Explore the Merrimack
Boating, kayaking or canoeing
Great! You’ll find a wide variety of experiences and environments—ranging from lake-like calm water to fierce (and sometimes dangerous) rapids and tidal flows.
Here is information on each of the four major regions of the Merrimack:
the Four Major regions of the Merrimack:
Lower Mass
From the sea to the Great Stone Dam in Lawrence, 30 miles. Most of this stretch is tidal, which can present challenges for paddlers—particularly when the tide is going out. This is the busiest stretch of the river, with thousands of power boats docked at marinas, resting on moorings, or entering via boat ramps. Many miles of excellent water for powerboating. Some kayaking happens along this part of the river, but in many areas you’ll contend with wakes and confusing currents.
Upper Mass
From the Great Stone Dam in Lawrence to the New Hampshire border, 19 miles. A wide variety of boating options (kayaks, canoes, power boats, crew boats). This region has 2 dams—in Lawrence and Lowell.
Lower N.H.
From the Mass. border to Garvin’s Falls dam in Bow, 35 miles. This area also supports a good variety of boating options, though it can be shallow and tricky in some parts. Not an ideal place to bring a deep-draft boat. There are 3 dams—in Manchester, Hooksett and Bow.
Upper N.H.
From Bow to the river’s headwaters, in Franklin—30 miles. This is the arguably the best region for paddlers. A wide range of water conditions (ranging from calm to rapids). Long stretches of wild, unpeopled shorelines, this area is eligible for inclusion on the national list of Wild and Scenic Rivers. Tends to be shallow and rocky in many spots.
Join the fun
We are hiring!
We are seeking a full-time Project Manager to join our growing team.
The Project Manager will lead the Merrimack Restoration Partnership (MRP) in the planning and implementation of restoration projects across the watershed. The MRP is a coalition of 6 NGOs working collaboratively to identify and advance ecological restoration projects in the Massachusetts portion of the watershed. The Partnership is funded through MA DER to build regional capacity to identify, develop and implement high priority projects such as river and stream barrier removal, urban stream revitalization and wetland restoration.
Find out more here! https://merrimack.org/employment/
Just a couple of days left to register to volunteer with us to clean up the Piscataquog River Park in Manchester NH! Help remove invasive species and pick up trash from the park. Lunch will be provided! Learn more at
http://merrimack.org/events/prpcleanupextravaganza
@manchesternh_parksrec Manchester, NH Parks & Recreation Friends of Piscataquog River Park
Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live. #EarthDay
https://www.cleanlink.com/news/article/The-History-Of-Earth-Day--13085
National Environmental Education Week highlights the critical work educators do to instill a passion for science and the environment in their students. This year it takes place on April 19-23.
The goal is to create awareness of the damage modern society has done to the world, and to teach the next generation to be environmentally responsible. Educators can visit neefusa.org and register to receive high-quality materials and other resources.
@neefusa_org #STEM
