Paddling Committee
The Paddling Committee organizes quietwater and whitewater canoeing and kayaking trips. We love to get people on the water, and can provide instruction for new paddlers. We are blessed to have a variety of places to paddle in our region from quiet ponds to larger lakes, mellow rivers and whitewater rivers. The Connecticut River offers long and short paddle trips and even water-accessible campsites.
Please read the
AMC Trip Policy (PDF) before joining a trip.
Whitewater Paddling
Whitewater paddling means canoeing and kayaking on moving water with rocks, waves, and other features. We paddle local rivers such as the Deerfield which is dam controlled and allows for whitewater paddling April through October. We are happy to have new paddlers join us on some of our easier trips. Whitewater training is available through local whitewater schools such as Zoar Outdoor or through the AMC's whitewater training programs lead by other AMC chapters. We sometimes sponsor a day-long whitewater kayak clinic with Zoar Outdoor – check the
trip schedule for this and other whitewater events.
Quietwater Paddling
"Quietwater" paddling means scenic canoeing or kayaking on lakes, ponds, and gentle rivers. Western Massachusetts has some splendid rivers and lakes for quietwater paddling. We'll take you there, and we can even help provide you with a boat and gear. We teach the basics of boating safety and effective paddling at our annual instructional program. Our quietwater trips are listed in the
trip schedule. Sign up for the
quietwater discussion list. For questions or information
email us.
River Stewardship
We educate paddlers on water quality and identification of invasive species. In conjunction with AMC's Conservation Committee, we organize river stewardship events to remove invasive water chestnut plants from local rivers.
Our Partners
All Out Adventures
Holyoke RowsUpcoming Activities
Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.
[LGBTQ+] River Trip
Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 23‑May‑2025
Register »Join LGBTQ+ people and allies to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. Multiple opportunities are available between May 23 and September 19. Refer to the registration page for more information.
National Trails Day: Paddle on Cheshire Reservoir
Location: Cheshire, MA
Date: 07‑Jun‑2025
Register »We will be paddling on the Cheshire Reservoir middle basin alongside the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. This 500 acre reservoir is shallow (6-9 ft deep), mostly undeveloped, and has wildlife viewing opportunities. We plan to paddle in the morning for 2.5-3 hours at a leisurely pace to explore the reservoir. Then there will be an option to go for ice cream after the paddle at Diane's Twist on Main St. by the rail trail in Cheshire.
[LGBTQ+] Pride Day on the River Dryway Run
Location: Monroe, MA
Date: 22‑Jun‑2025
Register »Join LGBTQ+ people and allies to enjoy the Dryway section (Class 3-4) of the Deerfield River in northwest MA. This is not a step up trip. Please have a solid roll in moving water, successful experiences on New England Class 4 rivers and/or the Dryway. Contact the trip leader to discuss if you're unsure. Bring your own gear.
[LGBTQ+] River Trip
Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 27‑Jun‑2025
Register »Join LGBTQ+ people and allies to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. Multiple opportunities are available between May 23 and September 19. Refer to the registration page for more information.
Paddling Instruction at Barton Cove - Strokes and Safety
Location: Gill, MA
Date: 05‑Jul‑2025
Register »Paddling instruction class offered for beginners and those who have been paddling but without prior formal instruction. Also suitable for those who want to brush up on their paddling and safe boating skills. Participants will be given instruction on land initially, then together we will venture into the cove. This class will be led by AMC Western MA paddle leaders who have been trained as paddling instructors by the American Canoe Association. The day will include instruction and practice in the basic paddle strokes (forward and reverse strokes, turns using sweep strokes or rudders, draw strokes for lateral travel) and a paddle trip around the cove. Paddling games on the water will reinforce skills.
[LGBTQ+] River Trip
Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 25‑Jul‑2025
Register »Join LGBTQ+ people and allies to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. Multiple opportunities are available between May 23 and September 19. Refer to the registration page for more information.
[LGBTQ+] River Trip
Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 15‑Aug‑2025
Register »Join LGBTQ+ people and allies to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. Multiple opportunities are available between May 23 and September 19. Refer to the registration page for more information.
[LGBTQ+] River Trip
Location: Fife Brook, MA
Date: 19‑Sep‑2025
Register »Join LGBTQ+ people and allies to enjoy the Deerfield River (lower Fife Brook/Shunpike/Zoar Take out section, class 1-2) for a late afternoon Friday river trip. Multiple opportunities are available between May 23 and September 19. Refer to the registration page for more information.
Activity Schedule
All activities are subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions or water levels. Check
activities on outdoors.org for up-to-the-minute additions not yet shown here. Not all activities may be posted yet.