A great place to start is by checking out the Malden Recreation Department for seasonal “Learn to Paddle” programs. You can also visit the Friends of the Malden River website for more information about the events and demo opportunities along the Malden River.

The Malden Public Library also has a Great Malden Outdoors reading list to help you learn and inspire people to get outside!

The Malden River is currently the only body of water in the city that allows for personal watercraft to be launched.

For up-to-date daily boating advisory information, please visit the Mystic River Watershed Association’s report.

For a comprehensive map of where to paddle, check out the Mystic River Watersheds map.

For spots to launch your personal watercraft on the Malden River, check out both Rivergreen Park in Everett and the Modera parking lot in Medford on The Great Malden Outdoors Map.

The Malden River Works Waterfront Park is in process, so stay up to date on this by signing up for the email list.

For people who’ve been recreating outside for years, this can be a common feeling. The desire to keep “your special place” a secret can be a strong one, but let’s change that perspective.

Instead of thinking about one more person in your way, think about one more person to help: maintain a trail, pick up trash, advocate for a new bill that increases funding to protect that place, and one more steward for The Great Outdoors. To help limit the impact on these precious natural spaces, we ask that everyone — from first-timers to lifers —follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles so that we can all get outside.

You need a paddle craft: canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board, a paddling device depending on the type of paddlecraft, a personal flotation device (PFD), sunblock, UPF protective clothing like a hat, shirt, pants, water bottle, snacks, a watch or time keeping device, and either a map or GPS-enabled smartphone.

The closest location to rent watercraft to access the Malden River is The Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville run by Paddle Boston.

Yes! The city has the Friends of the Malden River who host paddling, clean up, and educational events throughout the year. You can also sign up for emails from The Great Malden Outdoors to stay up-to-date on upcoming events with local groups.

Yes, please check out Paddle Boston as a long-time guiding company that works along the Malden River and other locations in the Greater Boston area.

Yes, please visit the Mystic River Watershed Association job board to see what jobs are available.

The Friends of the Malden River and Mystic River Watershed Association are always looking for volunteers.

Please visit the Friends of the Malden River events or the Mystic River Watershed Association events pages.

You can also sign up for the Great Malden Outdoor emails in the form below to get updates about upcoming events.