Contoocook

Scout the Class 4 before running - there is a massive dead tree down the middle a foot or 2 above the main flow.

This is a fun run however theres lots of down trees and a large log dam at the beginning of the run the section of class 4 just past the bridge is basically runnable Just make sure you know where to pull out and go around!!!

We paddled this on 5/29/25. Guage in Peterborough was 2.08'. I would say this was a decent level. About 7 miles. Put in just below dam near the 136/202 junction, took out at boat ramp at Powder Mill Pond near the covered bridge. Fairly fast initially, had fun dodging rocks and just sub-surface rocks. At 1/2 mile, there was a big blowdown requiring portage through poison-ivy (but at least there was a path), then, we balanced on a tree to get back into kayaks past the blockage. At about mile 1.2 we hit another big blowdown we were able to skooch over in the middle of the river, then, slid our kayaks over one-by-one while sitting on big log barely out of water. It was sketchy. From there on, the water slowed down and became a bit less fun but still beautiful. This section is the best on the Contoocook as far as Fastwater scenery. On 5/17/29, we paddled just the section from the transfer station (putting in from rail trail, letting boats down via rope because bank was extremely steep). Guage height in Peterborough was 2.33' and water was much faster/more fun but the run was too fast.

I paddled a section of the contoocook this past monday, 7/30/07. Very low water but still paddlable. Some log jams present, only had to portage once over a log jam. Most down trees were manageable. River is slightly technical in low water, need to navigate boulders and select the deepest part of the river. We paddled from peterborough to the powder mill pond. About 6-7 miles. About 3 hours. Put in on route 136 just north of the route 202 intersection. Took out at powder mill pond. Nice river, can be done in canoes at higher levels, water was very low.