Suncook

Greenzero8,

I think the intended takeout is Webster Mills because it is quickwater all the way to Dover Rd. You went quite a bit further. I also ran the river all the way down to Rt 4 (Dover Rd) 2 years ago, but found MAJOR trees (like full sized oak and pine) across the river about a mile from the Epsom Circle. A debris field left over from hurricanes. It was an area of the river that had steep sandy walls, so portage was nasty. Looked like a death trap at high water. Did you come across this major blockade? Is it still there?

Paddled this today - June 30, 2013 - at 7.2 feet, which was a decent water level. The listed length is wrong - we GPS'ed it and the trip is a solid nine miles, not six. The description and comment below are also misleading. This is a challenging, ~3hr paddle with plenty of I-II whitewater as well as two short class III rapids which should both be scouted. The first one is a couple miles in at a sharp right turn in the river and can be scouted from the right.

The put in is on Joy St in Pittsfield. There's a path to the left of a submarine-sized propane tank. The take out on the map is on a residential road and we could not find a put in there. Instead, the take out that we used is in Epsom on a dirt road in a trailer park immediately downriver of the Dover Rd bridge (to drive there, pass the McDonalds on your right then take a right before the bridge). This is where the second class III rapid is.

Beautiful scenery, friendly locals, multiple strainers.

This section of the Suncook is mostly swift water, a couple easy class I rapids begin just above the larger rapid and the takeout at Websters Mills. Due to the easy nature of the river it makes a good learning and teaching ground for beginning kayakers and un-seasoned canoeists who can opt to takeout and easily portage the final drop. There are two or so destinct class I rapids just above the larger rapid at the takeout. The biggest challenge here is manuvering your boat arround a few rocks in the current. Novice paddlers can easily take out on river left just above the final rapid - from here it is just a short cary to the parking on the road. This portage makes for a great vantage point to watch experienced class II paddlers run the final drops before and under the bridge.
Seasoned paddlers looking for a thrill will be dissapointed by this run, although the takeout and \'websters mills\' rapid make for a centrally located play spot up to class II+ in high water.
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