Riverlin Street, Millbury

42° 11.576' N    71° 45.122' W   See this location in: Google Maps   Map Server   Acme Maps

This is a site for launching hand-carried boats such as canoes or kayaks.

Description & Overview:

This unofficial put-in is the first access to the river below the Millbury Rapids. From the dirt pullout described in the directions below the river is easily visible next to the street and there are various options for getting to the river. Pick the place that looks best, and least clogged with poison ivy.

The river below here is largely slow moving but there is some quickwater below the dam at the power sub-station half a mile down river from the put-in. This dam must be portaged! The riverbanks are largely wooded but there are occasional houses and commercial buildings visible from the river. As you approach the Singing Dam area the landscape becomes more rural.

For paddling this section of the Blackstone a more detailed guide is necessary then this website can provide. You should use the AMC River Guide or a similar book and only paddle this section of the river if you are an experienced paddler.

NOTE: There are ongoing issues with pollution in the Blackstone River. Great strides have been made in cleaning up the river relative to where it was a generation or two ago but under some conditions the water may still have a noticeable odor.

This site provides access to the following water bodies in the Blackstone River watershed: Blackstone River.

Location:

Town: Millbury

Nearest Town Center: Millbury, MA

Driving Landmarks: From Route 146 take exit 8 for "West Main Street/Millbury." Follow the signs through the traffic circle(s) for "Millbury Ctr." This will put you on Elm Street heading east. Follow Elm Street for 0.7 miles, through the center of Millbury. At the CVS turn left onto Canal Street and park in the small dirt pull-off on the right.

Access & Waters:

Water 'Features' At Site: whitewater, flatwater/slow moving river

Note: Because one boat launch can access, say, both a lake and a river or both the upstream and downstream portions of a river, not all paddling trips at a given site will necessarily encounter all of the features listed.

Type of Access: Boat launch for hand carried boats

Shoreline: Steep bank with grassy & dirt shoreline

Float/Dock: no

Approximate Length of Carry between Car Access and Water: 20 feet

Parking:

Parking: on street, 3 spaces

ADA Accessible Parking Spaces? no

Nearby Amenities:

Public Restrooms: There are various shops and businesses in the area so at least during normal business hours it should not be too hard to find a restroom.

Sources for More Information:

AMC River Guide: 4th edition pages 150-151

Website: Blackstone Heritage Corridor National Park - Get On the River Page, with links to an excellent set of paddling maps and related information

Photographs:

View along Canal Street towards Riverlin Street

Photography by: Bruce Hooke

Date of Photograph: November 3, 2008

Canal Street is to the left in this picture and Riverlin Street is in the background. There are various possible put-ins down the bank on the right.

Riverlin Street Put-In

Photography by: Bruce Hooke

Date of Photograph: November 3, 2008

This view, taken from the Riverlin Street Bridge, shows the put-in just above the bridge. This area has, unfortunately, become overgrown with poison ivy since this photograph was made.

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