Mad,

2. Gorge (Secret Gorge)

Usual Difficulty	III (may vary with level)
Length	1 Miles
Avg. Gradient	73 fpm
Max Gradient	73 fpm

River Description

This is a nice but short pool and drop river. There are many 2 and 3 foot ledge drops amongst large granite boulders through a steep sided gorge. At low levels it can be a little scratchy at the begining and the end. There is not much playing to be had on this river section but it is a good place to learn skills for steep creaking. If the dam is spilling water put in at the first location by the dam. Walk down a steep embankment on river left downstream from the bridge. This will give you access to two warm up rapids (Upper and Lower White Pine rapid), with some surfing waves to play in. If the water is marginal or being bypassed by the hydro station it will be necessary to put in 1/4 mile further downstream.

Technical info

Put in elevation........633'
Take out elevation......560'
Total drop..............73'
Average drop/mile.......73'
Distance................1.0 mile
River width average.....50'
River geology...........granite ledge, Large boulders, steep sided gorge 
River water quality.....Good to excellent, clarity excellent.
Scenery.................An isolated steep gorge next to NH route 49 and 
                        Campton village, but all are out of sight once you
                        enter the gorge.
Wildlife................Occasional Moose, deer, hawks. 

Directions

Put in (from interstate 93 Concord)

Interstate 93 north to exit 28.
Take a right at exit on NH 49 east approximately 1.5 miles.
Take a right (south) on NH 175 at the light.
Just after the bridge take a left and park close to the dam.
If the water is too low in this section, continue 1/4 mile to a small pull off where the river is close to the road on the right.

Take out

Head back to NH 49.
Take a left (west) at the light back towards Interstate 93
1 mile take a left at the Handyman True Value Hardeware store.
50 yards take a left and park behind the Embroidery factory building just before you enter the trailer park