Neponset River in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

South of Boston in October it's hard to find small rivers with the water level high enough to paddle without getting into trouble. The Neponset River was wonderful. Variations from wooded tree covered foliage to marsh. Many Great Herring, King Fisher birds, Hawks and I saw a wood duck couple. You can paddle from Neponset Valley Parkway where it meets Milton st & Brush Hill rd. (approx. 1 mile from the Tailside Museum) To the Neponst st bridge in Norwood (rt95 exit11)just fine this time of year. It is slow moving. Fine to paddle up river as I did. I did turn around after 3 miles and then went with the current back down.

Accommodations:

Very few during low water level season but there are some as the banks are high. I could see where there would be plenty if the water were where it usually is other times of the year. I did take out twice to stretch my legs during my 3-mile meander. Maybe more as I didn't look till I was tired.

Directions:

Rt 128 to rt 138 exit toward Boston. at 2nd set of lights left onto Brush hill rd for 3/4 mi. On left at intersection across from a soccer field you will find a small parking area provided by Blue Hills Reservation with a sign "Canoe Launch" and an information board.

Launches:

Near perfect put-in in Milton. Approx 200 ft walk from parking area in to a level slate covered launch. Take out in Canton Not sure but it's a known spot just off rt 95
x-way ramp in Canton/Norwood line.