Quinnebaug River in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

We put in at Long Pond in Sturbridge off Rt 20, on the north side (there are ramps on both side of 20, and farther one north off Rt 148), went under Rt 20 in the culvert, across Long Pond and upstream on the Quinneabaug R. to Holland Pond.

When we did this trip a couple years ago, the water was slow but free of obstructions. This year there were 3 different beaver dams we had to portage. One would have been an adventure, two would have been kind of funny, and the third was just a pain in the butt. It is still fun for kids, easy for adults, but I think we might head for the Quabog next time if we want to paddle rather than climb!

Accommodations:

Parking, town beach

Outfitting:

2 canoes, 1 double kayak
6 adults, 5 kids

Fees:

None

Directions:

From Sturbridge MA, take Rt 20 west towards Brimfield. Put-in is on the right, .2 mi beyond Rt 148 intersection.

To get to Holland Pond, continue past put-in and take first left, follow a mile or so, then look for, and follow, Corp of Engineers signs for Canoe Trail.