Becket Road Parking North
Farmington River WMA
Otis, MA
Hunting
Farmington River Boat Launch Ed Jones Road, Otis, MA
Managed by
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Part of
Farmington River WMA
Allowed Uses & Features
Information
- Family Friendly
- Free
- Parking
- Primitive
- Scenic View
View of the Farmington River from Ed Jones Road.
View of the Farmington River from the river access parking area.
Wildflowers bloom near a bridge crossing the Farmington River.
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
About Farmington River Boat Launch
The Farmington River boat launch is an informal hand launch off Ed Jones Road in Otis, Massachusetts. The launch provides access to the West Branch of the Farmington River, which calmly meanders south through the Farmington River Wildlife Management Area. This is a perfect area to use a kayak or canoe and offers opportunities for both fishing and paddling in a serene Berkshire environment. Additional angling opportunities exist both up and downstream, with Hayden Pond located just north of the launch and onshore fishing available about ¾ of a mile south of the launch. MassWildlife stocks the Farmington River with trout.
Wildlife Management Areas are intentionally unmaintained, meaning the landscapes are typically wild and conducive to abundant wildlife inhabiting the area. Dozens of species abound within the Farmington River WMA, making the area prime for Western Massachusetts birding and wildlife viewing, which can be especially peaceful along the river. Notable bird species include the American woodcock and New England cottontail, while other animals include beavers, black bears, and moose.
Continuing south, the Farmington River runs into Connecticut, and its watershed area touches 33 towns between Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Farmington River boat launch is the perfect place to experience the river without needing to be an advanced paddler, and while surrounded by a natural landscape unique to Berkshire County.
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
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Accessibility Assessment
There are no accessible features at this location.
Parking for Farmington River access at Ed Jones Road can be found in a lot consisting of grass directly off Ed Jones Road. This lot holds room for at least six cars to park. While the lot is in a flat area, the lot itself contains bumps and is uneven. There is no official ramp for launching Kayaks and Canoes, but rather a pathway that leads to the riverbank. This pathway contains some rocks, short moderate slopes, and muddy areas depending on the weather.
Entrance to the Farmington River Boat Launch parking area (left) off Ed Jones Road, facing west.
Grassy parking area for the Farmington River Boat Launch.
Riverbank of the Farmington River, available for Kayak and Canoe launches.
Explore Farmington River WMA
Clubs, Retail & Rentals
Looking to meet up with others for team sports or group activities? Check out our list of clubs, guides and leagues in the Berkshires on the Resources page. Our list of summer camps will help you plan an overnight or day camp adventure for your young ones.
We also link to an array of outdoor recreation retail shops for gear and rental facilities for equipment on the Gear page.
