The Best Kayaking Lake In Massachusetts Is One You May Never Have Heard Of
By Melissa Mahoney|Published August 10, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
In a state that has over 3,000 lakes and ponds, not to mention rivers, bays, and the Atlantic Ocean, Massachusetts has endless opportunities for recreational adventures on the water. If you enjoy water sports, this is certainly the place to be. For those of us who enjoy kayaking, one of the best places for it is on Tully Lake in Royalston, a lake you may have never even heard of.
Located in Central Massachusetts' North Quabbin Region, 1.5-hours away from both Springfield and Boston, is the 1,300-acre reservoir known as Tully Lake.
In 1949, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Tully Dam to help Birch Hill Dam reduce potential flood damage in the area. Tully Lake is a reservoir that was created for flood damage reduction.
With all the natural beauty surrounding Tully Lake and its calm waters, it's an ideal place for outdoor recreation including camping, fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
You can bring your own kayak and launch it at the boat launch or rent one from the Tully Lake Campground located at 25 Doane Hill Road, Royalston, MA, 01368.
Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore all the coves, wetlands, and inlets on the lake. You'll also see plenty of waterfowl, songbirds, fish, insects, reptiles, mammals, and more along the way.
Life vests are required in all canoes and kayaks on Tully Lake from Sept. 15-May 15. Children 12 and under are required to wear one at all times when out on the lake.
Are you making plans to go kayaking on Tully Lake? We bet you are! If you have another favorite spot for kayaking and other water adventures, feel free to mention it in the comments. To learn more about Tully Lake and to plan your trip, visit the webpage and Facebook page.