Concord River in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

Put in the kayak at Old Calf Pasture on Lowell Rd in Concord. The water was high and flowing quickly.

Beautiful views on the river and paddled past many tourists visiting the Old North Bridge area. A variety of many nice natural views paddling down the river as well as interesting homes in Concord and Carlisle.

Between the current and a fairly strong wind to my back, I was surprised to get from Concord to the Elsie Ave. Conservation Area past Rt 3 in two hours.

Next day was joined by a friend to finish the Concord River paddle to Lowell. *Beware of rapids and falls when approaching Lowell.* Again, nice views along the river which was flowing quickly.

Took out the boats at the Falls at Faulkner Mill and put in at the back side of the Mill. Had a bit of rushing water from the mill but generally flat until the other side of 495. Our destination was the Roger's Street Bridge (there is a park just before it). It turned out there is a fairly rugged rapids area before the flat part near the bridge.

I enjoyed the ride but my companion's paddle broke and he found his kayak wedged in a rock.

Definitely wear a helmet if you go this far. It was wild and wooly.

Accommodations:

Plenty of parking in Concord and easy to take the kayak out at the park in Lowell.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Start: Concord Center, go 1/4 mile on Lowell Rd.

Midpoint: Elsie Ave Conservation Area, Billerica

End: Roger's St. Bridge (small park to West), 495, 38 North, Rogers St.