Deerfield
6) Above Shelburne Falls(Route 2 to Route 112 )
| Difficulty | III |
| Length | 1.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 26 fpm |
| Gauge | Deerfield River at Charlemont, Ma |
| Flow Rate as of 30 minutes | 262 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 23, 2018 |
River Description
This is a very pretty run on the Deerfield where you put in just below the #4 Dam and take out just above the intersection of Rt 112 and North River Road.
At 2800 CFS (see Waterline, #4 Dam) this is a brisk Class 3 with plenty of nice features. Feels quite secluded on the way down. It is not long, and the shuttle is very short, so you can easily do it two or three times in a day.
I'm told that it is runnable down to about 1500 cfs. You can scout it from the take out and see whether there is enough water. You can't really see the first rapid from the dam at the put in, but if there is water running over the top of the dam there should be enough.
The put in is tough. You have to drag from Rt 2 (dirt road with a gate on Rt 2 westbound just east of the Big Indian, and you can park across Rt 2 in a big lot). Then you get to the dam and you have to get the boat down a big hill to the water. It is worth it, in my opinion, but it ain't easy.
The take out is not too bad, up a hill to North River Road just before the bridge. You'll know you are there because it is the confluence with the North River and there is a very nice lagoon sort of area with big rocks on the left; a great place to hang out, practice rolling or work on your ferries. Careful where you park, though.
Thanks to Ken Glusman and Mike Wevrick for providing info about this little gem.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI think It was running about 2500 cfs this day.
Below mapped section - if you choose to paddle below the North confluence, you will go through Upper Creamery Rapid to this little drop at Lower Creamery. You can park a car on Creamery Road and take out downstream by the power station pictured.
You can paddle to and portage on river Left or park and hike to the dam... steep, rip-rap, some folks choose to rope their boats down
Choose you put-in spot based on comfort. Good sized eddies and pool right below spillway with decent riffles as you exit this area.
Based on the map, this is the pool area at the takeout. You CAN at good flows keep going straight into downtown Shelburne Falls.
IF YOU DO, it is good to check Dam #3 has all flash boards in place (you can still paddle but understand your risk - you can car-scout via Bridge St) and the best take-out is on river right where the warning barrels meet the fishing pier.
This is the last drop before the mapped takeout.
If you see this, stay away and be aware of flows... flashboards are out - you have NO protection from going over the dam and directly into the Potholes. DO NOT RUN DAM #3.
Below mapped takeout - that is Route 2 in the photo - when flahsboards are out and flows are over 1200cfs many small waves are in play. Great for locals to get out on, generally not worthy of a special drive to access.
At this level, it's a pretty float - flashboards are in, and takeout river right is a few hundred feet beyond the bridges.
This is Zak and a brewer... they supported AW at 2019 Deerfield Fest and planned to do it again in 2020. Stay tuned for 2021. Their brewery overlooks the Deerfield River!!!