Access Site
MA
Merrimack River (Rourke)
City: Lowell, MA
County: Middlesex County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.63883138, -71.36978046
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Merrimack River
3 runsDifficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
III
Downstream from here (2.7 mi to put-in)
Pawtucket Run
0.8 mi
I-II+(III)
Upstream from here (21.3 mi from take-out)
6) Amoskeag Falls to Goffs Falls (Crack Pipe, 293 Wave)
5.1 mi
4 ft/mi
I
Upstream from here (40.9 mi from take-out)
1) Franklin to Concord
24.0 mi
5 ft/mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Rourke Brothers State Boat Ramp provides seasonal access to the Merrimack River in Lowell, located at 160 Pawtucket Boulevard (Route 113). The facility offers 44 trailer parking spaces and 20 car parking spaces, making it suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. The ramp is open seasonally, so check current conditions before planning your trip, as access may be affected by dam operations or maintenance work in the area.
This access point places paddlers within Lowell's historic canal network and adjacent to the Lowell National Historical Park. The two-mile riverside esplanade provides scenic paddling opportunities through an area rich in Industrial Revolution history. Be aware that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises against fish consumption for children under 12 and pregnant women due to mercury levels; all anglers should limit consumption of White Suckers and Largemouth Bass to two meals per month.
For current ramp status, hours, and seasonal opening dates, contact the facility directly at 978-458-8750 before your visit.
This access point places paddlers within Lowell's historic canal network and adjacent to the Lowell National Historical Park. The two-mile riverside esplanade provides scenic paddling opportunities through an area rich in Industrial Revolution history. Be aware that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises against fish consumption for children under 12 and pregnant women due to mercury levels; all anglers should limit consumption of White Suckers and Largemouth Bass to two meals per month.
For current ramp status, hours, and seasonal opening dates, contact the facility directly at 978-458-8750 before your visit.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Lowell National Historical Park
Located within
Minute Man National Historical Park
Located within