Cathance (Sagadahoc Co.)
U.S. 201 to Cathance Rd
| Difficulty | III-IV(V) |
| Length | 3.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 14, 2020 |
River Description
Not to be confused with Cathance Stream in Washington County.
Posted by Justin Manter on 4/4/02
This is a gorgeous class III- IV creek run with 2 optional class-V waterfalls for the stout of heart. The river is very wild despite its location and the scenery is excellent.
There is a walking/hiking trail along river right for most of the rapids in this stretch great for scouting or doing laps. This river is rather uncharacteristic of many in the area, as it is mostly made up of short, rocky, often very steep rapids separated by long sections of barely moving flatwater. The rapids are the river stepping down from ledge to ledge as it makes its way to the ocean at the takeout.
Rapid distances are calculated from the Rt 201 bridge and are approximate.
Video of some folks paddling a few years back (rapids not pictured in downriver order): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAqMT0LRBpI
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Ankle Breaker
This waterfall is just after the takeout at Head of Tide Park and is the point where the Cathance reaches the ocean. At high (and preferably VERY high) tides, this can be paddled carefully, though it is best to thoroughly scout the landing zone. As the tide goes down, it rapidly exposes rocks and mud flats.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportHad a great high water paddle at a little over four on the gauge. All the drops were clear of wood in the mainlines, though a few logs pinned on the sides where they could cause problems for someone off line.
One of our group learned the hard way not to go too far right on Magic Carpet.
I've included a map of the hiking trails for folks to reference with the drops marked in orange. Fastest way out in the need of a walk out is to head back towards the ecology center.
ran it at 3.5 on the gauge strainer in the first rapid but clear from there
Ran it at 1.8' at the gauge at the put in on 10/17/11. This is almost as low as you want to run it. Great day on the river for my first tie on it. Parked at the abandoned home, downstream of the bridge on river right, which is OK to do.
1.8 ft. Low but still a fun day. 10/17/11
You want to run this slide on the right and avoid the hole which is back up by a big rock...Don't flip it ruins shoulders.
Read and run..Don't be upside down
The line is right down the middle..its pretty straight forward. Avoid the pour over on the left its sticky and shallow