Rafting on the River
Amid the joys of spring finally arrived, perhaps you’re looking for some way to get out, enjoy the weather, and have an adventure? Well, look no further than our own beautiful Concord River. Years ago, whitewater rafting was quite popular with my circle of friends and family. Disclaimer here: Rafting is not for the faint hearted—it requires life jackets, wetsuits and actually paddling, but it is truly a fun and exciting adventure. We’ve done several trips down the Kennebec River in Maine as well as experienced class IV rapids in West Virginia. After 15+ years of living in Lowell, we have yet to take on our very own Concord River, and now is the time to do it while the spring rapids are flowing. (Rafting trips on the Concord River run weekends in April and May.) A whitewater gem in the heart of Lowell, the Concord River plunges rafters over three rapids: Twisted Sister, Three Beauties, and Middlesex Dam. The trip, which originates and concludes at the DoubleTree Hotel, 50 Warren Street, includes passage through an 1850s lock chamber as well as class III-IV rapids. Zoar Outdoor runs weekend trips starting at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., for $80 per person, 14 years or older, wetsuits, life jackets and paddles included. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust. It’s a three-hour adventure practically in our back yards, so why not check it out?!