This route features the incredibly scenic Squannacook River. I’ve spent many hours enjoying the river from my kayak. This route features many of the highlights but is considerably dryer. However, if the weather is warm there are many opportunities for cooling off.

The best part of this route is the 3 miles of gated dirt road that parallels the river on the Shirley side. We will also visit the old Thompsonville mill site, ride part of the proposed Squannacook River Rail Trail, and we may even stop by the rope swing at a great swimming hole.

The whole adventure starts at the West Groton Water Department at #305 Townsend Road in West Groton. From West Groton, go north on Townsend Road. You will pass Hollingsworth & Vose on your left and soon you will come to a green oval sign on your left that says “West Groton Water Department”. Turn left at the next driveway just before the bright yellow fire hydrant and proceed across the old railroad tracks and past the water department building. NOTE: This is a “NO SALT AREA”, so leave your Doritos at home :-)

Click on the map below for driving directions from your location.

You can even get real time water flow data for the Squannacook River at the following site:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ma/nwis/uv?01096000