Massachusetts whitewater, Charles River Norfolk county, Needham Rapids section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I     0.1 miles   The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often easier than in other states, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that quite a few of the sections in this state are pretty easy. The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, as you can see on the road map further down. The beautiful scenery of Massachusetts and the sparkling of the sunlight on the water will make you feel great. The campgrounds     here at Charles River are pretty good. There are a few other stretches in this river system that can be paddled as well. There are some good hotels near the river, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. This stretch of Charles River in Massachusetts is 0.1 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class I section. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, there are not so many other good rivers for that around here. A good workout and just being out on the river for a while have people coming from far and near. This is an extremely short section so you'd better be prepared   to walk your kayak back to put-in a few times. Briefly about the general area: Cochituate State Park is a great place to go if you're at Charles River, and you can never get enough of the wonderful skiing at Blue Hills. Hit the beach if you want, Savin Hill Beach is practically right here. F. Gilbert Hills State Forest is worth a visit if you're at Charles River, and on a glorious day it's a good idea to spend the day at Magazine Beach. You're sure to come across some great folks from Needham here. A lot of rain falls at Charles River. November is when you get the most rain here while June is the month with the least amount of precipitation. Charles River, Needham Rapids road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Charles River.   Whitewater Near Charles River: Charles River, Norfolk County, 0 miles away       Class I - 0.1 miles long (Needham Rapids) Concord River, Middlesex County, 19 miles away       Class III+(IV) - 1.5 miles long (Close to Lowell) Assabet River, Middlesex/Worcester County, 22 miles away       Class I-II - 15 miles long (Route 117 to Route 62)   Ski Areas Near Charles River: Blue Hills, Massachusetts , 10 miles away, 309 foot drop, 5 lifts, 8 runs Bradford, Massachusetts , 29 miles away, 300 foot drop, 8 lifts, 13 runs McIntyre, New Hampshire , 40 miles away, 300 foot drop, 5 lifts, 11 runs Yawgoo Valley, Rhode Island , 42 miles away, 245 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts , 45 miles away, 1000 foot drop, 6 lifts, 20 runs Crotched Mountain, New Hampshire , 57 miles away, 875 foot drop, 5 lifts, 23 runs Pine Ridge, Massachusetts , 59 miles away, 200 foot drop, 1 lifts, 8 runs Pats Peak, New Hampshire , 59 miles away, 710 foot drop, 8 lifts, 21 runs Gunstock, New Hampshire , 66 miles away, 1400 foot drop, 8 lifts, 45 runs Abenaki, New Hampshire , 69 miles away, 100 foot drop, 2 lifts, 6 runs   Marinas Near Charles River: Maravelaki Marina, Medford , 14 miles away Constitution Marina, Charlestown , 15 miles away Shipyard Quarters Marina, Charlestown , 15 miles away Marina at James Landing, Boston , 15 miles away Captain's Cove Marina, Quincy , 16 miles away   Beaches Near Charles River: Magazine Beach, Middlesex , 11 miles away Savin Hill Beach, Suffolk , 15 miles away Malibu Beach, Suffolk , 15 miles away Carson Beach, Suffolk , 15 miles away Tenean Beach, Suffolk , 15 miles away   Hotels Near Charles River: Sheraton Needham Hotel, Needham , 4 miles away Residence Inn Boston Needham, Needham , 4 miles away Hotel Indigo BOSTON - NEWTON RIVERSIDE, Newton , 4 miles away Boston Marriott Newton, Newton , 4 miles away Crescent Suites Hotel, Waltham , 6 miles away   Campgrounds Near Charles River: Pine Hollow Camping, Natick, 6 miles away Camp Cedar, Brookline, 9 miles away Hanscom AFB, Bedford, 11 miles away   Public Lands Near Charles River: Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Boston - MA , 16 miles away Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Woonsocket - RI , 21 miles away Cochituate State Park, Massachusetts , 9 miles away F. Gilbert Hills State Forest, Massachusetts , 11 miles away Callahan State Park, Massachusetts , 15 miles away   Golf Courses Near Charles River: Wellesley Country Club Athltc Activities, Wellesley , 2 miles away Needham Golf Club, Needham , 3 miles away Woodland Golf Club, Auburndale , 4 miles away   Lakes Near Charles River Kingsbury Pond, Norfolk , 5 miles away Scott Bog, Coos , 7 miles away Lake Cochituate, Middlesex , 8 miles away