Best Places to Kayak Near Amherst, MA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Amherst, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby14 Rivers12 Lakes4 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Massachusetts

Top Picks Near Amherst

a body of water with trees around it1

Haviland (Chapin) Pond

Standout kayak fishing on the lake

LakeBeginner14 mi away
a large body of water surrounded by a forest2

Huntington

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner20 mi away
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset3

Nashawannuck Pond

Just 11 miles from Amherst — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner11 mi away
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Connecticut River

Massachusetts · 4.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Connecticut River

Massachusetts · 7.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat floating on top of a lake

Connecticut River (Oxbow)

Massachusetts · 8.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Quabbin Reservoir

Massachusetts · 8.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by a forest

Cranberry Pond

Massachusetts · 8.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Nashawannuck Pond

Massachusetts · 11.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of colorful kayaks lined up next to each other

Connecticut River

Massachusetts · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Springfield Reservoir

Massachusetts · 12.5 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Swift River

Massachusetts · 13.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Quabbin Reservoir

Massachusetts · 14.2 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Haviland (Chapin) Pond

Massachusetts · 14.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Swift River (Palmer)

Massachusetts · 14.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water under blue sky during daytime

Hardwick Pond

Massachusetts · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Chicopee River (Red Bridge Landing)

Massachusetts · 14.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a dramatic desert canyon at sunset

Quabbin Reservoir

Massachusetts · 14.9 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Chicopee River

Massachusetts · 15.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Highland Lake (Upper)

Massachusetts · 15.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Highland Lake (Lower)

Massachusetts · 15.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Forest Lake

Massachusetts · 15.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of colorful kayaks lined up next to each other

Connecticut River (Barton Cove)

Massachusetts · 16.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Ware River (North Street)

Massachusetts · 16.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
boats on ground with dried leaves

Five Mile Pond

Massachusetts · 16.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a small white boat floating on top of a lake

Connecticut River

Massachusetts · 16.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
boats on ground with dried leaves

Pequot Pond

Massachusetts · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
brown tree log on lake

Ware River

Massachusetts · 16.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water under blue sky during daytime

Lake Rohunta

Massachusetts · 17.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Millers River

Massachusetts · 18.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by a forest

Laurel Lake

Massachusetts · 18.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by a forest

Huntington

Massachusetts · 20.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Millers River (North Orange Road)

Massachusetts · 20.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Amherst.

North Amherst, MA2 miHadley, MA3 miHatfield, MA5 miSunderland, MA6 miNorth Hatfield, MA6 miWest Hatfield, MA6 miLeverett, MA6 miWhately, MA7 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Amherst, MA?

Top picks near Amherst include Haviland (Chapin) Pond, Huntington, Nashawannuck Pond. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, lakes, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Amherst?

Near Amherst you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Amherst?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Amherst are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.