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Best White Water Rafting Near Boston

The thrill of riding the rapids sends a surge of adrenaline rushing through the veins of a whitewater rafter. Whether careening over beginner or advanced rapids, this wild ride is for those who are truly adventurous. Whitewater rafting is only a day trip away from Boston. One venue option is only a one-half hour drive from the city, while others take about two hours to reach the drop-in. There are several options for whitewater rafting close to the Boston area, but the most popular choices lead back to either the Concord River or the Deerfield River in Massachusetts.

Zoar Outdoor
(Photo Credit: Zoar Outdoor)

Zoar Outdoor
7 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
(800) 532-7483
www.zoaroutdoor.com

Zoar Outdoor offers whitewater rafting trips on the Concord River, which depart from the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center. This is a short drive, one-half hour north of the city of Boston. There are three major Class III-IV rapids offered at this destination: Twisted Sister, Three Beauties and Middlesex Dam are the main attractions, which offer a wild and exciting afternoon adventure. Zoar Outdoor runs whitewater rafting trips for many different adventure groups, all of which lead back to the Concord River destination. This is an experienced and safety-conscious company.

American Whitewater
(Photo Credit: American Whitewater)

Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust
American Whitewater
2-98 Corrigan Ave.

Lowell, MA 01852

(866) 262-8429
www.americanwhitewater.org

The Concord River once generated power for the Lowell textile industry. Now, it provides exciting whitewater rafting experiences through the Class III-IV waterway. The Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust trips are arranged through American Whitewater and led by experienced guides from Zoar Outdoor. Everything needed for the rafting experience is provided, including raft, paddles, lifejacket, wetsuit, helmet and waterproof shoes. Rafters must be at least 14 years old to participate.

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Crab Apple Whitewater
(Photo Credit: Crab Apple Whitewater)

CrabApple Whitewater Inc.
2056 Mohawk Trail
Charlemont, MA 01339
(800) 553-7238

www.crabapplewhitewater.com

CrabApple is a 2 ½ hour ride from Boston, and its whitewater rafting adventure travels down the Deerfield River. It offers awe-inspiring scenery along the 10-mile ride through the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains. Dams control the intensity of this ride along the river, which guarantees a thrilling experience. The Class III rapids along the Deerfield River are named Hurricane Rapids, Sideways Splash, Freight Train and Pinball, but don't let the names scare you - the expert staff will steer you to safety. CrabApple Whitewater Inc. offers the riders an opportunity to get out of the raft and float in the cool river towards the end of the journey, where the rapids are calmer. There are five different whitewater rafting adventures offered by CrabApple Whitewater for every level of skill and interest.

Moxie Outdoor Adventures
(Photo Credit: Moxie Outdoor Adventure)


Moxie Outdoor Adventures
38 Troutdale Road
West Forks, ME 04985
(800) 866-6943
www.moxierafting.com

This adventure company offers whitewater rafting along the Deerfield River in Massachusetts from May through October. The river curves through the Berkshires as it winds through the Mohawk Trail, and the scenery is spectacular along each of the offered tours. Moxie Outdoor Adventures has a whitewater adventure for everyone—the offerings range from a 3-hour family friendly, fun and easy 8-mile ride to an aggressive 3-hour Class III-IV wild ride complete with a steak and chicken BBQ lunch. The higher the rating of the rapids, which ranges from Class I-IV, the more difficult and thrilling the ride.

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To go whitewater rafting in the Boston area requires a little planning and travel a bit further than the preferred 30-minute ride from the city. The wet, wild and beyond exciting adventure that lies ahead is certainly worth the ride.

Nancy is a native Bostonian. She enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes of Boston while exploring the city by day or night. Nancy is also a school nurse at an independent middle/high school. Her work can be found on a variety of websites, including Examiner.com.

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