Click on a boat landing for directions

This is a list of boat launch areas, some official and some not. As always, boaters in the river within three days of heavy rain or snowmelt should wash-up well after coming ashore. Combined Sewer Overflows may discharge raw sewage increasing risk of illness for boaters. Wear a lifejacket. Don't forget the sunscreen.

Mary O' Malley Park (old Chelsea Naval Hospital), Commandants Way, Chelsea. This park is at the foot of the Mystic River (Tobin) Bridge. The river here and at the next two launches is tidal. Boaters should check tide charts for tide times. Unsure of parking. From Rt. 1 northbound take first Chelsea exit and turn east one block, then south onto Broadway to Commandant's Way. MBTA access via #212 bus from either the Maverick Blue Line or the Wellington Orange line MBTA stations.

Little Mystic Access Area, Charlestown. Grassy area with boat ramp. Watch tidal rips under bridges. From Sullivan Square, Somerville, take the rotary and turn off at the Schrafft Building. Take the first left onto Medford St, then left at the lights onto Terminal St. Follow this road curving to the right and watch for a driveway and fenced in area on the right. Canoe and kayak access is around the locked gate to the opening in the fence near the water.

Schrafft Center, Charlestown outside Sullivan Square has public boat mooring and parking, but no trailer access. Canoeists and kayakers may need help getting their craft down the ramps. The river is tidal here and very large ships ply these waters, use care. Exit Sullivan Sq. rotary before the Schrafft's building, take immediate left thru Schrafft's gate and tell the guard you are using the boat launch, it is straight ahead at the gazebo. If the Schrafft's gate is locked, turn left on Medford St instead and then left a few driveways up, and left again, this leads you to the same place.

Between the Schrafft and Mystic Wellington launches is the Amelia Earhart dam and locks. Small craft may use the locks. Wait for the attendant. If you know you are returning soon, let the lock personnel know. Above this point the river is no longer tidal.

Malden River, Telecom City site will probably have water access for the public when it is constructed.

Next to Mystic Wellington Boat Club, Presidents Landing & 451 Fellsway rear, Medford, just northbound of the Wellington Bridge on the right, after large office building. An official launch with trailer access. The street sign says Presidents Landing/Public Boat Ramp. Go to end then right. Or, enter from Rt. 16 eastbound: after Wellington Circle in Medford, turn right at Strawberries music shop and proceed straight down the road to the ramp. Two hour parking at the ramp, or use the big parking garage for a small fee.

Boys and Girls Club Blessing of the Bay Clubhouse, 32 Shore Drive, Somerville has walk-on access, no trailers. From Rt. 93 northbound take the McGrath-O’Brien Highway Somerville exit towards Boston. Shore Drive is the first left at the traffic light. The boathouse is on the left.

Mystic Riverbend Park, near Hormel Stadium, Medford has a canoe launch and parking. Take Rt. 16 eastbound from Medford until it goes under the Rt. 93 overpass. Turn left at the next traffic light onto Locust, then a quick left and pass the car dealer. The launch is straight ahead, parking is to the right.

Medford Condon Band Shell parking lot off Rt. 16 near Rt. 38. From 93 northbound take the Mystic Valley Pkwy exit and watch for the small band shell on the left. Small boat access, careful of boulders in the water.

Former Arthur D Little parking lot in Cambridge has Alewife Brook boat access. Notify Roy Gulliver at 617-498-5000 by leaving a message of your plans. From Rt. 2 eastbound take the Lake St. exit. At the traffic light make a u-turn left and go back down the exit ramp to the office entrance on the right. Look for Acorn Park sign and follow it past the buildings. The unmarked spot is at the far end of the lot on the right.

Mystic River Road south of Harvard Ave, W. Medford. The grassy banks provide access to the river below Lower Mystic Lake. It's about 50 yards from the street. Heading east on Alewife Pkwy from Cambridge, turn left at the second rotary by the old waterworks. Take the next right at the light onto Harvard Ave then right again. Temporarily park and unload, then move your vehicle back across Harvard Ave and park near the ball courts.

Fisherman's Boat Ramp near Medford Boat Club, Mystic Valley Parkway north of Rt. 60, Medford. North of the Mystic Lakes dam. Look for Medford Boat Club and Fisherman¯s Boat Access sign. Drive all the way in and turn right for boat ramp parking. Provides access to Upper Mystic Lake. Gas engines not permitted on the Upper Lake.

Sandy Beach, Winchester on Mystic Valley Parkway, north end of the Upper Mystic Lake, can be used as for small craft in the off-season or if the beach is not crowded. Drive straight from the entrance nearest the bath house. After unloading park in the parking lot. The Aberjona River can be accessed under the bridge to the north. Take care not to expose yourself to the Aberjona sediment (bad).

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