Smith,

Route 104 to Bristol

Smith River

Smith River
Photo of Brian Glaysher & Sunshine by Mark Lacroix taken 4/2/03 @ 4.1'

Gauge Information

River Description

The Smith river is a steep spring runoff river located in central NH. This section parallels the old route 104 (Smith River Road) that has long since been bypassed by the new route 104. It is usually plowed just past a bridge over the river. This is the normal put in. Early in the season you may need to carry (or drag over the snow) upstream a little in order to access one of the good drops on the river. Some people preferr a little warm up and will drive the extra half mile upstream on Smith River road or, if it is snowed in, the new route 104. Access the river there at a left turn on Smith river road, once again only plowed up to the last residence on the road. The run is continuous from the put in. The most difficult rapid is located just upstream from the Cass Mill road bridge. Ray's Rapid can be sneaked on a small channel on river left just above Ray's but is often choked with logs and ice early in the season. The river slackens a little after the bridge. The take out is usually at a clearing formed by some overhead power lines. There is an option to continue 2 additional miles downstream to the take out at Berry Road bridge. This part of the river is mostly class II with a few strainers to avoid.

Technical info

Put in elevation........725'
Take out elevation......570' (481' at Berry Bridge)
Total drop..............155' (244' to Berry Bridge)
Average drop/mile.......89'(65' to Berry Bridge)
Distance................1.75 miles (3.75 to Berry Bridge)
River width average.....25'
River geology...........Small to medium granite boulders, some ledge 
River water quality.....Good, clarity average
Scenery.................Nice river valley usually sometimes within view of 
                        old route 104, a few homes/camps on the banks.  
Wildlife................Occasional deer, hawks, otters

Mapquest Directions to take out

From Concord, NH The take out is under a high voltage powerline. You will be able to see the river in the valley.

Directions

Put in

Interstate 93 to exit 23 (NH 104).
Left (west) on NH 104 through the town of Bristol approximately 9 miles.
Left at Cass Mill road.
Take a right at the intersection just before the bridge over the Smith.
Approximately 1-1/4 miles park on the right after another bridge over the Smith.
Put in upstream of the bridge.

Take out

Head back and through the intersection with Cass Mill Road.
Approximately 1/2 of a mile past this intersection park by some overhead power lines.