Quinapoxet, Massachusetts, US
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Canada Mills to Wachusett Reservoir (The Mighty Quinn)
| Usual Difficulty |
II-III (for normal flows) |
| Length |
2.75 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient |
38 fpm |
| Max Gradient |
100 fpm |
Springdale Mill Rapid
Springdale Mill RapidPhoto by Skip Morris
Gauge Information
River Description
The Quinapoxet is a delightful II/III stream located in Central Massachusetts approximately seven
miles north of Worcester, getting its start in the hills northwest of Worcester and draining into
Wachusett Reservoir.
The run is class II for the most part except for an longish class III stretch past the remains of
the 19th century Springdale Mill; plus an abrupt three foot drop just downstream of the I-190
crossing.
The Wachusett Greenways Section of the Mass Central Rail Trail runs along the river for the
majority of the run.
Put-on a few feet downstream of the gage. There is a wonderful surfing wave located at the
put-in. From then on it is a combination of quickwater to class II down to the mill. After that
the pace picks up a bit for the second half of the run.
Technical info
Put in elevation........553'
Take out elevation......447'
Total drop..............96'
Average drop/mile.......38.5'
Distance................2.75 miles
River width average.....20' ???
River geology...........???
River water quality.....Good, clarity neutral to good.
Scenery.................Woods, some old mill and dam ruins being
covered up and overgrown.
Wildlife................???
Amenities
Nearest Gas.............Intersection of Routes 31 and 122A in Holden.
Convenience Store.......Route 31 by the Manning Street Intersection
north of Holden.
Nearest Restrooms.......None near by.
Camping.................??
Restaurants/Pizza/etc...??
Regional Weather
Go here for a NOAA weather
forecast.
Local Map - Quinapoxet River and surrounding area of Holden and West
Boylston
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Map of Holden, West Boylston, and area surrounding the river.
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Map courtesy of
Mapquest
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StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2010-09-27 23:58:44
Editors
Photographer at the Gage
Put In
Play wave at put-in.
First Rail Trail Crossing
Strainer Warning
Second Rail-Trail Crossing
Play Wave at the Mill
Boaters on Springdale Mill
Elevator Action
Take-Out
Flatwater Take-out
User Comments
completely across. The other is after the second crossing and is a small tree on river left just
below a large (previously down) tree on river right. It's possible to maneuver between the two, but
you're better off portaging on RR.
river right at 9.4'. Edit
be easier to cut out as it is an 8 inch pine. Edit
tape tied to trees on river right, and in about the center of the stream at the strainer. The
banking on river left looks like it may be collapsing, so be aware that there may be more strainers
at this spot by the next time the stream is runnable. Edit