Adventure Collective
null - Boston

Concord River Rafting

Lowelleasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in decent health, comfortable with light physical activity, and able to sit for extended periods.

Overview

Experience the thrill of Concord River Rafting with Zoar Outdoor in Lowell, Massachusetts. Perfect for adventure lovers, this guided trip offers scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a fun day on the water. Discover why this outdoor activity is a must-do for your Massachusetts itinerary!

Boat Tour
Events
Rafting
Surf
Train
Lowell, Massachusetts

Concord River Rafting

Class III & IV Rapids | 9 AM and 1 PM Start Times | Ages 14+

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Adventure Photos

Concord River Rafting photo 1

About This Adventure

An Urban Whitewater Gem, 30 Minutes from Boston!


##Rates:

  • Per Person: $110
  • Wetsuits are included

*One person rides for free with every 12 guests booked!


Duration and Location

  • 3 Hour half-day trips starting at 9:00 and 1:00. Wetsuits are included with each trip.
  • Concord trips meet at 650 Suffolk St, Lowell, MA 01854
  • We schedule our Concord trips based on seasonally available water flows, so occasionally we have to modify or cancel the trip due to a lack or overabundance of water. In the event that we must cancel a trip we will give you as much notice as possible and your fee will be completely refundable.

About the Concord River

Come join us for early spring whitewater rafting on the Concord River, just 30 minutes north of Boston, Massachusetts.

This urban whitewater gem plunges over three major class III-IV rapids - Twisted Sister, Three Beauties, and The Middlesex Dam. When the water level is right, Three Beauties becomes an intensely fun surfing hole. Surfing involves paddling upstream into a wave or hole with the goal to fill the boat with water, splash the entire crew, or maybe even have the boat stand on end.

We run this section twice on each Concord River rafting trip and welcome adventurous rafters ages 14 and older. Participants on this trip may be required to swim aggressively wearing a personal flotation device in rocky, fast whitewater.

A portion of the proceeds from this trip benefits the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, working to preserve green space in the city of Lowell.

The Concord River rafting trip is a spring trip only. This trip runs on select weekends, April through May. Additional weekday trips are available for groups of 12 or more. Please call the office for more details and availability.


What To Bring and Wear

Expect everything you bring with you on the raft to get wet!

  • Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are provided for the Concord Trip at no extra charge. We ask you to not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip.
  • In cooler weather, wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are suggested to wear under the wetsuits for cooler air and water temperatures.
  • You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet if you prefer to not wear the river booties provided. No flip-flops or Crocs!
  • Extra money for souvenirs, snacks, gratuities, etc.
  • Bring any required medications such as EpiPen, inhalers, diabetic medications.
  • Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

Participation Requirements

Adventurers on the Concord Trip:

  • Must be 14 years old or older.
  • Must sign their own waiver, and if under 18 also have a legal guardian sign for them.

For all of our whitewater trips, guests must be able/willing to do the following:

  • Must wear our helmet and our personal flotation device (PFD)*.
  • Respond to and follow verbal or visual instruction.
  • Independently roll face up in water while wearing a PFD
  • Demonstrate dynamic sitting position with head above water (sitting upright), and float with feet up in water.
  • Be able to navigate with minimal assistance on rocky, uneven ground and descend staircases with no railings.

*Our helmets fit a maximum head circumference of 62cm (24.4 inches). Our PFDs fit a maximum chest size of 56 inches.

Specifically for the Concord River trip, guests should be able to:

  • Paddle in the rapids, but with frequent rests.
  • Remain calm, lay flat, and orient their body so their feet are aiming downstream if they find themselves unexpectedly in the water.

On the Concord trip, longer unexpected swims in rocky class III/IV rapids are possible, and guests need to be prepared to self-rescue by swimming aggressively to shore or other rafts, and/or be prepared to receive a throw rope from shore. Swims while surfing can involve more underwater time and are more likely to result in coming up under the boat.

Don't forget to read your confirmation letter (there is a lot of useful information in there!). Please also take the time to fill out your online guest details (available through your confirmation) as fully as possible, as this helps us provide correctly sized wetsuits and booties for everyone.

Call our office if you have any additional questions. We're always happy to help!

Adventure Tips

Wear quick-drying clothes and water shoes

Always wear clothing that dries quickly and appropriate footwear to stay comfortable during the rafting trip.

Apply sunscreen before the trip

Protect your skin from UV rays by applying sunscreen before heading out on the water.

Stay hydrated throughout the day

Bring along water bottles and drink regularly to stay hydrated during your adventure.

Follow your guide’s safety instructions

Listen carefully to the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Great blue herons
  • Beavers

History

The Concord River played a crucial role in early American history, serving as a transportation route during colonial times.

Conservation

Zoar Outdoor prioritizes eco-friendly practices by maintaining minimal environmental impact and promoting river safety.

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Adventure Hotspots in Boston

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Quick-drying clothing

Essential

Clothing that dries quickly keeps you comfortable after getting wet during the trip.

Water shoes or secure footwear

Essential

Proper footwear helps prevent slipping and keeps your feet protected on the boat and wet surfaces.

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with waterproof sunscreen suitable for water activities.

summer specific

Hat and sunglasses

A wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses help shield your eyes and face from the sun.

summer specific