Where to Paddle
The Shawsheen River is a 27-mile-long tributary of the Merrimack River in northeast Massachusetts. The river runs generally northward through the towns of Bedford, Billerica, Wilmington, Tewksbury, Andover, and Lawrence, where it joins the Merrimack. It originates at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford and travels through the six communities before emptying into the Merrimack River along the border between Lawrence and North Andover.
In early 2017 the Stevens Street and Balmoral dam removal projects were completed. These dam removals opened up a large section of habitat for migrating herring and other river wildlife.
In addition to wildlife habitat, the Shawsheen offers several wonderful locations for enjoyable recreational paddling. The map below provides an overview of the preferred paddling sections in Andover.
As with all paddling activities, safety is a primary consideration.
These are the recommended sections for recreational paddling on the Shawsheen in Andover:
In early 2017 the Stevens Street and Balmoral dam removal projects were completed. These dam removals opened up a large section of habitat for migrating herring and other river wildlife.
In addition to wildlife habitat, the Shawsheen offers several wonderful locations for enjoyable recreational paddling. The map below provides an overview of the preferred paddling sections in Andover.
As with all paddling activities, safety is a primary consideration.
- Wear a properly fitting life jacket
- Scout the section to be paddled ahead of time as conditions are always changing
- Paddle in areas within your skill set
- Understand river hazards
- Consider weather and water level conditions
These are the recommended sections for recreational paddling on the Shawsheen in Andover:
