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Merrimac Falls
Lawrence, Massachusetts
The Great Stone Dam drop on the Merrimack in Lawrence — historic Bodwell's / Merrimac Falls. Viewing only.
At a glance
Overview
Merrimac Falls is the historic name for the drop at the Great Stone Dam on the Merrimack River in Lawrence — built by the Essex Company between 1845 and 1848 on the site of Bodwell's Falls. It is an urban dam-and-river scene, best viewed from the public overlook off South Canal Street near the Essex Company gatehouse. The dam itself is a major hazard; river access below it is not a swim.
- Also known as
- Great Stone Dam, Bodwell's Falls, Lawrence Falls
- County
- Essex
- Region
- Merrimack Valley
- Water type
- Waterfall
- Waterfall type
- Cascade
Know before you go
Public
Conditions
Conditions snapshot
Check posted signs and official updates before entering.
Getting there
From I-495 in Lawrence, use downtown access to South Canal Street / Broadway. Park in downtown lots and walk to the Great Stone Dam overlook on the Merrimack River. Do not enter the river below the dam — hydraulics at the base are extremely dangerous.
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