Each spring, the Merrimack River in Hudson, New Hampshire, calls on community members to engage with a challenge that’s part stewardship, part adventure. The Annual Merrimack River Cleanup is both a practical mission and a chance to traverse the green spaces hugging the riverbank — paths that shift from open river views to shaded groves where the water dares you to notice its slower, more deliberate current.

This cleanup event spans roughly 3 miles along accessible riverfront trails, featuring modest elevation shifts (under 200 feet) that wind through mixed hardwood forests and open grassy banks. The terrain stays mostly flat, punctuated by occasional rocky sections near the water’s edge where debris gathers, making it ideal for volunteers of various fitness levels. Footsteps crunch beneath mixed pine needles and fallen leaves, while the river murmurs insistently beside you — a restless force that both gives life and demands respect.

Navigating the shoreline during cleanup offers moments to pause and observe: osprey wheel overhead, dragonflies dart like arrows just above the water, and the occasional great blue heron stands statuesque amidst reeds. The river may be calm here, but its capacity to carve and change is evident in the jagged banks and shifting pebble beds. Volunteers become part of this rhythm, collecting discarded trash that stubbornly clings to the shore, helping the river breathe easier.

Preparation is straightforward but crucial. Dress for variable spring weather, with sturdy, waterproof footwear to negotiate muddy patches and slick rocks. Gloves, provided at the event, shield your hands, while reusable water bottles keep hydration steady. Arriving early in the morning ensures cooler temperatures and less crowded trails, giving you the best chance to engage deeply with the environment and the work.

Beyond the cleanup, Hudson’s river corridor offers a gateway to further exploration. The adjacent trails connect to parks and conservation lands, making it easy to extend your visit with hikes or birdwatching sessions. Locals note a hidden overlook a half-mile upstream where the river corridor opens into a broad vista — a quiet reward after the collective effort downstream.

Volunteering here is more than picking up litter; it’s entering a pulse of nature that’s fiercely itself. The Merrimack refuses to be tamed, but with community hands supporting its wellbeing, it remains a place where adventure and responsibility intertwine. Whether you come for the physical challenge, the fresh spring air, or the chance to connect with nature firsthand, the Annual Merrimack River Cleanup offers a tangible way to participate in the ongoing story of this river and the land it commands.