Ok, getting off my soap box, lets talk about the good in this lake. It's sheer size with multiple access points is probably is largest selling feature. If you're in the Manchester area and want a decent paddle, it is an easy safe bet. Probably why I have 17 GPS logs on this lake. There are 4 good put-ins which I'll break down in a bit. I mentioned there is motor boat traffic but it is typically very light. I suspect that has a lot to do with the lack of swimming. If you go out early morning it will typically be just you and a few fishermen. If you like a good moonlight paddle like me, it will probably be just yourself or another motivated kayaker. I've been surprised how many times I've seen someone gliding around off in the distant moonlight.
Massabesic is virtually two lakes split by route the 28 Bypass. I tend to favor the eastern section due to the quietness of my preferred put in, but the western half is very nice but has a large section quarantined due to milfoil. Not a lot of wildlife around here. Bunch of ducks that tend to hang near the public park on the north west area of the eastern section. There are typically a couple loons puttering about. Sometimes I can get in close, but never enough to get a truly good picture. If you paddle away from Rt 28 and 121 you can find some peace. Go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid busy motor boat traffic.
Put-in 1 (N42° 59.288' W71° 22.502'): The 28 Bypass bridge is your best spot if you want to his the western half. There is a parking area right by the bridge. It is a fairly popular spot for kayakers and fishers, so the lot can get tight. This area has no beach but some very large and jagged rocks. Ironically, if you don't want to scrape your hull this may be your best option. The rocks give you adequate points to step into your kayak. This is a good put in because it gives you the option of hitting the eastern section or to go under the bridge for the western half.
Put-in 2 (N43° 00.345' W71° 23.152'): Rt 121 Boat Ramp. This is just an old concrete boat ramp. I put in here once, just never cared for the location and very often there are other cars in the way.
Put-in 3 (N43° 00.745' W71° 22.333'): Just down the road from the boat ramp you'll find a little picnic area. For some indefinable reason is my preferred put in. Probably because its the lesser used area. There is only a long sandy beach here, so once you get your butt in the boat there's a lot of shuffling involved to actually launch. This area can be difficult because if the water level is low you're dealing with mud instead of sand. But if you choose this spot you'll park along the side of the road an carry your boat about 100 ft to the "beach".
Put-in 4 (N42° 59.981' W71° 20.728'): The lake is so big it is actually extends into the town of Auburn. The Auburn boat launch is the most practical. There are sandy areas to the slide off the boat ramp which don't require as much seat shuffling. There is also a dock if you prefer to drop into your boat. This can be challenging if the water level is low.
Dates visited: Too many to list!
Motor Boats: Yes
Scenery: 3 Bisons
Serenity: 4 Bisons
Length: make it what you want
Rating: 3 Bisons
This is a nice place to kayak. Our family (my wife, 6 & 4 year old daughters) have been on this lake many times. When each daughter was about 18 months they joined us in our tandem kayak (now we have 2 tandems but the 4 of us in one tandem worked for a while). Each trip we have to inform them to keep their hands out of the water, and for about the first 10-15 minutes we have to remind them, but they are usually fine after that. There are places with lily pads, an dragon flies and some birds. Power boats are occasionally on the water but are usually in the center of the lake where we tend to stay close to the coast. I like watching the sailboats on the eastern half of the lake when they're out on the water.
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