Contoocook
2. Hillsborough to Henniker(Freight Train Section)
| Difficulty | III-IV |
| Length | 3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 54 fpm |
| Gauge | Contoocook River Near Henniker, Nh |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 5.95 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 9, 2021 |
River Description
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 in the Fall. The Contoocook is a popular run for great reason.
The put-in and take out locations are on private land. Please be curteous, change discretely and pick up your trash, keep a good boater reputation and this run will remain.
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 where 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.
Additional parking is available at the old mill site. The take out at the old mill site is a lot easier and shorter.
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 Route 202 West. Follow Rt 202 past Henniker.
Take the first Hillsboro exit then make 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 Western Avenue to the put-in, which will be on your left.
A new parking area has been constructe
...River Features
Rivers of the lower Contoocook region
Entrance
Playfull little rapid with lots of surfing possibillities. The hole at the bottom of this rapid is the best on the river. Great playspot.
Broken dam
Stay left of center then move left. Right side of this rapid has left over dam debris.
Powerline
Great surfing and play area. Hole by the rock in river center left under the power lines is a good ender spot.
S-turn
River takes a sharp right then drops through a long series of twisting channels, holes, and other goodies. River right at the top of the rapid has a nice 4' to 6' verticle drop between boulders at levels above 8.6'. The last two ledges on the river should be run from center (first ledge) to right (last ledge) to avoid stickey holes. Last ledge has a stickey trashy playspot on the left.
Frieght Train
Long rapid with large holes. Stay in the middle to avoid nasty pourovers and pinning spots along both shores. All holes in the middle can be punched but may flip you. At levels above 9.5 there is a nice surfing wave on river left about 3/4 of the way through the rapid.
The map on the right shows the old take out prior to June of 2004. Be aware this takeout could shortly or may even be now posted 'No tresspassing'. The new take out is river left 3/4 of a mile further downstream just past the twin truss bridges.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportRan this at 10.2 on the stick gauge. This was an excellent level I would rate a solid class IV overall. There are lots of lines to take through pretty much every rapid which can all be scouted in the water. Along the right bank there were **a few large strainers that were easily avoided but it should be known they are there.** At this level there were almost no rocks underwater to bump into. The larger rocks presented several cool boofs but a few also had some mean holes behind them. Huge surf waves and play spots. Very easy to run laps and a quick shuttle. Parking areas were clean and the locals seemed friendly, please help keep them that way.
8.23 on the gauge about 1700 cfs
8.23 on the gauge about 1700 cfs
The minimum level here is quite low if you're looking for a III+ run. I ran it at a hair over 7 on the gauge and freight train was an easy III at best.
This boat was lost without the boater. There was a lesson learned - put your boat REALLY high on the bank when you are going to scout a rapid! There is a message about this boat on the Northeast Paddlers Message Board. More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
This boat was lost without the boater. There was a lesson learned - put your boat REALLY high on the bank when you are going to scout a rapid! There is a message about this boat on the Northeast Paddlers Message Board. More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.