2 miles
3hours
difficult
White Water Rafting, River Kayaking
Fall, Winter, Spring
Hillsboro, NH
Difficulty: Class 3+
River: 2.5 Miles
Shuttle: 2.5 Miles
Water: Holds Well
Photos: Shawn M Lupa & Ryan Mulley
The Contoocook River is a gem, a true New England Classic White water run. The river opens up with Entrance rapid class 2 and has a nice play spot at the bottom at levels above 8 feet. For the next 3/4 of a mile you will find lots of class 2+ boogie water with lots of eddy service mild waves and numerous ender holes. The first Significant class three rapid? S Turn is filled with ledges, boulders, waves, and fun surf. The rapid kicks off with a 4-5 foot drop into a slot on the river right side or a fun zig zag jet ferry just to the left of the slot. There is lots of eddy service on the fly in this rapid so look for some surfing opportunities as you work your way down. Check out some more boogie water and a few sandy or snowy beaches from here down. After a break in the big eddy you will be ready to meet the Freight Train class 3+/ 4. Freight train is a long fun filled rapid that holds many large waves holes and pourovers for several hundred yards. At levels above 9 ft the Rambo Wave forms about 1/2 way down on the left. Scout this rapid river right if you do not have someone to show you the lines. The river calms back down to boogie water from here to the bridge were you can take out on the left or keep paddling for more class 1 and 2.
Directions:
To reach the put in Take Rt 202 to the main st exit and take the road marked Contoocook falls RD. Cross over the took by bridge and stay left fallowing the river down stream. Pass Morse sporting goods and start to look for pull outs on the left and right marking the walk down to the river. Drive 3.0 miles down the road to an old dam site at two bridges were you will find space for up to 5 cars. Please smile and wave at the locals as we want to maintain access here
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