North River

The class 2+ section of the North River from the Vermont border (down river of the Halifax Gorge) to the Colrain Central School is a fun paddle on the rare occasion that it runs. The are numerous class 2+ rapids which often seem to be in a bend in the narrow river making them difficult to scout or assess the lines before hand. There are rocks, eddies, small boofs, and surf holes so certainly worth getting to know this beautiful river. No significant strainers to report as of 12/24/2015 and no rapids big enough in this section for me (I usually paddle class 2) to need to walk around. Please note the lower section of the North River from the Colrain school down to Shelburne, MA can also be paddled by some though it has a dam with a dangerous undercut that basically must be walked around. I recommend paddling that only with someone who knows it well and/or sticking with the fun and easy upper section. I have paddled the North several times at various levels and I believe the river flow range information here on the AW site for this river is accurate enough to determine when the North is runnable.