Paddle the Dedham Water Trail in Dedham, MA

10 am is launch time, please plan accordingly.

Paddle the 6.5-mile loop on the Charles River in Dedham, MA. I urge you to go to http://dedhamtrails.com/ and learn about the trail before you go.

We will start at the Dolan Center Launch, 269 Common Street, Dedham, MA. The launch is quiet, kayak/canoe friendly and there is ample parking. The signs actually call it the ‘Dedham Parks and Recreation Complex.” If you miss the first entrance there is another just a short ways along.

From there we will follow the water loop counterclockwise. The pace will be leisurely. There will be a stretch break about half way through. I expect this will take us three to four hours. Pack snacks and drink to your liking please. The current is helpful and the paddling will be easy. We can expect at least one short, flat portage of about 20 yards where the ‘Long Ditch’ rejoins the river at Needham Street, and other places where it may be so shallow we have to walk. Getting out and walking and getting back in at the portage is sometimes tricky.

Required equipment: PFD (on and fastened), 10-foot length of rope, whistle, headlamp/flashlight (for evening paddles). And be prepared to give your emergency contact number to the host if he or she asks for it.

Last minute cancels or are you running late? Call or text to 561 315-0528 Ron Haines

Remember, do your homework. Check this place out at http://dedhamtrails.com/ .