Blue & Green Trails

OARS' vision:
• The Rivers should be navigable by canoes and kayaks, have good access, and have safe passage around the dams.
• A system of trails should allow hikers, anglers, and naturalist access to river banks and surrounding conservation lands

Blue & Green Trails along the Assabet River

This project - a cooperative trail project between OARS, the towns of Acton and Maynard, and the DCR's Recreational Trails Program - moves OARS' vision closer to reality. The project includes a handicapped-friendly kayak dock at Ice House Landing in Maynard and a new walking trail connecting Acton and Maynard along the shore of the Assabet River.
A handicapped-friendly dock and kayak launch has been installed at Maynard's Ice House Landing. The dock is conveniently located next to a newly-completed section of the Assabet River Rail Trail and parking area at the end of Winter Street in Maynard. From Ice house Landing it is a scenic five-mile paddle (one way) upstream to Route 62/Gleasondale in Stow. Or put in at Gleasondale and paddle the easy way downstream to Maynard! (visit OARS Recreational Map)
The new trail in Acton is being built along the west side of the Assabet River between Old High and Parker Streets. It will have access points at each end, including a small gravel parking lot and interpretive signs. Several boardwalks and small bridges will span the boggy sections of the trail and there will be a boardwalk to the edge of the river overlooking the historic Powder Mill dam site. The construction is largely a volunteer effort of groups including the Acton Land Stewards, the Boy Scouts, and Acton/Boxborough students, and High Rock Church, with the oversight and support of Acton Natural Resource Department. Trail Map.


A financial partnership between the Recreational Trails Program of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), OARS, and the towns of Acton and Maynard made this project a reality.

Trees down!
Paddlers may encounter trees that have fallen into the river, partially or completely blocking their passage. As long as you can safely paddle around the tree branches, they may be left undisturbed to provide habitat to turtles, fish and other river life.

Where tree branches and trunks fully block the river, they pose a hazard to paddlers. Do not paddle near the trees in high/rapidly flowing water to avoid being trapped in "strainers". Please report the blockage to your local Conservation Commission and/or OARS, complete with a map or other way to identify the location.