Paddling the Nashua River and its Tributaries

Canoers and kayakers alike will find many fascinating places to explore in the Nashua River watershed. The Nashua River and its tributaries present opportunties for many different types of paddling.  Impounded areas upstream of dams are generally good for flatwater trips, more appropriate for beginners or those with basic paddling skills.  Free flowing river segments below the dams require more experience and skill managing a canoe or kayak.  Of course, river conditions are ever changing; for instance, faster water will occur during spring runoff or periods of heavy rain. Always be sure to assess your and your group's level of paddling skill, pay attention to weather and current water conditions, familiarize yourself with the river segment you intend to paddle, and be sure everyone wears a lifejacket/personal flotation device (PFD).

Here is additional information that paddlers might find interesting and useful in planning their trips:

• Our new Nashua River Canoe and Kayak Guide provides detailed information on the Nashua, Nissitissit, Squannacook, North Nashua, and Stillwater Rivers including information on canoe put-ins and take-outs, river hazards like dams and rapids, portages, and mile-by-mile notes for all paddleable segments.
• Are you looking to see if there is river access in your community?  The Watershed Paddle Launch Sites page lists launch sites arranged by community, and subdivided by river.
• Beyond the rivers, our watershed has dozens of ponds to explore.  See the Nashua River Watershed Pond Maps page for more information.
• The Streamflow Gage and Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service page has links to the lastest river conditions.
• The National Weather Service has the latest seven-day forecasts for all towns in the watershed.
• Looking to rent a canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard? Nashoba Paddler Rentals in West Groton, Massachusetts can provide boats and other equipment for your adventure.
• The Fishing in the Nashua River Watershed page has a wealth of information for fishing actitivies in the area.
• One of the best parts of the watershed is the all the flora and fauna living in and along the rivers.  Check out the Flora and Fauna page to learn what you can see during your paddle.
• If you’re looking for a guided river educational experience for a school or youth group, consider Nashua River Watershed Association's River Classroom® program.

Pack a picnic, bring your binoculars, and see our landscape from a new vantage point. Please come back to our site and share your paddling story and photos-- tell us what you saw along the river and let other paddlers know where they might enjoy a fun river trip-- by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Partial funding for this webpage was provided by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.