I read your other post about Tully Lake and now I’m thinking that it would make a good camping and paddling trip later in the season. Thanks for all the great tips!
M.K. Dymock · August 11, 2020 at 10:37 pm
I wish we had more spots like these out west.
Kirstie Will · August 12, 2020 at 5:53 pm
Aldrich Lake sounds awesome, I’d love to see turtles when paddling!
Julie · August 12, 2020 at 7:03 pm
These spots look gorgeous! We are not from the area, so we would have to rent, but I’d love to do some paddling here.
Jessica Pascoe · August 12, 2020 at 8:39 pm
I love kayaking here in Sydney and these look like some great spots to explore.
Heather · August 12, 2020 at 9:38 pm
This is a great round up. I’m awed by frequent paddlers. I tried a few hours in Africa last week and I don’t know how you keep your arms attached if you paddle regularly! 🤣 I love the way some lakes absorb beautiful color like the emerald green one you mention.
Fiona · August 16, 2020 at 7:26 pm
This looks amazing!! I love finding new places to paddle and this looks like it should be on the list!
Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:14 am
Definitely so fine paddling here. Hope you get a chance to experience it.
Lannie travels · September 12, 2020 at 1:44 pm
What a great list!! I think out of all of them, the swift river looks more like something I’d enjoy. Despite the name, it looks really calm and peaceful 🙂
Elizabeth · September 12, 2020 at 3:18 pm
I love going kayaking every chance I get. Whenever I go to a new place I try to include some sort of paddling experience in my itinerary. This definitely makes me want to visit western Massachusetts. I love the idea of paddling on Aldrich Lake and not seeing very many other people….but getting to see turtles!
Krista · September 12, 2020 at 6:41 pm
This all look like incredible spots to go paddling. I especially like the one with the falls at the beginning!
Erin · September 13, 2020 at 12:30 am
I’ve never been to Massachusetts, but would love to go – and would definitely do some paddling in the region. I do lots of paddling at home in Ontario (Canada). I love how relaxing it is. And it looks like there’s some gorgeous spots to explore by paddle in Massachusetts!
Farrah · September 14, 2020 at 1:24 am
I haven’t been to Massachusetts in a few years now but would love to go back to visit/explore more (I’ve still only ever been to Boston!)–it’d be so fun to do some paddling over there!
binny · September 14, 2020 at 3:27 pm
Love reading your post, given all the lakes and rivers in the Pacific Northwest, I have been thinking of taking up kayaking. Your post has piqued my interest further. thanks!
Melissa · September 15, 2020 at 8:26 pm
These all look great! I have visited Massachusetts a few times, but haven’t got out to do anything like this yet. I would love to spend some time kayaking these rivers, they look lovely!
Diane · April 28, 2021 at 10:22 pm
I LOVE kayaking and these look like some fabulous locations. I really haven’t explored this area much at all…it looks gorgeous!
Karen · May 3, 2021 at 5:38 pm
You would love kayaking in the amazing paddling spots here. Paddling in Massachusetts is so underrated but fabulous.
Shafinah · April 29, 2021 at 4:13 am
honestly ive never tried paddling before even though it’s always been at the back of my mind (a strange inexplicable fear of the waters). but i’ve also been egging myself on to push myself beyond my comfort zone and i’m definitely gonna take this as a sign 😉
Karen · May 3, 2021 at 5:36 pm
There is so much easy and fun paddling spots that it’s pretty easy to get into exploring in a boat.
Ummi | Ummi Goes Where? · April 29, 2021 at 5:53 am
Great list, Karen! I’m new to paddling and would love to go on more paddling adventures in the future. 🙂
Karen · May 3, 2021 at 5:35 pm
Paddling is my first love so I recommend it highly. I hope you can get out.
Josy A · April 29, 2021 at 12:57 pm
I love that you know all the best cross country ski spots for winter aaaand now all the best paddle spots once the water melts! These all look fantastic (and so varied!) Massachusetts really does look like heaven for kayaks.
Karen · May 3, 2021 at 5:34 pm
It’s all that great snow that makes the great paddling. I just have to be patient in the transition season between snow and water.
cass · April 29, 2021 at 8:19 pm
Looks like a beautiful part of the world and a great way to explore it. Love the photos – especially the ones with the reflections in the water and that very atmospheric early morning fog one
Karen · May 5, 2021 at 6:42 pm
I love that fog photo too and all the memories that go with that early morning on the river.
CT Kayaker · August 26, 2023 at 8:36 am
Love the lineup, the early morning fog at the Connecticut River an absolute beauty to behold.