Welcome to OnTheCharles.com, a website designed to promote Kayaking and Canoeing on the Charles River in Southeastern Massachusetts. Breathtaking scenery and the gently flowing current of the Charles make it the perfect choice for a day on the water.
Beginning in Hopkinton at Echo Lake, the Charles River winds through the towns of Milford, Hopedale, Mendon, Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway, before arriving at Populatic Pond in Norfolk. Although there are some Kayaking opportunities on this upper part of the river, access is limited, the water is often shallow, and there are many dams and other obstacles to contend with. Beginning at Populatic Pond however, there are sixty miles of easily navigable water to the mouth of the river in Boston Harbor.
Within these pages, you will find information on more than 25 launch areas along the Charles, from Norfolk to Boston, where you can park your car and take to the water in whatever type of small boat you prefer (Kayak, Canoe, Raft). You'll also find driving directions, information on portaging around the dams, photographs, desktop wallpaper, and some basic maps.