Wonalancet, NH

Tamworth Falls

Tamworth Falls
Photo of Craig mcKinnon by Skip Morris taken 2008-04-19 @ 1.0

Gauge Information

River Description

The Wonalancet is one of those mountain streams that rarely comes up, but when it does it provides a delightful run on what is probably the best Class III river in all of New Hampshire. The river drains Mount Wonalancet and Mount Chocorua on the southern edge of the White Mountains (on the opposite sides of the mountains from the Mad and Swift Rivers). It flows through Hemenway State Forest and some very peaceful and lovely wilderness landscapes. Eventually it empties into the Bearcamp, and from there into the Saco. It is only runnable during the spring snow melt and periods of high runoff, rising and falling quickly, usually in a day or two. As a result, it is seldom run, which is a shame. If you are lucky enough to catch it up, be on the lookout for the numerous strainers that are common on rarely run rivers such as this.

Officially, this river is listed on most maps as the Swift River. However, to avoid confusion with the better-known Swift River to the north, the paddling community refers to it by the name of its upstream section, the "Wonalancet". So don't be confused by any signs referring to the "Swift River."

There are multiple put-in and take-out's on the river, allowing paddlers the flexibility of tailoring their trip to paddler ability, interest, water level and time. The run can be as short as 2-1/2 miles or as long as 5-1/2 miles.

At a level of 0.3 (medium low) the river is an easy technical Class III. The numerous drops require good paddling skills to stay in your boat and avoid the rocks. However, a swim at this level is forgiving. At a level of 1.0 most of the rocks disappear; however, the river still has plenty of eddies and is not yet pushy. The many strainers add to the challenge of the river, requiring good setting and eddy-turn skills. At a level of 2.0 the river becomes pushy, paddlers must pay attention and be ready to react quickly to rocks, holes, and strainers. At higher levels a swim could be dangerous due to the numerous strainers across and in the water.

Upper Section

The upper section (starting at the second Route 113A bridge), which is the (official) Wonalancet River, is about half the width and water volume as the lower sections since it is above several of the main feeder streams. In terms of difficulty the upper section is similar to the lower; it starts out with a set of busy class III rapids then settles down to continuous class II rapids with the occasional class III drop. This upper section requires approximately half-a-foot more water then the lower sections (as measured on the paddlers gage).

Middle Section

The middle section (officially the Swift River) begins where the Wonalancet merges with Paugus Brook just upstream of the first Route 113A bridge north of Tamworth. Put on at the Fowler's Mill Road bridge (also known as Chocorua Mountain Road), a narrow wooden bridge that crosses over the bottom of the upper section. A longish delightful class III rapid is encountered immediately starting where Paugus Brook flows into the Wonalancet. Below the rapid is the first Route 113A bridge; the gauge is here, on the river right bridge abutment. Individuals wishing a short warm-up time before running the rapids may put in here below the first rapid.

The next half-mile is continuous Class II with several easy Class III sections as the river enters the state forest.

The most challenging area is the Forest Run Rapids in the middle of the section. This is also a great spot to scout if you are unsure of river conditions since if this section is boatable the entire run will be as well. A state forest hiking bridge leading to the fire tower passes over the river here providing handy access to trails leading both up and downriver.

Below Forest Run are three more longish class III rapids before reaching the short run take-out. In between the major rapids the river is continuous class II with an occasional class III spot.

Lower Section

The lower section (below the short run take-out), is a mixture of class II and III rapids. Close to town of Tamworth the river settles down to a gentler Class II. As the river approaches the town, Tamworth Falls, an abrupt class III drop appears. The drop is blind so scout it before running it for strainers. Below Tamworth Falls are more class II/III rapids that end as the river enters the town.

Take out at the paved public parking lot near the Tamworth Inn in the town of Tamworth.

Other Trips

Upper Upper Section - Class IV

It is rumored that the upper section (the actual Wonalancet) is boatable as well. Put on here in the town of Wonalancet where the river (a small brook at this point) crosses under a road branching off route 113A (43.9085N/71.3510W). This section is 3.8 miles long and has a gradient mile-by-mile of 100 (0.8 mi.), 140, 100, 20, and is reported to be a Class IV steep creek. Boaters who have run this section report it as being full of strainers as well. If you run this section, please provide feedback to the streamkeeper.

Paugus Brook - Class II

Paugus Brook, which flows into the Wonalancet at the lower put-in's is boatable as well. Primairly class II with one short but exciting class III section half-way down. This class III area is narrow with tight turns and frequently collects strainers so be aware. Paugus Brook runs 1 mile down to the Wonalancet, with a drop of 55 feet.

Lower Lower - Class I-II

For a relaxing trip, you can run the river from the take-out in Tamworth all the way down to the Bearcamp River along route 25 (43.8277N/71.2421W). This quickwater section is 3.3 miles long. A convenient put-in/take-out is located after the first mile, where the river goes under Route 113 (43.8471N/71.2654W).