Merrimack
1) Franklin to Concord
| Difficulty | I |
| Length | 24 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 5 fpm |
| Gauge | Merrimack River at Franklin Junction, Nh |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 3780 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 8, 2026 |
River Description
River Description
The Merrimack river starts in Franklin where the Winnipesaukee and the Pemigewasset rivers meet. This 24-mile section is runnable most of the year, though below 1000 cfs, some sections are very sluggish. Good recreational flow is between 1500 and 2000 cfs and the first 10 miles present more quickwater, then the water pace slows to flatwater as you approach Concord. Above 3000 cfs, the river edges begin to approach the tree-line, rapids are more turbulent, and the sandy banks (popular for campsites) are flooded out. The Contoocook River enters the Merrimack at about mile 16 and can present turbulent deepwater currents at high levels.
The first mile of the Merrimack presents Class 1 rapids with Class 2 moments. The Sewalls Falls area (starting at 18 miles) presents Class 2 rapids and should be scouted from riverside trails (on river right) if unfamiliar. There are no other rapids on this section of the river beyond these two areas. There are several access points along the way to start or end a trip. See below for directions to these various access points. At the end of the trip in Concord you will pass a nice series of high sand dunes on the rivers edge, very unusual for New England. After the Everett Arena Boat Ramp, there are an additional 4.5 miles of flatwater that can be paddled up to the mandatory portage at Garvin Falls Dam, but river access for this lower section is poor.
Directions to Franklin High School Boat Ramp (mile 0)
Rt 93 to Exit 20. South on Rt 3 approximately 5 miles to Franklin High School on the left. Parking and access behind the school. Alternatively, you can scout the various river access points by starting on Rt 3 in Concord (Exit 15W) and follow the river north. This is the best route to arrange your shuttle parking.
Directions to Gerrish Depot Boat Ramp (~mile 8)
Rt 93 to Exit 17. West on Rt 4 approximately 4 miles. The road splits, keep right on Rt 3 North. Tra
...River Features
Put in
Look for a short dirt road behind the Franklin High school leading down to reverside access and parking.
Mid point canoe access
For a shorter trip take out or put in here. The current is usually swifter up to this access point coming down from Franklin. Below, the river flattens out. To find this canoe access head south on route 3 from the Franklin high school canoe access for approximately 6 miles. Just before the Merrimack county jail complex look for a small canoe access sign on your left. Short dirt road to the river.
Take out
After passing under the NH route 4 bridge look for a small beach on river right just before an old bridge abutement. Carry up to the Park & Ride parking area. This can be used as another access point for the river section below. While here, check out the Hannah Dustin monument on the island just downstream from the takeout beach. You can also access this island by crossing on the pedestrian side of a railroad bridge going over a channel of the Contoocook river.
Lower takeout access
This section of river from the route 4 access contains a class II rapid just above an old iron truss bridge. Just downstream from here is the Sewalls Falls dam remains. In low water there is not much here to worry about. At high water there may be turbulance and waves. Take out just below the remains of the dam on river right and carry up to the riverside parking access point.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportBeautiful sunny day on the river. As stated in previous, upper 8 miles of the river are quite a bit faster than the lower 8. Trip took about 5 hours, paddling at a reasonably consistent pace.
I might classify a couple of the rapids in the upper secition as class II, but I am still learning to gague differences and really say with any certainty between the classes. I'll try & get some photos next time