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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
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Upcoming adaptive paddling programs

  • 2026 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.

  • July 8 adaptive canoeing & kayaking at DAR State Forest

    78 Cape St., Goshen, MA 01032
    Wednesday, July 8, 2026
    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.

  • July 9 adaptive kayaking at Whitehall State Park

    299 Wood Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
    Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1–3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and Waypoint Adventure this summer for adaptive kayaking on Whitehall Reservoir in Hopkinton.

  • July 11 adaptive kayaking at Charles River Reservation

    Magazine Beach Cartop Boat Launch, 668 Memorial Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
    Saturday, July 11, 2026
    1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and Waypoint Adventure this summer for adaptive kayaking at Magazine Beach in Cambridge.

  • July 14 adaptive kayaking at Beartown State Forest

    214 Blue Hill Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
    Tuesday, July 14, 2026
    11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
    Join the Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive kayaking on Benedict Pond in Great Barrington..

  • July 15 adaptive canoeing & kayaking at DAR State Forest

    78 Cape St., Goshen, MA 01032
    Wednesday, July 15, 2026
    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.

  • July 16 adaptive kayaking at Walden Pond State Reservation

    915 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742
    Thursday, July 16, 2026
    1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
    Join DCR's Universal Access Program and Waypoint Adventure for adaptive kayaking this summer on Walden Pond in Concord.

  • July 21 adaptive kayaking at Beartown State Forest

    214 Blue Hill Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230
    Tuesday, July 21, 2026
    11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
    Join the Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures this summer for adaptive kayaking on Benedict Pond in Great Barrington..
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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