Canoe and Kyaking in theParker River Watershed

One of the best ways to explore the Parker River and its tributaries is by canoe or kayak. Varying tides, currents, depths, and shoreline environments offer a range of rewarding boating experiences. 
Match one of the following descriptions to your interests and paddling skills, and get on the Parker, Mill, Little, or Plum Island River soon!

PARKER RIVER

The Parker rises in Boxford and is freshwater as it flows through Georgetown and Groveland until Central Street in Byfield (a village in the Town of Newbury), where it becomes tidal. The freshwater section is canoeable between Thurlow St in Georgetown and River St in Byfield Center, and also between Larkin Road and Central St in Byfield.  Below Central St, the tidal river meanders through beautiful salt marshes on its way to Plum Island Sound.  Dams and the lack of public access restrict canoeing along other parts of the river.

Georgetown-Byfield—2.3 miles

  • Description: Flatwater, passable at most water levels
  • Scenery: Forested, towns
  • Maps: USGS Ipswich, Newburyport
This largely undeveloped section, which flows through the Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area, can be canoed in either direction. The upstream put-in is on Thurlow St in Georgetown, with a downstream access along the power line at River St (the gate is intended to keep out motor vehicles, not paddlers). Despite several fire rings, camping is not permitted in the area.

From Thurlow St, the river’s clear channel meanders through open meadows and then widens into Crane Pond, a natural depression and alewife breeding pond. The river flows out of the pond almost directly opposite the input and continues through meadows, before passing through steep banks with hemlocks and entering a forested section. It then widens into a millpond with the take-out along the power line.

Byfield Millponds—1.2 miles

  • Description: Flatwater millponds, passable at most water levels
  • Scenery: Forested, towns
  • Maps: USGS Ipswich, Newburyport
From Larkin Rd, the river flows slowly through a beautiful marsh past the Byfield Water District’s wellfields, which supply most of Byfield with drinking water, where the river water seeps through porous soils to recharge the underground aquifer. Just past the wellfields, Wheeler Brook enters from the south. This section, rich in wildlife, is an ideal short paddle for families. Take-out is at Central St, to the right of the milldam.  

Byfield-Newbury Old Town—7.7 miles

  • Description: Tidal, passable during most tides
  • Scenery: Salt marsh, towns
  • Maps: USGS Newburyport
The tidal section of the Parker is passable from Central Street in Byfield to Plum Island Sound. This section is most easily paddled three hours before and after high tide, which is about an hour later than for Boston. Low tide presents a different perspective down in the tidal channels; paddle on the incoming tide to avoid being stranded by a lack of water.

There is no public access to the tidal portion of the river at Central St, but it is possible to paddle (on the incoming tide) from downstream access points. The best public access is at Middle Rd, just north of Governor Dummer Academy. From there it is 3.5 miles upstream to Central St, and 4.2 miles downstream to Rt 1A in Newbury Old Town. There also is access from a small wildlife management area east of Rt 1 in Newbury; a dirt road on the south side of the river leads to a small parking area. Newbury residents only may also use the town landing on Rt 1A (sticker required). Below Rt 1A, it is approximately 1 mile to the river’s outlet into Plum Island Sound at Dole’s Island; this section is very difficult to paddle against the tide.

In addition to the Parker River, the tidal portions of its tributaries also can be canoed.  One tributary, the Mill River, which flows from the south and drains much of Rowley, may be accessed from a pull-out on Rt 1 just south of Governor Dummer Academy.  The second major tributary, the Little River, which flows from the north and drains parts of Newbury and Newburyport, is accessible from Hanover St, Hay St, and Newman Rd.  (Parking is available at the Trustees of Reservations’ Old Town Hill, just to the east.) The Little River is canoeable at high tide up to Hanover St, and at lower tides to Hay St.
 

PLUM ISLAND RIVER AND PLUM ISLAND SOUND

The Plum Island River, which flows back and forth between  the waters of the Merrimack and Parker Rivers, is the river that makes Plum Island an island. At its southern end, it is joined by the Parker River, at which point it becomes known as Plum Island Sound.  

At low tide, the Sound appears to be a river channel -- an extension of the Parker River.  At the highest tides, the Sound covers the high marshes and appears to be quite a large bay.  A number of tidal creeks perforate the marsh on both sides, and make for interesting exploration by canoe or kayak. The Rowley River and Ipswich River both empty into the southern portion of the Sound.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Description: Tidal
  • Date checked: 1998
  • Navigable: At all but the lowest tides
  • Scenery: Salt marsh, barrier island, towns
  • Maps: USGS Newburyport, Ipswich
The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a nationally-known birding area, encompasses most of Plum Island (a barrier island) and a good portion of the salt marshes on either side of Plum Island Sound.

For information about local protection efforts, contact the Parker River Clean Water Association, and the Friends of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, PO Box 184, Newburyport, MA 01950.

The Plum Island River may be accessed from the Plum Island Turnpike bridge or via the Parker River at the Rt 1A bridge (town landing resident sticker required).  

The tide on the Plum Island River from the Plum Island bridge to the Parker (4 miles) is not strong, and it is possibe to paddle against the tide.  The best time to paddle this section is within 3 hours of high tide, which is almost an hour later than Boston.  When paddling at lower tides, especially around the full and new moons, be careful not to become stranded on the mudflats.

The southern portion of Plum Island Sound and the Rowley River are accessible from the Ipswich beaches along the road to Great Neck, from Pavilion Beach between Great Neck and Little Neck, or at Crane's Beach.  The Wildlife Refuge itself forbids launching of boats.

The tide on Plum Island Sound and on the lower Parker is very strong and difficult to paddle against.  In the summer, there may be many motorboats and sailboats, and the channel is marked with buoys.  _Caution!_  The current can be dangerous.  Skilled paddlers can begin a trip at the north end, paddle the outgoing tide to the Ipswich beaches, and beat the tide. You must wait at least an hour after the tide turns to begin the return trip on the incoming tide.
 
 
 
 
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(Most Recent Update: 19-Nov-00)