Squannacook River in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

This is a small body of water created by the Townsend Harbor Dam on the Squannacook River. Relatively calm and in places fairly shallow, it nonetheless offers a couple of hours of very enjoyable paddling. Lots of water lilies, brush, and various aquatic vegetation offer plenty of habitat for small wildlife. Beaver dams, birds, and turtles sunning themselves abound. For those inclined to do some fishing, Largemouth bass, Perch, Pickerel are all native and some Trout are stocked into the river. You will hear some road noise as this pond is near both Rtes.119 and 13, however it isn't overly intrusive.

Accommodations:

Parking is available either in the back of the old church, or in front of the small building next to it. For those not familiar with Townsend there are numerous antique shops up and down Rt. 119 in case you're interested in spending a lazy afternoon wandering around a quaint New England Town.

Directions:

Take Rt. 119 west from the Groton area, or East from Townsend center. The pond is located across from the Townsend Harbor Fire station, behind the Cooperage (antique shop).

Launches:

A couple of places to put in along the old railroad tracks that run behind the Cooperage. The best spot is next to the old church, which allows you to pull almost up to the water to off-load.