National Parks of Massachusetts

Travel Information

Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers

Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers West of Boston

Description:
A nationally designated Wild and Scenic River northwest of Boston – a respite from the nearby urban life. Outstanding history, scenery, and recreational opportunities come together here. For 29 miles these rivers meander through wide floodplains, home to migratory birds at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge; pass through Minute Man National Historical Park, place of "the shot heard round the world"; and reflect the nature writings of Thoreau and Emerson among others. Gentle canoeing and riverside paths are some of the best ways to enjoy the area. Visitor centers and local museums provide further interpretation of the local area.

Please select a destination point from the following list:



Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (Sudbury)

73 Weir Hill Road
Sudbury, MA 01776

Description:
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is composed of valuable freshwater wetlands flanking 12 miles of the Concord and Sudbury Rivers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protects and manages Great Meadows as habitat for wildlife, with a special emphasis on migratory birds.

Transit Directions: MBTA logo
Not applicable.

Driving Directions: car
Sudbury is located approximately 20 miles west of Boston.

From the East:
1. From I-95 take Exit #26 (“US-20 – Weston”) onto US-20 West.
2. Follow US-20 West to Wayland Center.
3. At the traffic light, turn right onto MA-126/27 North.
4. Almost immediately, bear left to stay on MA-27 North and continue for 1.7 miles.
5. Turn right onto Water Row Road and follow it to the end.
6. Turn right onto Lincoln Road and continue for 0.5 miles.
7. Turn left onto Weir Hill Road and follow signs to the visitor center and headquarters.

From the Northwest:
1. Take MA-2 East to Sudbury Road (1 mile east of Emerson Hospital).
2. Turn right onto Sudbury Road and drive south for approx. 4.5 miles, across MA-117.
3. At the stop sign, turn left onto Concord Road (2.4 miles past MA-117).
4, At Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, turn left onto Lincoln Road and continue for approx. 1.5 miles to the “Great Meadows NWR” sign on the left.
5. Turn left onto Weir Hill Road and follow signs to the visitor center and headquarters.

From the Southwest:
1. Take US-20 East to Sudbury.
2. At a traffic light turn left onto Union Avenue.
3. Merge onto Concord Road at a stop sign and drive for approx. 2.5 miles (crossing MA-27).
4. At Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, turn right onto Lincoln Road and continue for approx. 1.5 miles to the “Great Meadows NWR” sign on the left (1.4 miles).
5. Turn left onto Weir Hill Road and follow signs to the visitor center and headquarters.

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South Bridge Boathouse (Concord)

496-502 Main Street
Concord, MA 01742-2342

Description:
Canoe and kayak rental; parking.

Transit Directions: MBTA logo
Take MBTA Commuter Rail (Fitchburg Line) from North Station in Boston to Concord Center Station. Upon disembarking, turn right onto Thoreau Street. Follow Thoreau Street to Rte 2A (Main St); turn left onto 2A. At the fork in the road, veer right onto Rte 62 (Main St).

Driving Directions: car
Concord is located approximately 20 miles west of Boston.

From the East:
1. Take MA-2 eastbound from Cambridge (Alewife area).
2. From MA-2, take Exit #52B onto I-95/MA-128 North (“Peabody”).
3. From I-95/MA-128, take the first exit: Exit #30B onto MA-2A West (“Concord/Hanscom Field”).
4. Continue on MA-2A (Marrett Road/Massachusetts Avenue) westbound for 3 miles. (You will pass Minute Man NHP sites along the way.)
5. Immediately after the sign for the Brooks Historical Area, fork to the right (“Battle Road/Historical Concord”) onto Lexington Road, leaving MA-2A.
6. Drive for approx. 2 miles, entering the town center of Concord.
7. In the town center, enter the rotary and exit onto Main Street.
8. Continue on Main Street through the center of Concord and into a residential area.
9. At the first large fork in the road, fork to the right to stay on Main Street.
10. At the second large fork, fork to the left to stay on Main Street.
11. Approx. 1 mile from Concord Center, cross a bridge over the river. The boathouse is the first group of buildings on the right.

From the North or South:
1. From I-95/MA-128 (northbound or southbound), follow the directions in “From the East”, above.

From the West:
1. From I-90 (Mass. Turnpike), take Exit #14 onto I-95/MA-128 North.
2. From this point, follow the directions from I-95 in “From the East”, above.

Limited parking is available on both sides of the road, in small parking areas.

Travel Tips:
The boathouse offers direct access to 18 miles of the Concord River and is within easy paddling distance of the Sudbury River, Assabet River, and the Old North Bridge.

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