Boston Kayaker

Kayaking on Quaboag River - from Brookfield MA to West Brookfield MA Rating: Two-and-a-Half Stars - The shores of Quaboag Pond are mostly developed. As one paddles into the outlet headwaters of Quaboag River and continue downstream, both banks of Quaboag River are pristine save the occassional bridge and a couple of houses visible from the river. This stretch of Quaboag River is not flowing much and little help paddling downstream. Water calm until a power boat passes by. Pleasant paddle. We saw more beaver lodges than I count (way more than five). Blue herons.   Put in at Quaboag Street   in Brookfield MA. Take out at Route 67   in West Brookfield MA. Estimated distance   = 6 miles Class III-IV rapids   in Warren MA. "Quaboag" means "red water"   in Wampanoag. Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to determine the legality, suitability and safety of this route for yourself.

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Other resources: Wikipedia: Quaboag River Paddling.net: Quaboag River Trip Report Number of original photos on this page : 97 All photos in this website are original and copyrighted. A barn in Brookfield MA. One of the small pleasures I get doing these kayak trips is that I get to see rural Massachusetts. Trip date is June 2014. The kayak launch on Quaboag Pond is next to this town marker on the Brookfield side. The launch area for hand-carried boats. There is a big state ramp and parking lot next to this site. The Boston Kayaker's daughter going for a kayak trip with her Dad. The Boston Kayaker and daughter launching on the shores of Quaboag Pond. Just launched on Quaboag Pond with my daughter in the front of our tandem kayak. Looking southerly on Quaboag Pond. Paddling to our right westerly direction, we will follow the shoreline to our right and find the outlet headwaters of Quaboag River. The state boat ramp and parking lot on our right. This picture taken by my son from Quaboag Street. The Boston Kayaker and daughter on Quaboag Pond. The Boston Kayaker and daughter now nearing the headwaters of Quaboag River (outlet of Quaboag Pond). In all appearances, this looks like the Quaboag Pond outlet and the start of Quaboag River. At the headwaters of Quaboag River. Wake from the powered boat. A blue heron on the banks of Quaboag River. One more beaver lodge. The River Street bridge is now in sight. My son took this photo from the River Street bridge as we approach. Approaching River Street Bridge. The Boston Kayaker and daughter on Quaboag River approaching the River Street bridge. My son is parked on the river bank on River Street bridge on right. My son on the River Street bridge taking photos. Paddling under the River Street bridge on Quaboag River. The Boston Kayaker and daughter continue their paddle westward past the River Street bridge. A couple of kayakers on Quaboag River. Another beaver lodge on our right. The Boston Kayaker paddling on Quaboag River. Another beaver lodge in front of us. A blue heron flying over Quaboag River. We can see the Old Longhill Road bridge. We are about three quarters into our trip . . . There is a new water path straight to the bridge making this land to the left an island. Passing under the Old Longhill Road bridge on Quaboag River. A pair of kayakers on Quaboag River. Passing under the railbridge on Quaboag River. Soon after the railbridge is the Route 67 bridge. Take out is right after this bridge. The Boston Kayaker and daughter on Quaboag River. Photo taken from Route 67 bridge. My dutiful son on the Route 67 bridge. Take out is on the right just downstream of Route 67 bridge in West Brookfield MA.