BEACHES
WHALE
WATCHING & CHARTER
FISHING
KAYAKING & WATER
SPORTS
FESTIVALS
& EVENTS
PARKS & PLAYGROUNDS
BIRD
WATCHING
LIGHTHOUSES
MAN
AT THE WHEEL STATUE
TOURS
& CRUISE SHIPS
VISITING
SAILORS GUIDE |
KAYAKING & OTHER
WATER SPORTS
Along the Coastline
Gloucester's miles of rugged, rocky coastline, beautiful harbors and coves and
scenic Annisquam River are ideal for sea kayakers, canoeists and rowers. You
have a choice between protected paddling areas and open ocean. Gloucester is
a working seaport so the harbor is a very interesting place to be but it can
sometimes be busy with fishing boats, lobster boats and other vessels. The Annisquam
River has acres of tidal marsh to explore and by following the river you can
travel to Ipswich Bay and Crane's Beach. Many paddlers have there own boats but Discovery
Adventures will rent kayaks to experienced kayakers. They also do kayak tours
and a children's summer program. Every year there is an amazing race that takes
place in Gloucester. It is called the Blackburn
Challenge. It is a 20+ mile race, mostly on open ocean, around Cape Ann.
Entrants are limited to human powered craft such as kayaks, canoes, paddle boards
and various rowing crafts. There are a number of places to put boats into the
water. Some of these are easier than others. You also might want to check
the Eight Towns and the Bay website.
Places to Put In
Cressy's Beach
This beach is located in Stage Fort Park, on the western side of Gloucester Harbor.
Cressy's Beach is the larger of two beaches in the Park. It is more rocky than
sandy and does not have a life guard present during the summer months. There
is a large parking lot at Stage Fort. From Memorial Day weekend to the second
weekend in September, there is an all day parking fee of $10. Open in the park
during the summer season is a Visitor Center, public restrooms and a restaurant
open to the public. Stage Fort Park can be reached by taking Rte. 128 North to
Exit 14. At the bottom of the ramp, go right onto Rte. 133. Follow Rte. 133 to
the end. You will see Gloucester Harbor in front of you. Go right onto Rte. 127
and take a left into the Park. The parking lot is at the top of the hill. The
beach is down the hill across from the red restaurant.
Pavilion Beach
This beach is located in downtown Gloucester. It does not have a life
guard present during the summer months. There is no designated parking for this
beach. You will have to park where you can find a spot. There is parking along
Stacy Boulevard and beyond the Boulevard, more into the downtown area, at St.
Peter's Park. Pavilion Beach can be reached by taking Rte. 128 North to Exit
14. At the bottom of the ramp go right onto Rte. 133. Follow Rte. 133 to the
end. You will see Gloucester Harbor in front of you. Take a left onto Rte. 127.
There may be traffic as you have to pass over a busy drawbridge. This turns into
Stacy Boulevard. You will see the famous "Man at the Wheel" monument. Beyond
the statue, you will see a public landing. Boats can be put in there.
Dun Fudgin
A strange name for a beautiful, newly renovated boat ramp on the Annisquam River.
The name comes from Gloucester's past when boats use to have to pole up the river
to that point. After going past this part of the river, they did not have to
pole anymore so they were "dun fudgin". There is parking available in the area.
When arriving, check in with city personnel on duty during the summer months.
The Annisquam River is subject to strong tidal currents, especially near the
Blynman Canal. Also, there are many pleasure boats on the Annisquam during the
season so be aware that there may be strong wakes. Dun Fudgin can be reached
by taking Rte. 128 North to Exit 14. At the bottom of the ramp go right onto
Rte. 133. Follow Rte. 133 to the end. You will see Gloucester Harbor in front
of you. Take a left onto Rte. 127. There may be traffic as you have to pass over
a busy drawbridge. After the bridge, you will want to take your second left -
Centennial Avenue. Go up and over the top of Centennial Avenue and you will see
on your left an intersection with a small traffic island. Take that left - Emerson
Avenue. Follow Emerson Avenue to the end and bear left. You will see the boat
ramp in front of you.
Stone Pier
Another spot to put in right on the Annisquam River is Stone Pier. Their is some
parking at this sight but it is a very popular spot. Stone Pier can be reached
by taking Rte. 128 North to Exit 13. At the end of the ramp, go right onto Concord
Street. You will come to an intersection with a traffic island. Go right onto
Atlantic Street. After a mile or so you will see the "stone pier".
Corliss Landing
This landing is also on the Annisquam River and is a good place to put
in but parking is very limited. At low tide there is a 100 yard walk across the
sand bar to the water. To reach Corliss Landing take Rte. 128 North to the first
rotary. Circle three quarters of the way around the rotary following signs to
Lanesville, Rte. 127. You will go past the hospital, Addison Gilbert. The second
left past the hospital goes up a hill and this is want you want to take. It is
Wheeler Street. Follow Wheeler Street and take your fourth left onto Apple Street.
The landing is at the end of the street.
Lanes Cove
Lanes Cove is in the "village" of Lanesville in North Gloucester. It
is a lovely cove that has a breakwater. Parking is limited. To reach Lanes Cove
take take Rte. 128 North to the first rotary. Circle three quarters of the way
around the rotary following signs to Lanesville, Rte. 127. You will go past the
hospital, Addison Gilbert. You will go over a stone bridge. After approximately
three miles you will come to a number of shops. Take a left after Lane's Cove
Market onto Duley Street. At the bottom of the hill bear right. This will take
you to the town landing.
Questions on other areas to put in can be addressed to the City of
Gloucester Harbormaster at (978) 282-3012 or e-mail Jim
Caulkett.
Mending
the Nets on the fish pier
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