Massachusetts is filled with incredible natural beauty, but there’s something special about the majestic rivers that flow through this land. They represent the power, patience, and persistence that helped make this state so great. Read on and learn about the history and ecology of these fascinating rivers in Massachusetts.

1. Concord River
Concord River, Massachusetts, USA
Daderot/Wikimedia Commons
One of the most famous small rivers in U.S. history, the Concord River was the scene of an important early battle of the American Revolutionary War and was the subject of a famous 19th-century book by Henry David Thoreau, "A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers." Unfortunately, dams built along the river have caused the native fish population to decrease, and water pollution continues to be a problem.
2. Charles River
Lstrong2k/Wikimedia Commons
Charles River, Massachusetts, USA
Kunstlerbob/Wikimedia Commons
Often referred to simply as the Charles, this stunning river passes through 23 Massachusetts cities and towns before flowing into Boston Harbor. The problematic pollution of the Charles River was made famous by The Standells’ 1965 hit song, "Dirty Water." During the 1950s, it was not uncommon to see patches of river colored bright pink and orange due to toxins from local factories. Today, the river’s condition has been greatly improved (though I still wouldn’t recommend taking a dip), and is a beloved Boston landmark.
3. Deerfield River
Deerfield River, Massachusetts, USA
MOTT/Flickr
The Deerfield River extends for 76 miles through northwestern Massachusetts and eventually joins the Connecticut River. This waterway is one of the most heavily used rivers in the entire country, and there is a dam approximately every seven miles. Notable attractions along its banks include the glacial potholes and the beautiful Bridge of Flowers, both in Shelburne Falls.
4. Connecticut River
Connecticut River, United States
Shiran Pasternak/Flickr
The Connecticut River is the longest river in New England. The Connecticut River Valley is one of the most fertile areas of the state and the whole of the northeastern United States. The river also supported and continues to support many native groups, including the Pequot, Mattabesset, and Mohegan peoples.
5. Sudbury River
Sudbury River, Massachusetts, USA
MOTT/Flickr
This beautiful river in Middlesex County is 32.7 miles long and a tributary of the Concord River. In 1999, nearly 17 miles of the river were recognized for their outstanding ecology, history, scenery, recreational value, and place in American literature by the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Due to mercury contamination in the 1970s. fish that are caught downriver is not fit to be eaten.

Related Stories

Find The Perfect Place To Sprawl Out On A Half Mile Of Sandy Shore At Singing Beach In Massachusetts

Find The Perfect Place To Sprawl Out On A Half Mile Of Sandy Shore At Singing Beach In Massachusetts

 Here Are 10 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Massachusetts, According To Our Readers

Here Are 10 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Massachusetts, According To Our Readers

 This Massachusetts River View Is The Coolest Thing You’ll Ever See For Free

This Massachusetts River View Is The Coolest Thing You’ll Ever See For Free
6. Merrimack River
Merrimack River, United States
Curran Kelleher/Wikimedia Commons
This river is 117 miles long and flows through multiple cities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The spelling of its name has varied over the years; Merrimac, Marrymac, Merimacke, Merrimacke, and Merrimake have all been common in their turn. The current spelling was made official in 1914 by Congressman John Jacob Rogers.
7. Taunton River
Taunton River, Massachusetts, USA
Marcbela/Wikimedia Commons
Another gorgeous river, the Taunton River runs along for 37 miles until it joins Mount Hope Bay. The river is home to many species of animals and plants found nowhere else in the state. It’s also the longest coastal river in New England without dams and supports the habitats of over 154 different types of birds. Otter, mink, grey fox, and deer can also be found in and around its waters.
8. Bass River
Bass River, Massachusetts, USA
Maplebed/Wikimedia Commons
The Bass River is an estuary in South Yarmouth. It was once considered a viable location for a canal connecting Cape Cod to mainland Massachusetts and is the largest river the Mid-Cape Highway spans. Part of the Bass River becomes an underground stream that nearly bisects Cape Cod!
9. Housatonic River
Housatonic River, United States
John Bessa/Wikimedia Commons
The Housatonic River measures a whopping 149 miles in length and flows south to southeast, eventually draining into the Long Island Sound. Indigenous people began using the river for hunting and fishing at least 6,000 years ago, according to archaeological evidence. Over 30,000 Mohican people lived along the river by the year 1600. In 1734, Mohican inhabitants attempted to establish the Indian Town of Stockbridge in the Housatonic Valley. This settlement was a success for a time, but European settlers soon crowded the native dwellers from the town. Today, the Housatonic is a great place to spot charming wooden bridges, like Bull’s Bridge in Gaylordsville and the West Cornwall Covered Bridge in Cornwall.
10. Ipswich River
Ipswich River, Massachusetts, USA
Henry Zbyszynski/Flickr
A relatively small river (only 35 miles long), the Ipswich River is often reduced to mud flats in some areas when the tide recedes or during times of low rainfall. Interestingly, the river was first mentioned in historical documents in 1638, when it was recorded that John Winthrop had bought the river from Chief Masconomet for 20 pounds sterling.
11. Nashua River
Nashua River, Massachusetts, USA
Heartlover1717/Flickr
The Nashua River is 37.5 miles long and is formed in eastern Worcester County. This meandering waterway was heavily used for transportation during the Colonial Era. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, local paper mills disposed of waste and dye in the river, turning it into various bizarre colors and badly polluting the waters. Clean-up efforts have been ongoing since the 1960s, with positive results. Many parts are now safe for swimming.
12. Saugus River
Saugus River, Massachusetts, USA
MOTT/Flickr
Native Americans originally called this river Aboutsett, or "winding stream." The Saugus River was once an important source of water power for local chocolate mills and flannel mills. Now it is simply one of the many beautiful waterways in Massachusetts.

Whether you enjoy spending time out on the river in a kayak, sitting on the bank with a fishing pole, or appreciating the many rivers in Massachusetts for their beauty there is much to love about our waterways. Which Massachusetts river is closest to your heart? Let us know!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Massachusetts' major rivers and waterways

Chris Muras | December 12, 2022

What are the major rivers in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is certainly home to some impressive rivers! With over 8,200 miles of rivers running through the state, there is a couple of dozen that can be considered major rivers in Massachusetts. Here are a few of the longest rivers in Massachusetts:

  1. Connecticut River: 407 miles
  2. Housatonic River: 139 miles
  3. Merrimack River: 117 miles
  4. Charles River: 80 miles
  5. Hoosic River: 76 miles
  6. Deerfield River: 76 miles
  7. Quinebaug River: 69 miles
  8. Westfield River: 61 miles
  9. Millers River: 52 miles
  10. Blackstone River: 48 miles

The Connecticut River, the longest in the state, flows through its western portion while the Merrimack River makes up much of the northeastern part. As you make your way south, you'll come across the Charles River, one of the most important rivers in all of New England. It's known for its canoeing and kayaking spots - perfect opportunities for taking picturesque photos along its banks! Lastly, the Blackstone River is known for winding through many different towns and historical sites so be sure to visit this amazing waterway if you want to really discover what Massachusetts has to offer.

How many rivers are there in Boston?

Massachusetts' major rivers run all throughout the state, but Boston alone has a few big rivers that add to the city's charm. In fact, the fourth biggest river in Massachusetts, the Charles River, flows through Boston. The other two big rivers in Boston are the Mystic and Neponset rivers.

Why is Boston water so clean?

Boston, Massachusetts is known for having clean drinking water. That's because of the dense beautiful forests that run through much of New England. These forests clean the water naturally before it enters the city, thus there is less of a need to use harsh chemicals to purify it and make it safe for drinking.

Related Articles

Explore Massachusetts