​You can kayak, canoe, and paddleboard on this river. The entire Wild and Scenic section, from the Saxonville Dam in Framingham to Egg Rock in Concord is navigable by canoe, kayak, and paddleboard. 

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See these Recreation Maps from OARS. (Hard copies available by request)

 

Here are some suggested trips:

• ​From Little Farms Road → Route 27: Water can be quick moving in upper sections. Notable sights include the Old Stone Bridge and the entrance to Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. At the end of this section, the river opens to wide meadows with many water birds. 

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• Route 27 → Route 117 Boat Launch: Open and slow moving, passing open land. Can stop at the headquarters of Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to stretch legs. 

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• Route 117 Boat Launch → Eggrock: Shifts from Fairhaven Bay, a beautiful rural area of the river, to a more developed section, running under Route 2. Route concludes at Old Calf Pasture, at the confluence of the Sudbury and Assabet Rivers.  

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Additional guides:

• OARS guide for the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord Rivers under “Recommended trips.” 

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• The AMC River Guide, available on the AMC website or in bookstores.

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• The AMC Quiet Water Canoe Guide on AMC's Website or local bookstores. 

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• The Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet Rivers: A guide to canoeing, wildlife and history. By Ron McAdow. Boater's Guide.

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Put ins and Parking:

• Carol Getchell Reservation (Framingham). Little Farms Road, off Elm Street.

  • 8 car sports available. No fee. 

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• Route 20 boat ramp (Wayland)

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• River Road (Wayland). After turning off route 27, there is a small access point almost immediately on the left.

  • Parking for 1-2 cars. 

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• Sherman's Bridge Landing (Wayland). Dirt pull-off right next to the bridge on Sherman’s Bridge Road.

  • Space for ~3 cars. 

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• Lincoln Canoe Landing/Parking (Lincoln). Route 117. If you paddle ~½ mile downstream, you will reach Fairhaven Bay, with an opportunity to walk around a small island. 

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• South Bridge Boat House (Concord). 496 Main Street. Route 62. Learn about the boathouse here.

 

• Lowell Road Boat Ramp (Concord). 181 Lowell Road. ​

  • Ample parking and no fee. Next to Old Calf Pasture. 

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• Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters (Sudbury). 

  • Canoe and kayak access at the river ~¼ mile from the large parking lot. 

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• Off Fruit Street just left of the Southborough Rod & Gun entrance (Hopkinton). In the spring, it is possible to travel upstream to Cedar Swamp.

  • Near the access road end, there is room for 6+ cars.

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• Along High Street right across from the Ashland MBTA station (Ashland)

  • parking lot for over 20 cars. It is possible for canoes and kayaks to travel short trips upstream. 

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To rent canoes and kayaks: 

• The South Bridge Boat House  (Concord MA)​