Contoocook, New Hampshire, US

2. Hillsborough to Henniker (Freight Train Section)

Usual Difficulty	III-IV (varies with level)
Length	3 Miles
Avg. Gradient	54 fpm
Max Gradient	70 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
CONTOOCOOK RIVER NEAR HENNIKER, NH
usgs-01085000	6.00 - 14.99 ft	II(III)	00h40m	6 ft (running)
	A bit boney, but enjoyable.

River Description

One of the most popular spring runs in southern New Hampshire. The Contoocook has a fairly large drainage area for a New England river therefore it holds water well into Spring then rises occasionally after a moderate rainfall especially in the Fall.
The put-in and take out locations are on private land. Please be curtious to anybody you may happen apond here. Pick up your trash and be descrete about changing.

Contoocook dam removal

On Tuesday June 29th, 2004 a 100 year old dam a half mile below our old take out on the Contoocook was breached. This was an historic moment and the first time in history American Whitewater, FLOW, AMC, MVP and others have actually helped to pay for a dam removal to improve whitewater boating. The result was 3/4 mile extension of the river trip with two new rapids. There is a new takeout just downstream on river left of the twin truss bridges. There is more parking here at the old mill site. Also the take out here is a lot easier and shorter.

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Technical info

Put in elevation........550'
Take out elevation......400'
Total drop..............150'
Average drop/mile.......50'
Distance................3.0 miles
River width average.....50'
River geology...........Small to medium granite boulders
River water quality.....Fair to good, clarity fair to good.
Scenery.................Good forested scenery, a few homes along the way.
Wildlife................Deer, Merganzers, Blue herons. 

Directions

I-93 from southern NH just before Concord take I-89 to Rt 202 West. Follow Rt 202 past Henniker. Take the first Hillsboro exit then take a left at the bottom of the ramp. Shortly after the on ramp back onto rt 202 take a left onto Contoocook Falls Road, which becomes Western Ave once you are in Henniker again. Follow it to the put-in, which will be on your left with parking on your right. Look for a wide shoulder with other boaters parked there.
Alternate directions from Rt 101 Manchester. Rt 114 North to Downtown Henniker. Cross the bridge and take a left onto Western Ave. Follow it to the put in, passing the takeout on the way.