Additional information on floating the Deerfield River
There are several choices for floating the Deerfield and many different put-ins and take-outs. Some sections of the river are not safe for tubers, such as the river through Zoar Gap.
It is best to go with a commercial outfitter or a knowledgeable group the first time, so that you can learn the river. This is not a lazy float.
On hot weekends, the river gets crowded as the scheduled water releases arrive to sweep floaters down the river.
Commercial rafting water fights.
Tubers should try to move out of the way to give the Commercial rafters space to float on by. They are much faster and need more room to maneuver.
The Mass Department of Transportation’s Shunpike Rest Area on Route 2 is also a popular swimming and take-out site.
Commercial rafts at the Shunpike put-in.
You can buy reasonably priced, durable tubes designed specifically for river tubing. Pool toy floats are not appropriate for this river due to the fast currents, overhanging branches, sharp rocks, and other obstructions. You do not want to be left stranded on this river.
Here is a tube with a protective outer cover to guard against abrasions.
Floating can be a lot of fun, if done safely. DRWA monitors the water quality and the river is quite clean. No alcohol or glass bottles are allowed.
Commercial FunYaks (inflatable kayaks) come with water guns!
Parking can be difficult to find if you arrive late. Floaters are facing more parking restrictions.
This is the Zoar Picnic Area. It is very popular for put-ins. Zoar is the only parking area with public sanitary facilities on the less-challenging section of the river. However, the port-a-potties are typically full and unusable on busy days.
As a fellow river advocate, please bring a litter bag with you to collect litter along the way.
Is the river too crowded for you? Check out the many ponds, lakes, and reservoirs within the Deerfield River Watershed .
