Detailed River & Facility Information
at Nahanton Park in Newton

Charles River Canoe & Kayak in Nahanton Park is a superb location for your outing! We're just off Route 128, and we have 12 miles of flatwater surrounded by forest and marsh to enjoy.

Like all our locations, we offer group discounts during non-peak hours to groups renting eight boats or more. If you're renting fewer than eight boats, just come down — it's rare that we run out of boats. During our peak hours, reservations require pre-payment of the first hour of rental and an additional reservation fee.

The first two miles upstream of Nahanton Park, you'll pass Cutler Park, Millennium Park, and the Charles River Reservation. After Cow Island Pond and a couple more miles of open river, the Charles begins to wind extensively. In the middle of the meanders, you'll pass through small Motley Pond at the Noble & Greenough School. The meanders end about eight miles from our dock, and the flatwater continues (with increased current) for two to three more miles.

Downstream of our dock the river runs through a more suburban environment for two miles to Hemlock Gorge Park and Silk Mill Dam (an extremely dangerous low-head dam that should not be approached).

There is abundant wildlife along the river, including herons (blue and green), egrets, otters, turtles, cormorants, muskrats, geese, and ducks. There is almost no powerboat traffic on this section of river.

The current in this stretch of river is generally mild, so round trips are easy. At scheduled times we also offer Shuttled River Trips, where we drop boats and paddlers upstream for a beautiful one-way paddle back to our dock.

Upstream your first stopping point is Cutler Park along the right bank. You can land at a concrete abutment and access hiking trails that explore Kendrick Pond, Powell's Island, and Kennedy Farm (view trail map).

On the left shore of Cow Island Pond you'll find sandy Havey Beach. Just beyond, grassy Riverdale Park on the right bank is a great place to picnic or stretch your legs; there are also restaurants nearby (see below).

Outside our Rental Center there are four picnic tables with a water view available for group use. A paved, accessible walking path begins just outside our door. Just a short walk through the woods, there is a soccer/baseball field that is often used by Newton youth sports.

If you are interested in paddling to a restaurant, take out at Riverdale Park two miles upstream from our dock and visit Riverside Pizza or the Olde Irish Alehouse just across the street (remember that boating and drinking don't mix!).

Paddling and food are a great combination — view our favorite local restaurants and caterers. We are happy to arrange catering for your event.