Paddle the Merrimack River from Nashua to Litchfield

We haven't done this paddle in a couple of years, so we're long overdue. Come check out this quiet section of the Merrimack River, launching from the recently refurbished Greeley Park boat ramp. After we put in, we'll head up the Nashua side of the river for a few miles, until we come to the remnants of an old, abandoned river lock that was built in the early 1800s. After exploring a bit, we'll paddle over to the Litchfield side of the river, landing for lunch on an island with a nice sandy beach. In total, we'll paddle approximately 6 miles round trip at an easy, meandering pace to allow ample time for exploration.

VERY IMPORTANT: Your GPS directions may land you on the Litchfield side of the river! This happened to several people the last time we paddled here. To avoid problems, don't just click on the Meet-Up map. Instead, manually set your GPS for Kirkpatrick's Corner, 125 Concord Street, Nashua and then turn onto Hills Ferry Road. To reach the ramp, cross over the railroad tracks, and follow the gravel park access road down to the Merrimack River. See the map in the photos section for details.

NOTE: The sign for Hills Ferry Road is easy to miss, as it's on the right-hand side of the road, not the left, where you would expect it to be. Look for Kirkpatrick's Market (125 Concord St, Nashua, NH), which is on the left-hand corner where you need to turn.

PARKING: There is ample car-top boat parking; however, if necessary, park in the trailer spaces, but let's double up (two cars to a space).

After our paddle, we can meet over at The Big 1 ice cream stand for some frosty treats. It's located just down the road.
The Big 1
185 Concord Street
Nashua, NH

Wearing a lifejacket (PFD) is mandatory when paddling with us.

SOME HISTORY: Cromwell's lock and channel were once an extension of the Middlesex Canal, which linked the Merrimack River by means of the Concord River. Back in the day, this enabled boats to travel from Lowell to Haymarket Square in Boston via a series of locks, canals, aqueducts, culverts and tow lines. The land around the lock was once owned by John Cromwell, who established a fur trading outpost on the site in 1665. Now the home of the Anheiser-Busch brewery, there's lots of local history here, as well as some speculation about buried treasure nearby. The story goes that Cromwell was caught cheating his native American customers and was soon chased off his property, but not before he managed to bury a cache of gold coins.

AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS MEETUP, YOU AGREE TO: Hold harmless, and indemnify the organizers and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the Meetup group from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage, including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this meetup. Kayaking, camping, hiking, bicycling, and other activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgment. As organizers, we make no claims regarding any expertise for this outing. This is not a guided tour.

Consuming alcohol before or during our events is prohibited.