Paddling Maps

Nashua River:

Nashoba Paddler to Dead River (Groton, MA)

Trip Description

Departing from Nashoba Paddler’s dock, you will paddle upstream first, away from the Rt. 225 bridge. This section of the Nashua River is relatively wide with flatwater for easy paddling. Most of the shoreline is forested, and much of it is permanently protected greenway with hiking trails open to the public. Groton School, a historic private school, sits uphill on the east side of the river. You will pass the school’s boathouse and dock on your left as you paddle upstream.  

River conditions are ever-changing. There may be blowdowns partially blocking the river. Approach with caution, particularly at times of high water.

Approximately one and a quarter miles upstream, you’ll see the Dead River entering the Nashua on your right. This is the turn around point for this trip. 

If you have time and energy, before you turn around, consider a paddle up into the Dead River.  The Dead River is an old oxbow with no outlet at the far end. It can be a fascinating place to explore–look for interesting water plants, birds, and other wildlife. As you exit the Dead River, turn left on the Nashua River to head downstream, back to Nashoba Paddler. 

Should you desire to paddle further upstream on the Nashua River beyond the mouth of the Dead River, the river conditions remain similar for another mile or so. At one mile further upstream, you’ll pass under an abandoned railroad bridge and the Squannacook River will be entering the Nashua on your right.

On your return trip, you will be paddling downstream with the river flow, making for easier paddling. The Nashoba Paddler dock will be to your left on the west side of the river, shortly before you reach the Rt. 225 bridge. 

What You Might See

This stretch of the Nashua River is surrounded on both banks by conservation lands with hiking trails.  You’re likely to see hikers in the woods as you paddle.  Directly across from the Nashoba Paddler boat launch is Groton Place, a very popular area for people with dogs. You may see dogs swimming in the river, and to avoid any interaction, you may wish to paddle to the opposite side of the river if you encounter them.  

Within Groton Place, if you look closely, you can see the Dumaine Memorial, the location where the Mr. Dumaine, who once owned the property, is buried with a favorite horse. There is a stone statue of a loyal dog lying near the benches at the memorial site. Adjacent to Groton Place is Sabine Woods, and eventually Surrenden Farm/General Fields after you’ve passed the Groton School boathouse.

On the west bank of the Nashua River, on your right as you paddle upstream, is the Groton Town Forest.  This is a great place to hike with miles of trails along both the Nashua and Dead Rivers, and through interior woodlands.

In the summer months, look for bright red cardinal flowers on the shoreline, as well as painted turtles basking on logs in the water.  If you choose to explore the Dead River, you’ll see a variety of wetland plants such as water lilies and buttonbush.  You may see Great blue heron stalking small fish and frogs in the shallow areas.

Another common sighting in the summer are dozens of dragonflies and damselflies. These insects mate and lay their eggs at the river’s edge.  Their young spend the beginning of life as nymphs in the water. If you’re still, they will frequently land on your boat or even on your paddle.

Keep your eyes open for signs of beaver activity.  Beaver are unlikely to show themselves to paddlers, but you may see branches with chewed ends along the bank marking a bank beaver lodge or food cache. You may also see large snapping turtles on a bank, or just their head poking up out of the water to watch you pass by.

The water is clear in this section of the Nashua River and you can see underwater grasses swaying in the direction of the river flow.  In the quiet waters of the Dead River, watch for bryozoans attached to underwater objects.  Bryozoans look like pale jelly-like blobs which can be quite large. They are an ancient aquatic invertebrate that live in colonies, as corals do, filter feeding on food particles in the water. Take photos but please do not disturb the colonies; their filter feeding reduces bacteria, silt, and algae in the water improving water quality.