Saturday, Aug 16 - Paddle the Herring River, Harwich

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The Herring River is a scenic waterway, surrounded by over 200 acres of Harwich Conservation Lands. We always see birds along the peaceful banks and expansive marsh.

The launch area is muck when the river is low and it will be low this morning, with high tide in the sound at 5:12 AM and low tide at 10:53 AM. If we launch when the launch area is not muck, we can't make it up the last 300' feet of the paddle where we can get out to take a brief break.

You can stay out of the mud at the launch by either standing on the concrete ramp and stepping into your boat OR putting your boat parallel to the end of the ramp and getting in while still on concrete.

We'll head to the end of the river. There should be enough water to allow us to make it to the very end of the river, where there is a tiny section of sand where we can land and tie our boats. There is a herring ladder that connects the river with the West Reservoir. This scenic area offers a panoramic view of the reservoir and lots of trees that can act as "facilities."

All paddles are for experienced and energetic paddlers. This is not a place to "get experience on the water"...you need that experience before paddling with this group. No guests on paddles.

DIRECTIONS: COMING FROM EAST OF HARWICH: Take exit 10 from US 6 and turn onto Rt 124 south. Drive to the intersection of 124 and 39. Take 39 south for 1.3 miles to Rt 28, turn right onto 28 north, go 0.9 mile and turn LEFT down a slope into a dirt parking lot just before the Herring River Bridge. Do not cross the bridge. Do not pass Cape Cod's irish Pub.

COMING FROM WEST OF HARWICH: Take exit 9A and go south on Rt 134 and drive about 2 miles to Rt 28. Turn left at the lights onto Rt 28 / Main Street and go east about 2 miles, though the "downtown area" of Dennisport ...see Bishop's Terrace restaurant on the left and Riverside Drive on the right...then you can't miss Cape Cod's Irish Pub on the left. Cross the bridge and take a right turn, down a slope into a dirt parking lot.

Plan to arrive before 10:00 AM, as we will be in the water and paddling at 10:00.

MAKE SURE I CAN CONTACT YOU IN CASE WEATHER FORCES A CANCELLATION.