Pow Wow River & Lake Gardner in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

I put-in at Lake Gardner and paddled up to the north end, which becomes the Powow River. At first the river meanders quietly through people's back yards, but it quickly becomes a narrow, twisty creek through undeveloped forest and marshes.

There had been a heavy rain the night before and while there were a few low spots, I never got stuck. One section was full of fallen trees and I had to get out twice to pull my kayak over them. After maybe 90 minutes I ended up at the low end of a dam; if I wanted to (was too tired and wet by that time), I could have easily pulled the kayak in Tuxbury Lake and Lake Attitash.

One disappointment: very little wildlife, but beautiful scenery and lots of fish.

Directions:

Lake Gardner is off High Street in Amesbury. Access High Street from Whitehall Road.