Things to Do
Paddling the Nashua River and Its Tributaries
Canoers, kayakers, and paddle boarders will find many fascinating places to explore on the Nashua River and its tributaries. Impounded areas upstream of dams are generally good for flatwater trips, more appropriate for beginners, those with basic paddling skills, or quiet exploration and wildlife viewing. Free flowing river segments below the dams require more experience and skill managing a canoe or kayak. Of course, river conditions are ever changing. Be sure to always put safety first.
Tips for a Safe Paddle Outing:
- Always be sure to respect the power of nature
- Realistically assess your, and your group’s, level of paddling skill
- Pay attention to weather including temperature, chances of precipitation and thunderstorms, wind speed
- Monitor current water conditions. Faster water will occur during spring runoff or periods of heavy rain; summer droughts can bring low water levels
- Be sure to familiarize yourself with the river segment you intend to paddle
- Follow NRWA’s Facebook page for postings and updates on river conditions that may be relevant to your paddling plans
- Let someone know when and where you’re going, and when you plan to be back
- Be sure everyone wears a lifejacket/personal flotation device (PFD)
Plan well, then pack a picnic, bring your binoculars, and enjoy time on our beautiful waterways. Feel free to share your adventure stories and pictures with us, email NRWA.
Interactive Paddling Maps
Are you looking for easy, family-friendly, flatwater paddles? Explore NRWA’s interactive paddling maps with basic trip details and descriptions, along with images of what you might see on your adventure.
Nashua River: Rt. 119/111 Car-top Boat Launch to Fitch’s Bridge (Pepperell/Groton, MA)
Nashua River: Nashoba Paddler to Dead River (Groton, MA)
Nashua River: Millyard Technology Park to Rt. 3 Bridge (Nashua, NH)
Squannacook River: Townsend Harbor Pond Exploration (Townsend, MA)
Resources for Paddlers
Useful in planning a trip
NRWA’s Nashua River Canoe and Kayak Guide: This full-color, pocket-sized 120 page 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. The guide can be purchased at the NRWA River Resource Center or online. Purchase Guide.
Watershed Launch Sites: Are you looking to see if there is river access in your community? View Google map with launch sites.
Rentals and Lessons: Need to rent a boat or paddle board? Nashoba Paddler in West Groton, MA is a local outfitter offering rentals, lessons, and guided trips.
Funding for the Nashua River Canoe & Kayak Guide, Seventh Edition (2025) and NRWA’s online paddling maps was provided by the National Park Foundation.
