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Accessible boating

Access to boating in Massachusetts state parks is provided through adaptive recreational programming in the spring, summer, and fall.

Adaptive kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and rowing programs are offered seasonally through the Universal Access Program. Adaptations include specialized boats, seating, outriggers, and paddles, as well as custom modifications and staff support. Most programs take place on ponds or lakes, with river opportunities available for more experienced paddlers. Most boating programs have a small fee, and pre-registration is always required. Contact the Universal Access Program for more information, or to be notified of upcoming program locations and dates.

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Learn about adaptive kayaking and canoeing programs  Learn about adaptive rowing programs  Learn about adaptive sailing programs 

Locations

Locations of adaptive boating programs

Upcoming adaptive paddling programs

  • Adaptive rowing on the Connecticut River 

    25 Jones Ferry Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
    Thursdays by appointment, April–October
    Join the Universal Access Program and Holyoke Rows every Thursday for adaptive rowing on the Connecticut River.

  • Aug. 12 adaptive kayaking at Hopkinton State Park 

    164 Cedar St. , Hopkinton, MA 01748
    Tuesday, August 12, 2025
    10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive kayaking in Hopkinton.

  • Aug. 12 adaptive kayaking at Charles River Reservation 

    Magazine Beach Cartop Boat Launch, 668 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139
    Tuesday, August 12, 2025
    1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join the Universal Access Program and Waypoint Adventure for adaptive kayaking on the Charles River at Magazine Beach in Cambridge.

  • Aug. 13 adaptive canoeing & kayaking at DAR State Forest 

    78 Cape St., Goshen, MA 01032
    Wednesday, August 13, 2025
    9:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive canoeing & kayaking in Goshen.

  • Aug. 14 adaptive kayaking at Quinsigamond State Park 

    10 N. Lake Ave., Worcester, MA 01612
    Thursday, August 14, 2025
    10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive kayaking at Regatta Point on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester.

  • Aug. 19 adaptive kayaking at Hopkinton State Park 

    164 Cedar St. , Hopkinton, MA 01748
    Tuesday, August 19, 2025
    10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive kayaking in Hopkinton.

  • Aug. 19 adaptive kayaking at Whitehall State Park 

    299 Wood Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
    Tuesday, August 19, 2025
    1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and Waypoint Adventure for adaptive kayaking on Whitehall Reservoir in Hopkinton.

  • Aug. 20 adaptive canoeing & kayaking at DAR State Forest 

    78 Cape St., Goshen, MA 01032
    Wednesday, August 20, 2025
    9:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive canoeing & kayaking in Goshen.
See all events   for the Accessible boating

Contact Information

Address

PO Box 484, Amherst, MA 01004
Directions 

Phone

Call Universal Access Program at (413) 461-7126

Online

Email Universal Access Program at DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov

Fax

(413) 461-7980

Related Services

Image credits:  Kayaking with pontoons at Highland Lake, DAR State Forest (Marcy Marchello)

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