Dale Street - Central Street (Abbot Bridge Drive)

This section runs from immediately below the Ballardvale dam at Dale Street downstream to Central Street at the Abbot Bridge Drive canoe launch. 

• The most recommended section for family friendly paddling at both low and high-water levels. 
• 1.8 river miles (about one hour downstream) through the woodlands and marsh of protected lands of AVIS and Andover Conservation for a wilderness-like experience. 
• Good parking and access at the end of Dale Street (dirt parking lot) and along Abbot Bridge Drive (short walk from the street to the launch). 
• Scouted and maintained by Shawsheen Greenway. 
• Can be paddled in most water levels upstream (some effort) or downstream for flexibility of put-in location and paddling effort. 
• For more exploring, you can carry over the berm into the South Marsh of Pomps Pond (a short way downstream from Dale St.) and see a diversity of wildlife. The marsh can be paddled only in high water, generally early season. 
• Another exploration is to travel the old ‘Andover Canoe Club’ hand-dug canal from the half-way point on the trip over to Pomps Pond. This is only accessible at higher water levels and may require local river knowledge to locate. 

Warning: It is not recommended to paddle downstream from Central Street! This section has fast water sections and a breached dam with a very narrow, rocky, fast channel that is not appropriate for family friendly paddling. Also, there are no good access points downstream of Central Street. 

Map (PDF):
This map is available to assist in paddling this area.
A color, glossy, foldable printed copy is available for purchase – Contact Us. ​
Print on 11" x 17" stock.