Double Your Pleasure

Double Your Pleasure Double Your Pleasure

Great Outdoors Tully River, Autumn, evening paddlers. W hat could be more entrancing than a vista of sunlit autumn leaves, with brilliant yellows, oranges and reds backed by a deep blue sky? How about a double dose of that foliage — reflected on the shimmering surface of a quiet lake or stream? The abundant waterways sprinkled throughout North Central Massachusetts practically shout an invitation for leaf-peepers to hop in a canoe or kayak to enjoy a peaceful, colorfilled afternoon. You don’t have a canoe handy? No problem! There are businesses in the region that rent equipment — or will even lead you on a tour — so that you can double your foliage fun.

Nashoba Paddler in Groton rents a variety of equipment, from kid-sized and double kayaks to giant canoes. Reservations are required, so be sure to call ahead. Nashoba is open weekends and holidays from Labor Day through October 24. Call 978448-8699 for reservations, or visit their website at nashobapaddler.com for details about rentals.

Nashoba also offers paddling tours, including a River Paddling Adventure Tour on September 11 and Fall Foliage Paddles on October 3 and October 9.

And don’t forget Tip #1: Bring a drybag or put your valuables into a Ziplock bag and then into something that can be secured to the boat or yourself! Fishing a wet phone out of the water could put a damper on an otherwise perfect afternoon outing!

Billy Goat Boats

rents canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards and paddleboats at the Orange Community Boathouse on the Millers River in Orange. Reservations are required, and can be made via the website, billgoatboats.com. The company also hosts community events like canoe races; check their website to see what’s happening!

So, you’re ready to take to the waters for a reflective day of foliage-viewing. The big question is: Where to begin? Try Lake Mattawa in Orange, Leominster State Forest, Dunn Park in Gardner, Silver Lake in Athol, Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Harvard, the Squannacook River in Townsend, or Tully Lake in Royalston — and that’s just a drop in the local waterway bucket!

A Millers River Watershed Council Inc., has produced a “Blue Trail Guide” to that waterway; it’s available at tourist locations like the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center in Lancaster and Trail Head outfitters store in Orange. A 120-page pocket guide to the Nashua River watershed is available for purchase through the Nashua River Watershed Association. And to learn more about some of the canoe and kayak hot spots in this area, visit Massachusetts.com. §

Tully River, fall foliage and kayakers.

Photos by John Burk.