Launch fee at Gloucester HS?

[casousa81]

Hi all,

I've been lurking around the boards for a while, and will probably finally start attending the Chebacco Lake sessions next week (with the hopes of joining some trips after that).

My wife and I are planning on paddling the Annisquam this weekend, and although I could launch from Smith's cove where we keep our skiff, I'm thinking the high school ramp will be more convenient. I know that they charge a fee to launch from a trailer at the ramp. Do they also charge to splash a kayak, or is there a better (beach) location adjacent to the high school?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

~Chris

[bob budd]

I don't know where Smith's Cove is but I have sometime launched from a muddy spot between the HS and Annisquam Bay. It appears that it is at the end of Apple St, I recall that you take a uphill left fork soon after passing the HS.

[Pintail]

No charge for kayaks at Gloucester High School, as long as you stay clear of the ramp -- launch to left-hand side of the ramp (as you face across the river), or further left, closer to the school playing fields. It is acceptable to drive your car right into that corner whilst unloading; but immediately afterwards, remove it to some place away. Note that most signs say "Parking for trailers only", so be creative (I often park alongside the tennis courts, for example)

No one will hassle you, unlike these recent horror stories concerning Ipswich Pavillion Beach, posted elsewhere, and your car will be safe...(I rarely remember to lock mine!)

[Pintail]

<I don't know where Smith's Cove is but I have sometime launched from a muddy spot between the HS and Annisquam Bay...>

Might this be Corliss Landing you're thinking of?

[casousa81]

No charge for kayaks at Gloucester High School, as long as you stay clear of the ramp -- launch to left-hand side of the ramp (as you face across the river), or further left, closer to the school playing fields. It is acceptable to drive your car right into that corner whilst unloading; but immediately afterwards, remove it to some place away. Note that most signs say "Parking for trailers only", so be creative (I often park alongside the tennis courts, for example)

No one will hassle you, unlike these recent horror stories concerning Ipswich Pavillion Beach, posted elsewhere, and your car will be safe...(I rarely remember to lock mine!)

Thanks! I took a drive down there this afternoon and it looks like there's plenty of beach to launch from.

[bob budd]

<...muddy spot between the HS and Annisquam Bay...> indeed would be Corliss Landing with directions found in "Put-ins" (elsewhere on this board).

[leong]

You do have to pay $5 to park a car in the double trailer slots. But, you can fit two cars into a slot for one $5 bill. I do it often while practicing for the Blackburn Challenge. The first time I didn't know about it I got some type of private ticket to pay up that day.

[eneumeier]

Might this be Corliss Landing you're thinking of?

Corliss Landing - public, small gravel parking area is at the end of Apple Street, parallel to Corliss Street. At low tide you have a muddy walk to launch. Liz

[casousa81]

We ended up using Corliss landing today. There were only two other cars there when we launched, which surprised me considering it was an hour before high tide. Great little spot... until we got back 4 hours later and had to carry the boats through a bit of mud. The carpets in my car will definitely need some vacuuming tomorrow!