About the River and Watershed
Play Outside!

Thank you for becoming a member of IRWA!

The Ipswich River Watershed is a treasure-trove for the outdoor enthusiast – whether for canoeing and kayaking, fishing, swimming, birding, road or off-road biking, hiking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, orienteering, horseback-riding, nature study and photography, even clamming – there are many great places here to be outdoors having fun!

Join us in exploring the watershed by foot, bike, canoe, kayak, on skis, snowshoes or horseback – enjoy!

We've tried to be as accurate as possible with the routes contained in this guide. However, if you have new information or notice an error, please update us.

This guide was made possible by a grant from REI’s Great Place Program.

Low-Impact Use

Essex County Ornithological Club canoe outing on the Ipswich River, 2003. Canoers are (from right to left): Bob Cary, Carol Johnson, and Randy Johnson. Photo courtesy Jim MacDougall.

As you explore this great place we ask you to help keep it that way. The effects of hiking boots, mountain bike treads, and errant canoes have damaged some trails and meanders already. We need your help to make sure that the places we treasure remain unspoiled for all who come behind us, and all the creatures which live in these places.

Low-impact use means basically leaving the area the same as you found it – with no trace of your passing by. Keep to the trail, even when it’s mucky (wear proper footwear) so as to not contribute to trail widening and erosion. For the most part, there are few resources available for trail maintenance. Take care not to break and trample vegetation. Don’t litter - pack out whatever you packed in – and more, if possible. There are few “facilities” along trails – plan ahead, and consider bringing a container to pack out any solid waste. If not, bring a trowel; any waste should be buried at least 6” to help prevent it being dug up by wildlife. Wads of toilet paper are not a pleasant sight in the outdoors.

Pets may seem like perfect companions for a walk in the woods, but they are often a big problem. Dogs bark and poop and fight with other dogs, and can protect their masters, scaring children, other hikers, horses and wildlife. In all cases, dogs should be on a leash and must be restrained continually when encountering other parties or animals. Masters must clean up after them. We love dogs, mind you – but we’re also aware of a blind spot that many pet owners have about their own animals’ behavior in the wild.

A word about hazards and risk

The activities highlighted all carry risks for those engaging in these activities.

The Ipswich River Watershed Association and writers of this guide assume no liability for anyone engaging in activities, or visiting locations, mentioned in this guide. Landowners permitting the public to use their property for recreation are protected under state law against liabilities for injuries on their land (MGL Ch. 21 S. 17c).

Readers should be aware of state requirements to use approved personal flotation devices (PFD’s) in canoes, kayaks and other watercraft. Children under 12 must wear PFD’s at all times in watercraft, and adults must wear the PFD between September 15 and May 15, and have one for each person in a watercraft at all times. We recommend you use them at all times, and when swimming in a current as well. Wet suits are advised for sea kayaking. You should also be aware of water quality considerations in any water contact recreation.

Be aware of requirements to wear helmets when biking; note we recommend that all bikers should wear helmets and use other appropriate safety gear and precautions.

Hunting is allowed on many state properties. Hunting for some species occurs year-round, but the prime hunting season is from October 1 to February 29, with the deer season from the last Monday in November to the third Saturday in December. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays, nor within 500 feet of a building 150 feet of a paved road or designated bike route (MGL Ch. 151 S. 640).

Lyme ticks are prolific here and outdoor enthusiasts must take precautions to avoid bites and infection. Salt marsh mosquitos are a nuisance even well inland, and greenhead flies are notoriously annoying in July and early August in Ipswich. Poison ivy is very common here, and poison sumac occurs in wetlands.

While you can get away from it all here in the Ipswich River Watershed, most locations noted are relatively close to developed areas, where emergency assistance is available. Please be properly equipped, bring water and food, a map and compass, insect repellent, sunblock, safety equipment, and other necessities. A cell phone with emergency numbers handy may be useful.