< PREVIOUS

Housatonic River Reach 4

NEXT >
Last Updated: 3/2018
Fred Garner River Park to New Lenox Road
 
Description
      After leaving the river park, the first thing you will encounter is the junction where West and Southwest branches meet with the East Branch. It is surprising how quickly the river goes from urban to rural.  At about mile 139 you will first pass under Pomeroy Avenue and then Holmes Road.  This will be the last time you will be hearing a lot of road traffic on this reach.  At about mile 138, use care as you pass through a broken down bridge.  Continue along and just before mile 135 the effluence from the Pittsfield sewage treatment plant comes in on your right.  This has been so processed that it is virtually clean.  If there has been a major rain event, raw sewage is allowed in the river.
    At about mile 134.5 you will encounter a surprise.  The first time I view the Electric Power Research Institute I was a little cautious.  There are numerous large metal structures with insulators and wires.  It is enough to make any ordinary person a little afraid.  This facility is used for testing high voltage research.  This location was even mentioned in an article in National Geographic on lightning.  For more information, checkout the description below and the website link provided.
         The final half mile brings you under New Lenox Road and then to the take-out.  This launch is so popular that it is often difficult to find a place to park some days.  This take-out borders Canoe Meadows as described below.  Please use our contact section to leave any comments about your paddle.
STATISTICS

Skill Level:            Class 1
Estimated Time:    2.5 hours
Distance:               6.3 miles
USGS Map: Pittsfield East, MA (7.5’x15’)​
 Fred Garner River Park - Mile 140.2
Position: 42-26.15 N 73-14.94 W
Boat Launch:
Follow the paved park road to the parking area.  Car top launch is opposite the parking.  If the park gate is closed, you can still walk your boat in and launch.
Nearest Launch Address:
 345 Pomeroy Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Put-In Directions (11.1 miles, 18 minutes):
From Exit 2 of the Massachusetts Turnpike (Rt. 90):
  1. After the tollbooths, turn right at the stoplight onto Route 20 West.
  2. Follow Route 20 West through Lee, Lenox and into Pittsfield.
  3. At mile 10.6, turn right on Crofut Street.
  4. At mile 10.9, turn slight right onto Pomeroy Avenue.
  5. At mile 11.1, arrive at Fred Garner River Park on right just before the avenue crosses the river.​
Fred Garner River Park
Car Top Launch need clearing as of 9/2017
Plenty of Parking
Electric Power Research Institute
        The institute conducts research on issues related to the electric power industry in USA. EPRI is a nonprofit organization funded by the electric utility industry, founded and headquartered in Palo Alto, California. EPRI is primarily a US-based organization, but receives international participation. EPRI's area covers different aspects of electric power generation, delivery and its use.
EPRI
​​New Lenox Road, Canoe Meadows - Mile 133.9
Position: 42-23.62 N 73-14.55 W
Boat Launch:
Ther is a small brown state canoe access sign that marks the launch just before the river.  This is a car top launch off a gravel parking area.  Remember that it can be partially flooded in high spring waters.
Nearest Launch Address:  
298 New Lenox Rd, Lenox, MA 01240
Put-In Directions (9.1 miles, 15 minutes):
From Exit 2 of the Massachusetts Turnpike (Rt. 90)
  1. After the tollbooths, turn right at the stoplight onto Route 20 West.
  2. Follow Route 20 West through Lee, Lenox and into Pittsfield.
  3. At mile 7.6, at stop light, turn right onto New Lenox Rd. 
  4. At mile 9.1,arrive at launch.​​
Entrance from New Lenox Road
Car Top Launch ramp with plenty of parking.
Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary
        Canoe Meadows in Pittsfield features 262 acres of fields, wetlands, woods, and croplands bordered by the wildlife-rich Housatonic River. The sanctuary has three miles of nature trails and a small observation building overlooking a beaver wetland.
        The sanctuary is located just one mile from the center of Pittsfield and attracts a variety of birds such as bobolinks, ospreys, and great blue herons at different times of year. Three miles of trails wind through the sanctuary’s scenic woods, fields, and wetlands, and along the edge of the Housatonic River. Keep your eyes open for signs of beavers, otters, and wild turkeys while exploring Canoe Meadows. Programs are offered at the sanctuary through the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox.
Canoe Meadows