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2020 Paddle Your Shawsheen

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April through October 2020

Andover Recreation and Conservation Departments are partnering with Andover Trails to make it easy for you to enjoy paddling on the Shawsheen River - one of Andover’s close-to-home outdoor treasurers.

This year the boat storage program is again free of charge and use of canoes and kayaks is free of charge and with an easy application process. We are unable, unfortunately, to offer our customary monthly free instructional paddling days in 2020, due to corona-virus concerns.  

Free Paddling
Canoes, kayaks, paddles, life vests, and some guidance will be provided by volunteers to help you enjoy easy flatwater paddling on selected sections of the River. This family friendly activity will be held on certain Sunday afternoons during paddling season on a first come first serve basis. Check this website for dates, times, and locations each week as the program will vary depending on weather conditions and volunteer availability.

Free Boat Storage
To make it easier to enjoy the Shawsheen, racks to store boats are located by the river saving the need to transport your canoe or kayak for each trip. To start the season the racks are located at Shawsheen Pines on Lowell Junction Road, at the Abbot Bridge Drive canoe launch site, and at the end of Dale Street in Ballardvale. You need to sign-up in advance to use the racks and must provide your own lock and cables. All those that sign-up receive a numbered sticker, as well as an information packet about paddling the Shawsheen. Space on the racks is limited and on a first come first serve basis.  

Please note: All of our boat-storage racks are full, as of June 27, 2020. Please fill out the form below to be placed on a waiting list, or to be notified should additional racks be installed. 

Boat Storage Application Form:  Fill-out and return this form to reserve a rack spot. Space is limited. 

Make this the year that you and your family experience flat water paddling close to home and explore one of Andover’s great natural resources.

For questions or more information, email:
shawsheengreenway@gmail.com