Pemigewasset
5) Ayers Island Dam (Bristol) to Coolidge(Bristol Gorge)
| Difficulty | II(III) |
| Length | 1.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 25 fpm |
| Permit | |
| Gauge | Pemigewasset River at Plymouth, Nh |
| Flow Rate as of 46 minutes | 1420 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 20, 2019 |
River Description
River description.
There is a small parking area at the put-in near Ayers Island dam. There is a porta poty located here along with trash cans. Additional parking can be found at the top of the dam where a hiking trail leads down to the put-in parking lot.
The river is about 1-1/2 miles long with three distinct play spots. The first big drop is about 1/4 mile downstream with a medium size sidesurfing hole (Rodeo Hole)it is not for novices to play in. Run right at this point. Downstream 100 yards there is a good surfing wave depending on level. The river from this point to the take out is mostly small rapids with a few oppertunities for surfing a sidesurfing. The last rapid is a series of reactionary waves and holes caused by protruding ledges on a long sweeping right turn. The last ledge at the take out is probably one of the best summer time play spots in NH with a great sunning and spectating rock to go with it. Depending on level it is either a sidesurfing hole, surfing wave, and or ender spot.
You can takeout at the Pemi Park & Play or just slightly downstream at a ledge. This take-out is easier for canoes and rafts. It also leads up to a small parking area on Coolidge Woods road which has new porta poties maintained by Public Service company of NH.
Technical info
Put in elevation........370'Take out elevation......331'Total drop..............39'Average drop/mile.......25'Distance................1.6 milesRiver width average.....120'River geology...........small boulders and granite ledgeRiver water quality.....fair to good, clarity fair, sewage treatment dumps in below rodeo wave.Scenery.................Good forest scenery. Not many signs of civilization except for dam and bridge.Wildlife................Occasional deer, hawks, osprey, fishermen. Good trout fishing.Mapquest Directions
...River Features
Map of the Lower Pemi region
Wourthen's
The first big drop is about 1/4 mile downstream with a medium size sidesurfing hole (Rodeo Hole)it is not for novices to play in. Run right at this point. After the first few small class I-II rapids from the put-in, the river widens and slows down. You will notice a ledge protruding from the left bank (Wourthen's Rock) forcing the river to the right. Get out and scout on these ledges or run to the far right to avoid 'Rodeo Hole'. The rapid continues for about 1/5 of a mile with waves and turbulance and a few rocks to avoid. Just downstream from the middle of the rapid you will notice the river takes a slight jog to the left between another set of ledges, eddy out river left below the ledges to catch a nice surfing wave.
Rodeo Hole
Nice sidesurfing hole located at the very top of Bruning's. Approach the top of Bruning's at the horizon line about river center. The hole turns into a surfing wave just right of river center. There is no convienient eddy to hop in and out of the hole so it will be necessary to catch it on the fly then return by carrying back over the ledges from the river left eddy just slightly downstream. The hole is best at about 1300 cfs, below this level down to 800 cfs the hole gets stickier and shallower so watch your head should you flip upstream. There is also a nice surfing wave that can be accessed from an eddy just downstream. It is best at 800 cfs to 1500 cfs.
Rodeo Wave
Nice surfing wave at the end of Bruning's. Catch the eddy on river left just below the ledge. The wave is best at 1500 cfs flattens out and gets more difficult to catch down to 900 cfs.
Coolidge Run
The last rapid is a series of reactionary waves and holes caused by protruding ledges on a long sweeping right turn. The last ledge at the take out is probably one of the best summer time play spots in NH with a great sunning and spectating rock to go with it.
Pemi Park & Play
One of the best summer play spots in New England. Located at the end of Coolidge Run, the river piles up against a ledge then funnels into slack water below causing a series of waves at higher levels and a surfing hole at low levels. Typical summer time low levels of 300 cfs to 500 cfs provide a nice hole for surfing, side surfing, and many of the new play boat manuevers. Above 900 cfs the hole turns more into a wave. At 1500 cfs there is a nice wavetrain the forms with the best surfing at the top. Enders up against the rock are best at 800 to 1200 cfs.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportOn 6-14, the Pemi was at 900, which was perfect. There is an great spot before the rodeo hole on river left to eddy out and scout. From here, you can spot the tongue to the right of the hole. Paddle upstream on river left, then ferry over to river right and float down to the left of the hole. Immediately after the drop, there are numerous rocks and pillows to avoid. Much of the section leading to the put out can be rocky at this level.
Discovered that It's possible and fun to run left chute of Wourthen's
Just came out for a surf session, but the wave is washed out at 3600cfs.
2016: Ayer Island - Pemi at Bristol August 20-21 release cancelled due to low water.
Site Review
On August 28th, 2011 Hurricane Irene struck New England. The resulting floods caused extensive damage throughout the region, the worst in over 100 years. More than half the rivers in Vermont and northern New Hampshire recorded their highest flow levels ever. Many roads, guardrails, power lines, bridges, trees and other debris now litter several rivers throughout the region. River beds have been scoured and changed course, many new strainers make navigation problematic at best and downright dangerous at worse. The Pemi Bristol section was run shortly after the storm and found to be clear of any debris with little noticeable change in river features, rapids, etc. However, the large wood/tree pile that has been building up at the first drop for many years has washed out. It is now easier to scout or portage this drop.
With the bridge out; it is not too difficult to leave a
vehicle at the take-out then walk/boat to the putin. Most people know
there is a very nice path on the New Hampton (paddler's left) side of the
river that makes it easy to drag or carry a (light) boat from the bridge
to the first drop. If you ferry across the river from there you can take
back out at a small pebble beach just before the first drop on the right
side of the river. From there go about 20 feet uphill and you will
magically appear on a lawn that appears to be maintained by Public Works.
You will see a fence that makes it look like you are behind a
locked gate but before you get to the fence you will be on the road near
the recycle center. It appeared to be pedestrian friendly and I did not
see any posted no-trespassing signs but it would be prudent to show the
area the full respect one would show any private property just in case.
You can scout this on your way to the putin also. When you get to
the recycle center take a right instead of the left you usually take then
the field will be on your immediate left. You can drive half way down the
field on the roadway then take the short walk to the river. As with any
outdoor area take precautions against natural hazards such as ivy, ticks,
etc.
Dam fly by. Put in is at the lower right of the picture.
Several hundred feet over the Pig Roast rodeo hole.
Picture of the guy who takes pictures
Charlie Walbridge teaching his world-renowned river rescue course to the NH AMC in July of 2003.