Paddling Maps

Nashua River:

Rt. 119/111 Car-top Boat Launch to Fitch’s Bridge (Pepperell/Groton, MA)

GPS coordinates: 42.62706, -71.59403

The Rt. 119/111 car-top only launch is located on the southwest side of the Rt. 119 bridge in Pepperell, MA. There is ample parking in the unpaved lot. A very short, nearly level, path from the lot takes you to the river’s edge. The launch is not suitable for cars with low clearance due to elevation change between Rt. 119 and launch entrance. Low clearance vehicles can use the Petapawag Boat Launch on the northeast side of the bridge- see Trip Description below.

Trip Details

Paddling Skills: Basic
Type: Flatwater
Paddling Method: Round-trip from Rt. 119 car-top launch and back
Distance: 2 ½ miles (full distance out and back)
Estimated Time: 2 hours, leisure pace

Hazards

Motorized boat traffic

Trip Description

Departing from the Rt. 119/111 car-top only launch, paddle upstream away from the Rt. 119/111 bridge. Be aware that motorized boats are fairly common in this section that is popular with sportsmen.

This stretch of the river is relatively wide flatwater. The shoreline is mostly forested, providing a sense of remote adventure. Farm fields and the occasional shoreline home will be visible.

One and a quarter miles upstream, you’ll arrive at Fitch’s Bridge, an arched pedestrian bridge connecting trails on the east and west banks of the river. This is the turn around point for this trip. Should you desire to paddle further, the river conditions remain similar for another mile and half upstream to the Rt. 225 bridge in Groton.

On your return trip, you will be paddling downstream with the river flow, making for easier paddling. The car-top launch will be to your left just before the Rt. 119/111 bridge.

Note: You can choose to begin this paddle from the Petapawag Boat Launch, located on the northeast side of the Rt. 119 bridge, off Nod Road in Groton. This is a paved launch to allow for the launch of motorized boats, and is likely to have heavier traffic. To head upstream, paddle toward the Rt. 119 bridge. Hazard: The Rt. 119 bridge can at times be clogged with large debris. Choose a span to paddle through that appears open and navigable. If a clear span is not visible, do not attempt to navigate through debris. On your return, again use caution approaching and passing under the bridge. The Petapawag Boat Launch will be on the right just after the bridge.

What You Might See

This section of the river offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and native plants. Painted turtles can frequently be seen basking on downed wood in the river. In the shallow water near the riverbanks, Great blue heron may be seen standing very still as they hunt or rest. They may also be seen in the small cove indicated on the map. Both Osprey and Bald eagle nest and hunt along the river and may be seen flying overhead or watching from tree branches. Both will be notable for their size.

Dragonflies and damselflies are numerous during the summer season. You’ll see them zipping over the water, landing in riverside plants, or even on the edge of your boat. These insects mate and lay their eggs at the river’s edge. Their young spend the beginning of life as nymphs in the water.

In the summer months, look for bright red cardinal flowers on the shoreline. You may also see and smell sweet pepperbush on the banks, a shrubby plant with stems of tiny white flowers. You’ll also see water lilies in the small cove.

In autumn, the foliage on this river section can be lovely.