Re: [Paddlewise] Cape Ann, Mass. and Vicinity

On Thu, 18 May 2000, Sailboat Restorations, Inc. wrote:

> I have made plans to spend a couple of days in the Cape Ann area over the
> Memorial Day Weekend (I usually bypass this area on my way to Maine, but
> have decided to give it a stopover).  We will be staying in Rockport, Mass.

In Rockport itself you can probably launch from right downtown.  I think, but
I'm not certain, there's access to the water right at Bear Neck.

In Gloucester an easy launch is along the beach in front of the statue of 
the sea captain.

Annisquam, the northwest section of Cape Ann, is real pretty but parking is 
tough, most parking is for residents only, between about 9am and 5pm 
(and they actively ticket).  To paddle in Annisquam I would probably 
park at the Gloucester High School and paddle north out the Annisquam 
river, using the ramp hidden behind the school.  For sheltered paddling 
close to Rockport this would be my first choice.

On route 128 before you get to the Annisquam bridge, there appears to be a 
pull off on the right where you can park and launch at higher tides.  I 
haven't tried this but have seen people launching there.

Someone else on the list may have better launch sites to the south, I don't 
paddle the stretch between Danvers and Gloucester much during the 
summer.  Parking is frequently restricted during the summer.

Paddling around Misery Island is nice, Misery is off Manchester.  I don't 
know where to park during the summer though.  It's a straight shot from 
Misery over to Marblehead.  There are tons of sailboats between 
Manchester and Marblehead, you are almost guaranteed to see at least one
race going on.

> I have read that the area has some great paddling.  The AMC Quiet Water
> Guide describes  the Essex River and the marshes as some of the best
> canoeing in the region.

I personally love paddling the Essex river basin, I paddled there 
this past Saturday.  The easiest launch site is from right in downtown 
Essex at the public ramp next to ERBA (Essex River Basin Adventures, a 
kayak tour company).  In the north section of Essex basin is Hog Island, the 
film The Crucible was filmed there a few years back.  There are a couple 
of interesting old houses (circa 1650 sort of places) on Hog Island.  Hog
island is owned by the Trustees of Reservations.  There may be a small 
fee for picnicing on the island if a caretaker comes by.  Beyond Hog 
island is the back side of the barrier beach.  A loop around Essex basin 
would probably be 10 or 12 miles.

As you go North from Essex I have more launch sites if anyone is interested.

kirk

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