Detailed River & Facility Information at Nahanton Park in Newton

Paddle Boston in Nahanton Park is a superb location for your outing! We’re just off Route 128, and we have 12 miles of flatwater surrounded by forest and marsh to enjoy.

What to Expect on the Water

Our location in Nahanton Park is on one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of flatwater on the Charles River. Paddlers can enjoy calm paddling from upstream of Dedham Ave in Needham to Silk Mill Dam at Newton Upper Falls. Almost all the shoreline is forest or marsh, and much of it is protected parkland.

The first two miles upstream of Nahanton Park, you’ll pass Cutler Park, Millennium Park, and the Charles River Reservation. After Cow Island Pond and a couple more miles of open river, the Charles begins to wind extensively. In the middle of the meanders, you’ll pass through small Motley Pond at the Noble & Greenough School. The meanders end about eight miles from our dock, and the flatwater continues (with increased current) for two to three more miles.

Downstream of our dock the river runs through a more suburban environment for two miles to Hemlock Gorge Park and Silk Mill Dam (an extremely dangerous low-head dam that should not be approached).

There is abundant wildlife along the river, including herons (blue and green), egrets, otters, turtles, cormorants, muskrats, geese, and ducks. There is almost no powerboat traffic on this section of river.

The current in this stretch of river is generally mild, so round trips are easy. At scheduled times we also offer Shuttled River Trips, where we drop boats and paddlers upstream for a beautiful one-way paddle back to our dock.

Where to Stop While Paddling

There are a number of locations where paddlers on this section of river can stop to eat, rest, or walk. Downstream you can stop at beautiful Hemlock Gorge (view trail map) on the left immediately after Elliot St. Be sure to avoid Silk Mill Dam, an extremely dangerous low-head dam just downstream of the takeout that should not be approached.

Upstream your first stopping point is Cutler Park along the right bank. You can land at a concrete abutment and access hiking trails that explore Kendrick Pond, Powell’s Island, and Kennedy Farm (view trail map).

Most of the riverbank along our Nahanton Park section is forested, perfect for kayaking and canoeing! Across from Cutler Park is Boston’s Millenium Park. There is a canoe launch where you can land to access walking paths, playing fields, and a picnic area (view park map).

On the left shore of Cow Island Pond you’ll find sandy Havey Beach. Just beyond, grassy Riverdale Park on the right bank is a great place to picnic or stretch your legs; there are also restaurants nearby.

Paddling Safety Information

Before you come, feel free to read our Charles River Basin Paddling Safety Information (also available in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and French) and take our fun quiz!