Kayaking & Canoeing

You can kayak and canoe at Massasoit State Park on Lake Rico and Big Bearhole Pond. The main put-ins are two gravel cartop launches on Lake Rico off Middleboro Avenue, and DCR's suggested paddle from there explores the lake's inlets over 3 to 4 easy miles. Motors are not allowed, there are no boat rentals in the park, and everyone in a canoe or kayak must wear a life jacket from September 15 to May 15.

Launching on Lake Rico

DCR manages two dirt-and-gravel launches on Lake Rico's north-western shore, off Middleboro Avenue. MassWildlife says the first has parking for about 20 cars and the second, 100 yards up the road, about 10. DCR's coordinates for its paddle launch are 41.88232, -70.99897. There is no trailer ramp, so bring a boat you can carry to the water. See Lake Rico.

DCR's Suggested Paddle: Lake Rico and Beyond

From the rustic launch, DCR suggests exploring Lake Rico's many inlets, a 3 to 4 mile paddle rated easy. The lake is 195 acres of bays and coves with a few islands, including Stall Hill Island on DCR's map, and its whole shoreline is wooded. Its deepest water, 20 feet at most, is in the northern half.

Big Bearhole Pond

DCR also manages a cartop access off Bearhole Road on the north-western shore of 42-acre Big Bearhole Pond, and the day-use area by the pond has a boat launch. It is a small, shallow pond, good for a short paddle, though plants grow thick by late summer.

Rules on the Water

• No motors. Both waters are non-motorized.
• Life jackets. Massachusetts requires a life jacket on anyone 12 and under in a boat, and on every canoeist and kayaker from September 15 to May 15.
• No swimming from your boat. The park's only swim area is the campers' waterfront on Middle Pond.
• Land only at launches and established spots. DCR reports user-made ramps eroding the shore, and the undeveloped shoreline is habitat for a rare plant, Plymouth gentian.
• Clean, drain and dry. Eurasian watermilfoil and fanwort grow in Lake Rico and Big Bearhole Pond; moving them to other waters is illegal.

Weeds

DCR's plan warns that Eurasian watermilfoil in Lake Rico and Big Bearhole Pond may make paddling harder in places. Stay in open water and keep paddles clear of weed beds.

Bring Your Own Boat

There are no rentals or outfitters in the park. Campers can bring a kayak or canoe and drive to the launches.

Combine It With

• Fishing: Lake Rico is stocked with trout each spring. See fishing.
• A picnic: the Big Bearhole Pond day-use area has tables and the playground. See picnic areas.
• Another lake: Lake Sabbatia in Taunton has a city boat ramp that takes trailers.