River RATs
River RATs: Paddle with Purpose
River Recreation Activity Teams (River RATs) are made up of community members who care deeply about our rivers—and want to have a great time out on the water. These volunteer-led paddles bring people together to explore the scenic Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers, learn about their history and ecology, and build a culture of stewardship across our watershed.
Whether new to paddling or a seasoned pro, River RAT paddles are open to all. Each trip is designed to be accessible, social, and low-cost. OARS provides the gear—canoes, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets—and all you need to bring is your curiosity and love of the outdoors.
But River RATs is about more than just getting people on the water—it’s about making river recreation truly accessible. By offering free access to boats, safety equipment, and trained guides, the program helps eliminate barriers for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to paddle. It’s a joyful and welcoming way to connect diverse communities with the rivers that run through their backyards.
River RAT Sites
Our River RAT paddles take place at three beautiful and accessible locations across the watershed. Each site offers a unique way to experience the Sudbury, Assabet, or Concord rivers—whether you are launching from a forested trail, a riverside park, or a recreation center with a smooth paved ramp.
Ice House Landing, Maynard
WHERE: Assabet River Rail Trail, Maynard, MA 01754
Ice House Landing is a public park and kayak launch on the Assabet River. The park features picnic tables, a small trail, and an EZ launch—a kayak launch that allows easier water access.
Kellogg Park, Framingham
WHERE: Kellogg Street, Framingham, MA 01710
Tucked into a quiet wooded area, the Kellogg Park launch features a small gravel parking lot with space for up to six cars.
Billerica Parks & Rec Boat Launch & Yard
WHERE: 248 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821
The Billerica launch offers a paved ramp to the river, with parking available just outside the recreation building.
Paddle with the River RATs
From May to September, we are hosting free and friendly River RAT paddles in Billerica, Maynard, and Framingham. Everyone is welcome—bring a friend, bring your family, or come solo and make new connections on the river!
Paddle highlights
- Spot local wildlife
- Learn about your watershed
- Enjoy a relaxing evening on the water
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
River RAT Community Paddle Schedule
Billerica | Parks & Rec Boat LaunchWednesdays |
Maynard | Ice House LandingThursdays |
Framingham | Kellogg ParkThursdays |
Upcoming Paddles Info & Sign ups
River RATs Canoeing Trip—Billerica May
May 14 - May 14, 2025
WHEN WHERE Wednesday, May 14, 5:00–7:00 PM Billerica Parks & Rec Boat Launch & Yard 248 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821 Join us for a memorable paddle along the …
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River RATs Kayaking Trip—Maynard May
May 22 - May 22, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, May 22, 5:30–7:30 PM Ice House Landing Assabet River Rail Trail, Maynard, MA 01754 Join us and paddle the scenic Assabet River! If you’re interested in …
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River RATs Canoeing Trip—Framingham May
May 29 - May 29, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, May 29, 5:30–7:30 PM Kellogg Park Kellogg Street, Framingham, MA 01710 Join us for a memorable paddle along the historic and scenic Sudbury River! These FREE …
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River RATs Canoeing Trip—Billerica June
June 11 - June 11, 2025
WHEN WHERE Wednesday, June 11, 5:00–7:00 PM Billerica Parks & Rec Boat Launch & Yard 248 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821 Join us for a memorable paddle along the …
Learn More River RATs Kayaking Trip—Maynard June
June 19 - June 19, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, June 19, 5:30–7:30 PM Ice House Landing Assabet River Rail Trail, Maynard, MA 01754 Join us and paddle the scenic Assabet River! If you’re interested in …
Learn More River RATs Canoeing Trip—Framingham June
June 26 - June 26, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, June 26, 5:30–7:30 PM Kellogg Park Kellogg Street, Framingham, MA 01710 Join us for a memorable paddle along the historic and scenic Sudbury River! These FREE …
Learn More River RATs Canoeing Trip—Billerica July
July 09 - July 09, 2025
WHEN WHERE Wednesday, July 9, 5:00–7:00 PM Billerica Parks & Rec Boat Launch & Yard 248 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821 Join us for a memorable paddle along the …
Learn More River RATs Kayaking Trip—Maynard July
July 17 - July 17, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, July 17, 5:30–7:30 PM Ice House Landing Assabet River Rail Trail, Maynard, MA 01754 Join us and paddle the scenic Assabet River! If you’re interested in …
Learn More River RATs Canoeing Trip—Framingham July
July 31 - July 31, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, July 31, 5:30–7:30 PM Kellogg Park Kellogg Street, Framingham, MA 01710 Join us for a memorable paddle along the historic and scenic Sudbury River! These FREE …
Learn More River RATs Kayaking Trip—Maynard August
August 14 - August 14, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, August 14, 5:30–7:30 PM Ice House Landing Assabet River Rail Trail, Maynard, MA 01754 Join us and paddle the scenic Assabet River! If you’re interested in …
Learn More River RATs Canoeing Trip—Framingham August
August 28 - August 28, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, August 28, 5:30–7:30 PM Kellogg Park Kellogg Street, Framingham, MA 01710 Join us for a memorable paddle along the historic and scenic Sudbury River! These FREE …
Learn More River RATs Kayaking Trip—Maynard September
September 18 - September 18, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, September 18, 5:30–7:30 PM Ice House Landing Assabet River Rail Trail, Maynard, MA 01754 Join us and paddle the scenic Assabet River! If you’re interested in …
Learn More River RATs Canoeing Trip—Framingham September
September 25 - September 25, 2025
WHEN WHERE Thursday, September 25, 5:30–7:30 PM Kellogg Park Kellogg Street, Framingham, MA 01710 Join us and paddle the scenic Assabet River! If you’re interested in river recreation, environmental …
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Join the RAT Pack: Volunteer!
Want to lead a paddle? Spend your summer on the river? Share your love of nature?
Become a River RAT volunteer!
We will train you in the spring so you can help guide a community paddle (or more!) during the season. It’s a great way to build leadership skills, meet other outdoor enthusiasts, and give back to the rivers you love.
Volunteer Requirements
- Be 16 or older
- Attend one short spring training session
- Help lead at least one River RAT paddle this season
- No paddling experience required—we’ll teach you!
Questions?
Reach out to our Community Engagement Team