White Water Rafting

Visit

650 Suffolk Street, Lowell, 01854

Access

Google directions

Advanced reservations are required.

Must be 14 to raft.

All equipment provided.

2024 pricing: $105/person

Reservations

Parking: Registration for the Concord River rafting trips start at a historic mill in downtown Lowell, A. Free parking is available onsite in a visitor's lot off Suffolk Street. Street parking on Saturdays is ticketed.

We look forward to seeing you for our 2024 season!

“The Concord River, placid at its headwaters, evolves into a raging torrent for two miles as the river empties into the Merrimack in Lowell. We’re talking epic — at least for a couple of months each spring.Three sets of Class 3 and 4 rapids thunder past the river’s banks…” – The Concord Bridge, April 6, 2023

“Squeeze into a wet suit, hop into a raft, and hang on! Whitewater rafting on the Concord River in Lowell happens only on weekends in April and May, when rain and snowmelt swell the river, producing Class III and IV rapids. This urban river run, a mere 1.7 miles long, is a high-octane ride over three sets of rippling rapids, including Twisted Sister, a massive bronco-busting wave. Trips include professional guides from Zoar Outdoor; the proceeds support the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust.” – Boston Globe Magazine, March 19, 2017

The Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust partners every year with the professional guiding company, Zoar Outdoor, to provide one of the only urban whitewater rafting experiences in the country that includes rafting through a state and national park.  Farley White Interests generously provides meeting space for us to start and end the trips (in a historic mill).

Join us in April and May when natural spring runoff makes for great rapids. Proceeds help our land and wildlife conservation work.

One of the Boston Globe’s “13 Things to Love about New England’s Mud Season“

  • Lowell TeleMedia Center – LTC News video (4/18/19)

  • A Wicked Good Blog – The Concord, Conquered – A Tale of Hearts and Crafts (4/8/19)

  • NH Chronicle rafting feature (2018 video)

RESERVE NOW

“An exhilarating trip through a beautiful stretch of river – the best whitewater outside of northern Maine or western MA. See the river like few do, and support a local non-profit protecting open space and creating trails along the river.” – J. Bollen

Additional rafting video – 2019 LTC News

Answers to all your questions can be found below the photo gallery.

Gallery

Paddling through 'Three Beauties'Paddling through ‘Three Beauties’
Whitewater rafting right in Lowell!Concord River whitewater rafting
Concord River whitewater rafting“It’s wild whitewater without the long drive.”
Scenic, historic stone arch bridge on Concord RiverStone arch bridge

Rafting in Lowell?

The same rapids and waterfalls that brought the textile industry to Lowell now power one of the most thrilling and interesting raft trips in the United States. You’ll raft on class III and IV whitewater through the green heart of Lowell. 

How’s the water?

The Concord River is rated Class B, fishable and swimmable. That means it’s safe for water contact sports like whitewater rafting.

What you’ll see & learn

You’ll see Lowell and learn its history from a unique perspective: great blue herons and swallows will pass overhead, ancient rock outcroppings line the rapids, and you’ll pass beneath elegant stone-arched bridges. Our trips pass former mill sites and the oldest power canal in the city. You’ll find out why we call this reach of the Concord “Thoreau’s Portage.”

What you’ll experience

Your trip includes two trips through three sets of rapids – Twisted Sister, Three Beauties, and Middlesex Dam, led by expert guides from Zoar Outdoor. Whitewater on the Concord River is rated class III/IV on the International Scale of Difficulty.

When do the trips run?

Trips generally begin in April and run every weekend through the end of May (Monday or Friday group reservations may be available. Please call to inquire.). Trip times are 9 am and 1 pm.

Unlike other rafting rivers in New England, trips on the Concord River depend entirely on natural river flow. There are no dams upriver to turn the water on and off. We schedule our trips based on the average annual river flow. After May, there is typically not enough water to raft. If your trip is canceled for lack of water, your fee is completely refunded. We keep a close eye on the Concord River Stream Gage for current conditions.

What is provided?

We give you everything you need to raft: wetsuits, helmets, paddles, personal flotation devices, and waterproof shoes.

What should I bring?

You’ll need to bring a bathing suit (to wear under your wetsuit), a towel, and a change of clothes. Wool socks will help keep your feet warm.   Your confirmation letter will provide further details.

What does it cost?

Trips cost: $105.00 per person

One person rafts FREE for every eleven paying guests.

  • Gift certificates available

  • Advanced reservations are required.  For Reservations call 1-800-532-7483.

  • Children must be 14 years old.

  • All equipment is provided (wetsuit, helmet, booties, paddle, etc.) complementary.

Make reservations on-line today or call 1(800)532-7483.

Zoar Outdoor logo

 

U.S.G.S. Concord River Flow Gage