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Adventures in Recreation and Exploration Await in the Greater Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts! Click here to Learn More.

North of Boston/Merrimack Valley hosts paddling, canoeing, kayaking adventures

Foliage View - Bradley Palmer State Park - Topsfield, MA
Bradley Palmer State Park

40 Asbury Street Topsfield, MA, 01983 Phone: 508-887-5931

Ipswich River runs east-west along the northern border of this park, formerly an estate. A kayak and canoe rental business is located just east of the park, on Ipswich Road.
Crane Wildlife Refuge

Essex River Estuary Ipswich, MA, 01938 Phone: 978-356-4351

The Crane Wildlife Refuge is a patchwork of coastal and island habitats that includes a portion of Castle Neck and seven islands in the Essex River Estuary (Choate, Long, Dean, Dilly, Pine, Patterson, and Round). Surrounding the Crane Wildlife Refuge is the Great Marsh, the largest contiguous salt marsh in New England, covering more than 25,000 acres from Hampton Harbor, NH to Gloucester. The largest of the Refuge's islands, Choate Island, supports abundant wildlife, and during the 18th and 19th centuries, Choate Island and Long Island were connected by a causeway, comprising a prosperous farming community.
Lake View - Middlesex Fells Reservation - Stoneham, MA - Photo Credit MA State Parks
Middlesex Fells Reservation

4 Woodland Road Stoneham, MA, 02180 Phone: 617-727-1199

Natural refuge set on over 2,000 acres. Visitors here can enjoy biking, hiking and cross-country ski trails. Canoeing, fishing, and swimming areas are offered, as well as a visitor's center with historic information. - Trail Map (PDF)
Lake View - Harold Parker State Forest - Andover, MA - Photo Credit Sean Murphy
Harold Parker State Forest

133 Jenkins Road Andover, MA, 01810 Phone: 508-686-3391

The eleven ponds on the large, forested property are open to non-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking. No boat rentals.
Lowell Heritage State Park - Lowell, MA
Lowell Heritage State Park

160 Pawtucket Boulevard Lowell, MA, 01854 Phone: 978-458-8750

Boating on the Merrimack River is permitted at this park, which displays the industrial history of the city of Lowell. Boating access to the river is at the Rourke Brothers State Boat Ramp on Route 113. It has 44 trailer lots and 20 car-top lots. The entrance to the ramp is across from 1011 Pawtucket Blvd. and one-half mile west of the Rourke Bridge.