Paddling

75 Bourne St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

Two ponds, plus 2.8 miles of forest trails in North Plymouth. Easily confused with the Russell Mill Pond Conservation Area on Long Pond Road. The ponds are stocked annually with trout, making this a nice spot for fishing.

264 Standish Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

Small, grassy pondside park in North Plymouth, next door to Hedge Elementary School. Easily confused with the larger and more diverse Hedges Pond Recreation Area & Preserve, in the Cedarville section of town.

X5X2+VP Halifax, MA, USA

Sandy beach on the shore of West Monponsett Pond, with grass and open forest. Picnic area and boat launch site. Halifax recycling sticker required for parking.

556-470 MA-58, Halifax, MA 02338, USA

Paved parking area on Route 58 in Halifax, featuring boat ramp and fishing pier on West Monponsett Pond. Additional roadside pull-off (10 cars) nearby, to the south. Water access for canoes and kayaks, as well as boats. Swimming is not permitted. Please do not feed the waterfowl.

218 Gannett Rd, Scituate, MA 02066, USA

Located on private property but open to the public, this small boat launch site on Gannett Road in Scituate offers access to the lower reaches of Musquashcut Brook, as well as the Gulf River. Use at your own risk.

132R Sandwich St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

This outdoor recreational complex on Plymouth Harbor features tennis and basketball courts, a softball field, a playground, a concession stand with restrooms (in season), a picnic area, and an unimproved launch for small boats. There is also a small pond on site.

300 School St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Established in 1930, this members-only club offers a stocked fishing pond, an archery range, plus indoor and outdoor shooting ranges (pistol, rifle, skeet). The centerpiece is the 4-acre Clark Pond, which is surrounded by woodlands. Only non-motorized craft and boats with electric motors (not gas) are permitted for paddling on the pond. Ice fishing and […]

30 Atlantic Ave, Hull, MA 02045, USA

This tiny property on the Hull-Cohasset line provides paddling access to the 92-acre Straits Pond. Part of the Weir River Estuary Park.

333 George Washington Blvd, Hull, MA 02045, USA

Home of the Weir River Watershed Association.  The facility provides river access as well as two meeting rooms for community organizations.

41 French St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

Formerly a cranberry bog, this small pond on French Street offers scenic water views and 0.4 miles of woodland trails, plus ice skating in the winter. Also known as Bouve Pond.

403 East St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

Consider this Hingham property during the coldest days of winter, when the pond is freezes sufficiently for ice skating. For decades, the red-shingled “Skate House” stood at this site, providing shelter from the cold. It was demolished in 2020.

Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

This property includes a small historic site and a 13-acre pond. The Cushing Ice House once stood here. It was used to store ice harvested from the pond. Island Creek flows through the pond.  

595 Congress St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

This small but picturesque pond on Route 14 in Duxbury is suitable for fishing and paddling. It is located between Congress Street, Franklin Street, and Union Bridge Road.

47 Wareham St, Middleborough, MA 02346, USA

Also known as the Middleborough Herring Run, the Wareham Street Dam and Bridge, and the Wareham Street Fish Ladder. This small park on the Nemasket River is a perfect spot for viewing the annual alewife herring run. Stop by in mid-to late March and early April to see thousands of herring making their way upstream […]

119 HMS Halsted Dr, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

A half mile trail along the shoreline and through the woods, at Hewitts Cove. Gorgeous views of the Boston skyline, Grape Island, the Hingham Shipyard, the Weymouth Back River, and Weymouth Neck. Look for the historic marker between the parking area and the trailhead. It’s one of many scattered throughout the Hingham Shipyard.

Weir River Estuary Park, 333 George Washington Blvd, Hull, MA 02045, USA

Extending into the towns of Hingham, Hull and Cohasset, this broad area features opportunities for fishing, paddling, boating, hiking, and birding, as well as historical points of interest. Consult the Weir River Watershed Association for information about programs and volunteer opportunities.

Whitney Wharf Park, -99, 53 Summer St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

This small town-owned park is situated on and beside Whitney Wharf in Hingham Harbor. One side features a grassy drumlin hill, a launch ramp for boats, a dredged basin for moorings, and a 0.1-mile walkway along the shore. The other side features the POW-MIA Veteran’s Park, with a crushed stone walking path, benches, and stunning […]

30 Summer St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

Located on historic Barnes Wharf, the Hingham Maritime Center offers sailing, rowing, maritime education, and community access to the waterfront. The stone wharf dates back to the steamboat era. Swimming is prohibited here, but is permitted around the corner, at Bathing Beach.

95 Otis St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

This multi-purpose park on Hingham Harbor features a beach for swimming, lawns, shade trees, a 0.25-mile brick walkway trail, seasonal restrooms and concessions, and a bandstand, plus interpretive signage about the area’s history. Home of the Hingham Farmers’ Market. Enjoy the spectacular views of Hingham Harbor and World’s End.

PLYM-014A, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

Public boat ramp and small park with a paved/concrete walkway along Plymouth Harbor. Also the home of the Plymouth Harbormaster and the Plymouth Harbor Jetty. Appropriate for both trailer and car top boat launching (launch/parking fee applies to both).

George Lane Beach, Weymouth, MA 02191, USA

Located on a peninsula between the Fore and Back rivers in North Weymouth, this beach offers a large parking area and restrooms for residents and non-residents, as well as a small playground and a basketball court. Directly adjacent to the Joseph Carven Boat Ramp.

Weymouth, MA 02188, USA

Small playground in the Idlewell neighborhood in Weymouth, with a baseball field, a basketball court, and a large grassy area. Located on Mill Cove on the Fore River. A small beach serves as a potential launch site for canoes and kayaks for those who don’t mind carrying a boat across the park.

Weymouth-Fore River Canoe Access, Fore River Riverwalk, Weymouth, MA 02188, USA

Launch ramp for canoes, kayaks and other car-top boats, on the Fore River. Access to the (1-mile) Monatiquot River Walk. No swimming.

Landing Rd, Kingston, MA 02364, USA

State- and town-owned landing on the Jones River. Access for canoes, kayaks and “car-top carry”-size boats. A short (0.1 mile) trail leads through the marsh to the river.

21 River St, Weymouth, MA 02191, USA

Public boat launch ramp on the Weymouth Back River, also known as the Weymouth Back River Ramp. Directly adjacent to North Weymouth’s George E. Lane Beach.

255 Water St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA

Beachfront playground with picnic tables, benches and a large grassy area. Small sandy beach, plus launch ramp for canoes and kayaks. Paved walking trail with direct link to North Plymouth Rail Trail. Seasonal features include restrooms, concessions stand, splash pad.

Wompatuck Entrance (The Res), 558 Beechwood St, Cohasset, MA 02025, USA

This entrance to Wompatuck State Park offers direct access to the Aaron River Reservoir. Hike up the steep hill beside the spillway for an incredible view. You can walk across the top of the 900-foot wide, 25-foot tall dam, and down the other side (about 0.4 miles round-trip). An additional trail to the side leads […]

488 Middle St, East Weymouth, MA 02189, USA

Whitman’s Pond is a headwater to the Weymouth Back River and a spawning area for herring. This small park offers pond access for anglers, paddlers and boaters. It also serves as the town’s back-up drinking water supply.

80 Market St, Rockland, MA 02370, USA

Small pond for fishing and paddling near Rockland’s commercial center.

784 High St, Hanson, MA 02341, USA

Historic cemetery with walking paths and views of Wampatuck Pond. Water access for canoes, kayaks and anglers.

891 W Washington St, Hanson, MA 02341, USA

Short, wide, gravel trail through the woods leads from parking area to Shumatuscacant River. Suitable for launching a kayak or canoe. Additional narrow footpaths lead to additional water views. Property improvements and an additional 1.5 miles of trail development are planned for 2021. The confluence of Poor Meadow Brook and the Shumatuscacant River lies deep […]

wildlands trusthalfway pond

Five contiguous nature preserves featuring ponds, pine barrens, beech and mixed hardwood forests, with numerous trails. Canoeing is permitted on Halfway Pond itself, which can be accessed from Mast Road.

100 Central St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Busy commercial harbor. Home to the Marshfield Harbormaster. Launch your boat from the public ramp, fish from the pier, or just sit and watch the fishing boats.

457 Washington St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

A gateway for all to Duxbury Bay, with educational and recreational programs for children and adults.

29 Marshall Ave #1, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Town-owned park with athletic courts, a small playground, and access for non-motorized boats and rowing shells to the Green Harbor River. In season, there is a small pier with floats directly on the river and an all-access launching ramp. Also accessible via the Harbor Walk.

MARS-M05-07, #11A, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Public beach with seasonal lifeguards and portable restrooms. Resident parking. Located at the end of Beach Street.

645 Washington St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

This tiny park, constructed atop an old wharf, is located within Duxbury’s Old Shipbuilders District. It offers beautiful views of the Bluefish River.

35 Island View Rd, Weymouth, MA 02189, USA

This diminutive property on Woodbine Road features a short trail along the edge of Whitman’s Pond, as well as a small section of shoreline suitable for fishing, and for launching canoes and kayaks. Woodbine Island is also part of the property.

Abigail Adams State Park, Bridge Street, Weymouth, MA, USA

A 0.7-mile walking trail along the Weymouth Back River, and a convenient place to launch your canoe or kayak. Stroller-friendly. Part of the Back River Trail.

21 Triphammer Rd, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

A 19-acre pond surrounded by woods with a 1-mile walking trail around the perimeter. Try ice skating here in the winter. Watch for migrating fish (in the fish ladder) in the spring.

542 Liberty St, Hanson, MA 02341, USA

Small pond near Hanson Town Hall, suitable for fishing and paddling. The island within it is privately owned. You’ll find a ramp and access for small boats here. Seasonal ice skating. Swimming is not permitted. For trail access, visit Veterans Memorial Town Forest – Hanson, immediately adjacent.

123 Park Ave, Abington, MA 02351, USA

The “Crown Jewel” of Abington’s public parks. A large pond with adjacent forest, plus walking trails, swimming, fishing, ice skating, and a playground. Small non-motorized boats are permitted. Stroller-friendly in some sections.

260 Gurnet Rd, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

The southern portion of Duxbury Beach requires a permit to park or to drive over sand, but pedestrian access is free. Access to Duxbury Bay for shellfishing and paddling. Note: right next door is Duxbury Beach Park which is open to the public, with a cash-pay parking lot. Or park in the very small (no fee) […]

260 Gurnet Rd, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

The Town of Duxbury’s public beach, with access to Duxbury Bay for shellfishing and paddling. Cash parking fee. No sticker required. Enter from Marshfield, following Canal Street to Gurnet Road. Blakeman’s a seasonal restaurant and snack bar, provides restrooms and sustenance. Fires, horses, dogs, alcohol, & kites are NOT permitted at Duxbury Beach Park. Note: right […]

370 Powder Point Ave, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

This landmark, open to the public, offers gorgeous views of Duxbury Bay and access to Duxbury Beach Park and Duxbury Beach Reservation. A popular spot for fishing. Launch your canoe, kayak, paddle board, rowing shell, or small sailboat from the shore at the foot of the bridge. Pedestrian access to Duxbury Bay for shellfishing. Swimming, […]

361 River St, Weymouth, MA 02191, USA

A grassy peninsula between Weymouth’s Back and Fore Rivers with one mile of easy walking trails. This 36-acre state park is the only mainland portion of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Stroller-friendly.

287 Tobey Garden St, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

Small wooded park with access for canoes and kayaks on Island Creek Pond. Seasonal ice skating.

350 Plymouth Street, Pembroke, MA, USA

Small pond in a quiet setting, ideal for fishing, swimming, paddling, and seasonal ice skating.

76-44 Woodbine Ave, Pembroke, MA 02359, USA

Small pond in a neighborhood setting, ideal for swimming, fishing and paddling.

183 Wampatuck Street, Pembroke, MA, USA

Large pond for fishing, swimming, paddling, and small motorboats. Winter activities here include ice skating and ice fishing.

Furnace Pond Beach, Furnace Colony Drive, Pembroke, MA, USA

Large pond in neighborhood setting, ideal for fishing, paddling and seasonal ice skating.

470 Liberty Street, Braintree, MA, USA

Two miles of paved trails around a pond plus additional woodland paths. A popular spot for jogging, bike riding, cross country skiing, fishing, camping and non-motorized boating. Look for the boat launch beyond the picnic area. Stroller-friendly.

7 Elva Rd, Weymouth, MA 02191, USA

A forest-covered gravel ridge and an expansive salt marsh along the Weymouth Back River. Over 6 miles of paved and unpaved trails. Paved trails are stroller-friendly. Beautiful views of the estuary. Launch your canoe or kayak at higher tides at the Puritan Road entrance. Links directly to Julia Road Park and Osprey Overlook Park. Part of the […]

23 Howland Landing, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

A hillside park overlooking Kingston Bay with a launch for small boats.

Camp Kiwanee, Camp Kiwanee Road, Hanson, MA, USA

Historic town-owned campground and function venue with wooded trails on Maquan Pond.

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Large pond surrounded by woodlands, ideal for fishing and paddling. Winter activities here include ice skating and ice fishing.

1 Camp Kiwanee Rd, Hanson, MA 02341, USA

Woodland pond with seasonal swimming beach. Car-top boat access year-round (gas motors prohibited). Seasonal ice skating.

Forge Pond Park, 245 King St, Hanover, MA 02339, USA

This 0.5 mile trail along French’s Stream features water views and a wooden bridge. Access from Forge Pond Park in Hanover. Canoe/kayak access to Forge Pond.

Forge Pond Park, 245 King St, Hanover, MA 02339, USA

40 acre athletic complex with a 4+ mile network of paved and woodland walking trails. Canoe/kayak access to Forge Pond. Seasonal ice skating. Stroller-friendly. Please respect the “Trail Closed” signs. Directly across King Street from Forge Pond Park is the Hanover Fireworks trail system — easily confused with the Old Rockland Fireworks Loop trail, adjacent […]

42.164193, -70.729181

The Emma was built as a three-masted schooner in Maine in 1882. It was cut down to become a schooner barge, and then abandoned near Damon’s Point on the North River in 1912. On July 4, 1915 it was burned to the waterline. All that remains are the skeletal frames of the hull. Photos of […]

204 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA

This 3,500-acre Massachusetts state park served as the Hingham Naval Ammunition Annex from 1941 to 1965. It stretches into four towns – Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate and Norwell. The park features numerous seasonal campsites, plus fishing and non-motorized boating on the Aaron River Reservoir. There are 12 miles of paved bike paths, plus off-road trails for […]

42.152123, -70.706018

A sunken ship approximately 70 feet long is located here with keel and ribs sometimes in view. Local lore claims it to be either a rum runner or a WWI sub chaser. The location, between Hen Island and the foot of Fourth Cliff,  is known as the Hanover Flats. Water access only.

24 Marshfield Ave, Humarock, MA 02047, USA

Scituate Town Beach property, accessible through Marshfield. Sandy in the summer, rocky in the winter, Humarock is a barrier beach, 3 miles in length. On one side is the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other side is the South River. There is a launch ramp in the town parking lot, but a Scituate beach sticker is […]

1176 Ferry St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

This boat ramp provides access to the South River for both paddlers and motor boats. It is owned by the Town of Marshfield. Across the South River is Humarock, part of the town of Scituate. Tide Math: High tide at the Marshfield Town Landing is about 30 minutes after the Boston high tide. NORTH, SOUTH, & […]

325 Standish St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Public beach with seasonal lifeguards, snack bar, and restrooms. Resident and non-resident parking. Located at the end of Standish Street. Trails through the sand dunes lead to the South River. A popular access point for paddlers. Also the location of the historic marker for Old Mouth, the former (prior to 1898) mouth of the North […]

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Look for the kiosk in the parking area for the CVS at 1880 Ocean Street and follow the Rail Trail beside it 0.15 miles to the Francis Keville Bridge, a beautiful spot overlooking the South River and its marshes. A ramp and float provide seasonal access for small non-motorized boats. Also nearby, on the Rail […]

505 Ferry St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

This railroad right-of-way is now owned by the town of Marshfield. The linear parcel extends from just south of Summer Street, along one side of Carolina Hill Reservation, behind the Marshfield Fairgrounds, and over the Francis Keville Footbridge to Ocean Street at Dandelion Park, about 3.5 miles, with occasional, well-marked road crossings. Stroller-friendly.

418 Elm St, Pembroke, MA 02359, USA

The Pembroke Conservation Commission owns these 34 acres of open meadow and forested upland. The Clapp Rubber Works (founded in 1873), the largest of its kind in the country, once stood here, on both sides of the river. Look for remains of the factory in the woods on the Pembroke side, just south of the […]

243 Elm St, Hanover, MA 02339, USA

The Hanover Conservation Commission owns these 22-acres of open meadow and forested upland. The Curtis Anchor Forge was located here in the 1700s, and later the Clapp Rubber Mill (founded in 1873), the largest of its kind in the country. The dam on the Indian Head River fueled these industries as well as earlier mills. […]

2 Indian Head Dr, Hanover, MA 02339, USA

This public canoe and kayak launch offers access to the Indian Head River, Herring Brook, and the North River. It is also the location of the take out for the NSRWA’s annual Great River Race. Trailheads for two Hanover Conservation parcels – Chapman’s Landing and Iron Mine Brook – are here as well. Tide Math: […]

42.109336, -70.796167

33 acres of conservation land owned by the Town of Pembroke. Includes a Canoe/Kayak Launch. Tide Math: High tide at the Pembroke Town Forest is about 2.5-3 hours after the Boston high tide.

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4 acres of upland surrounded by 12 acres of marsh owned by the Town of Marshfield. A popular picnic and camping area, and a great place to pause during a North River canoe or kayak trip. Take care, as the river current can be strong and unpredictable! Couch Beach — another popular camping and picnic […]

North River, Marshfield, MA 02050, United States

This 20-acre parcel of town-owned land features one of the few sandy beaches on the North River. Water access for small and mid-size boats. Trail access from Couch Memorial Cemetery. Stroller-friendly in some sections. This is a popular spot for swimming in the warmer months, and a great place to pause during a North River […]

110 Chittenden Ln, Norwell, MA 02061, USA

This Norwell Town Landing was the 1871 launch site of the schooner Helen M. Foster, the last ship built on the North River. A shipyard was located here as early as 1690. The saw pit is still visible. A bronze plaque marks the shipyard site. The property also includes a fishing dock and canoe/kayak launch. Tide Math: […]

81 Jacobs Ln, Norwell, MA 02061, USA

189 acres of Norwell Conservation Land with an extensive trail system around the north, east, and west sides of the 60-acre pond. There are canoe/kayak launches at both the Jacobs Lane and Duncan Drive entrances. There is a fishing dock at Jacobs Lane. Other fishing locations include the Cliff Prentiss Bridge near Duncan Drive, the island […]

67 Bridge St, Norwell, MA 02061, USA

The Union Street Bridge spans the North River from Union Street in Marshfield to Bridge Street in Norwell. On the Norwell side, there is a Town Landing with a ramp for boats (residents only). This is also the starting line for the NSRWA’s annual Great River Race. On the Marshfield side, there is a launch […]

67 Bridge St, Norwell, MA 02061, USA

The Union Street Bridge spans the North River from Union Street in Marshfield to Bridge Street in Norwell. On the Marshfield side, there is a launch for canoes and kayaks. On the Norwell side, there is a Town Landing with a ramp for boats (residents only). On the water in this area, be aware of swift […]

1361 Union St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

The Town of Marshfield owns this 15-acre conservation parcel, which is located directly on the North River, just upstream of the Union Street Bridge. It is a public canoe/kayak launch with a 2 picnic tables. The property is also the site of the former Brooks-Tilden Shipyard (1701-1848). Tides at the Marshfield Launch are delayed ~1 […]

80 King's Landing, Norwell, MA 02061, USA

Private marina with supplies, canoe and kayak rentals, boat storage, and a launching ramp for canoes, kayaks and small boats. Tide Math: High tide at Bulman Marine is about 1 hour after the Boston high tide. NORTH, SOUTH, & HERRING RIVER SHELLFISH BEDS REMAIN CLOSED! Due to a recently-enforced (2020) federal regulation regarding proximity to wastewater […]

2205 Main St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Combined marina locations on both sides of the bridge offer numerous amenities. These include gas, bait, tackle, supplies, boat rentals, a shoreside pump-out facility, and a restaurant. Enjoy fried clams on the deck while watching the boat traffic, or the sunset! There is a launch ramp suitable for canoes, kayaks, and motor boats. Tide Math: […]

299 Damons Point Rd, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

A Marshfield Town Pier is located here, offering a fine scenic vista with wooden benches. On the western side, there is a small launch for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Use extreme caution if paddling through, and past, Damon’s Point toward The Spit, because of dangerous currents. Tide Math: High tide at Damon’s Point is about […]

Conservation Park, Driftway, Scituate, MA, USA

This 334-acre Scituate Conservation property features a panoramic view of the Herring River and its salt marshes. In the 1930s, Boston Sand and Gravel owned the property and mined it for projects such as the construction of Logan International Airport. You can still see vestiges of the wharf that was built to aid in the […]