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Massachusetts River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Massachusetts

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Massachusetts River Map showing major rivers in Massachusetts, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Massachusetts State

Rivers and Waterways in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a well-developed network of rivers shaped by its hills, valleys, and coastal plains. Most rivers flow eastward into the Atlantic Ocean, while some western waterways drain into the Connecticut River and eventually Long Island Sound. The state features a mix of steady rivers and smaller streams, with many influenced by seasonal rainfall. Numerous reservoirs and natural lakes provide drinking water, especially for urban areas, and support recreation and environmental conservation across the region.

Major Rivers in Massachusetts

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Connecticut River410 miWestLong Island Sound
Merrimack River117 miNorthAtlantic Ocean
Charles River80 miEastAtlantic Ocean
Taunton River40 miSoutheastMount Hope Bay
Housatonic River149 miWestLong Island Sound
Blackstone River48 miCentralNarragansett Bay
Westfield River78 miWestConnecticut River
Deerfield River76 miWestConnecticut River
Chicopee River18 miCentralConnecticut River
Millers River52 miNorthConnecticut River
Ware River35 miCentralChicopee River
Swift River32 miCentralChicopee River
Neponset River29 miEastAtlantic Ocean
Weymouth Fore River15 miEastAtlantic Ocean
North River30 miEastAtlantic Ocean
Parker River13 miNorthAtlantic Ocean
Agawam River18 miSoutheastBuzzards Bay
Ten Mile River22 miSoutheastSeekonk River

Major Lakes in Massachusetts

LakeTypeRegion
Quabbin ReservoirReservoirCentral
Wachusett ReservoirReservoirCentral
Lake ChaubunagungamaugNatural lakeCentral
Onota LakeNatural lakeWest
Pontoosuc LakeNatural lakeWest
Long PondNatural lakeSoutheast
Assawompset PondNatural lakeSoutheast
Lake CochituateNatural lakeEast
Horn PondNatural lakeEast
Lake WyolaNatural lakeWest

Major River Basins in Massachusetts

Massachusetts river basins are divided between those draining into the Atlantic Ocean and those flowing into the Connecticut River system. These basins support drinking water systems, ecosystems, and flood management across the state.

  • Connecticut River Basin
  • Merrimack River Basin
  • Charles River Basin
  • Housatonic River Basin
  • Blackstone River Basin
  • Taunton River Basin
  • Neponset River Basin
  • Parker River Basin
  • Deerfield River Basin

Massachusetts Rivers Facts

StateMassachusetts
Total Rivers & Streams12,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversConnecticut, Merrimack, Charles
Total Waterway Length13,000+ miles
Main DrainageAtlantic Ocean & Long Island Sound
Longest RiverConnecticut River
Shortest RiverParker River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletAtlantic Ocean
Key UsesDrinking water, recreation, hydropower
Longest River Within StateConnecticut River
Number of River Basins7–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsQuabbin, Wachusett Reservoirs
Primary Water SourceReservoirs and surface water