NH Rivers Council Annual Meeting

NH Dept of Environmental Services Commissioner Tom Burack will attend. Governor Lynch is invited.
Click here to register

Special thanks to Gibson's Bookstore

Gibson’s Bookstore is offering a very special fundraiser. From 5:00 - 8:00 PM on June 5, mention the New Hampshire Rivers Council when making a purchase and they will donate a portion of the sale to the Council. All of the purchases that you make during that time will qualify for this offer. Gibson's will  feature a special table of river-related book selections so please be sure to "stop by and buy."

NHRC Cosponsored Paddling Trips

These FREE trips are cosponsored in conjunction with the Merrimack River Watershed Council. For more trips within and outside of New Hampshire, see Merrimack River Watershed Council

Questions? Call trip leaders (evenings unless noted), program coordinators Gwen or Doug Whitbeck, evenings at (603) 878-9046, or the MRWC office at (978) 275-0120.

What to bring and What to know

Trip Schedule through June:

May 11 (Sunday) - BAKER RIVER, Rumney - Plymouth, NH, Lower Section,   (EASY)
This lower section of the Baker offers a little quickwater and flatwater. You’ll paddle in clear water and  be able to see its sandy bottom. Meet 9:30am. Rte 93, exit 26 to Rte 25/3A west. Continue on Rte 25 beyond traffic circle for approximately 4 miles to Rumney  rest area.
Leader: Earl Flanders (603) 536-5652. Trip Partners: Pemi-Baker River Adventures and NH Rivers Council.  Call in advance for rentals or email: eflanders1@roadrunner.com.

May 17 (Saturday) - PEMIGEWASSET RIVER, North Woodstock, NH, Upper Section (MODERATE)
The most challenging of our 3 Pemi trips, this section includes Class II rapids, sharp turns & the opportunity to practice maneuvering around possible fallen trees or large rocks.
Meet 9:30am. From Rte 93, take exit 32 in North Woodstock. West to traffic light, left to fire station, left to parking behind station.
Leaders: Sharon and Mark Lacroix (603) 726 -3701. Call to confirm trip, depends on water level. Trip Partner: Merrimack Valley Paddlers and NH Rivers Council.

May 18 (Sunday) - BAKER RIVER, Wentworth - Rumney, NH, Upper Section  (MODERATE)
A small river that offers a combination of flatwater, quickwater, and short Class I – II rapids. The crystal clear water allows a view of the sandy bottom or small-pebbled areas that resemble mosaic tile. Meet 9:30am. Rte 93, exit 26 to Rte 25/3A west. Continue on Rte 25 beyond traffic circle for approximately 4 miles to Rumney rest area. Leader: Earl Flanders (603) 536-5652. Trip Partners: Pemi-Baker River Adventures, Merrimack Valley Paddlers and NH Rivers Council.  Call in advance for rentals or email: eflanders1@roadrunner.com

May 31 (Saturday) - PEMIGEWASSET RIVER, Woodstock, NH (MODERATE-EASY)
A quick-water section that passes by sand banks that house swallows and a few homes that have endured high spring water. The calmer flatwater sections pass by small beaches and swimming holes enjoyed by nearby campgrounds and area residents. Meet at 9:30am in Woodstock, NH. Rte 93 to exit 30, Rte 3N for 1 mile. Take first right at sign “To Rte 175”, right at end, then right again onto Death Valley Road (across from Woodstock fire station) to base of bridge. Leaders: Mark & Sharon Lacroix (603) 726-3701. Trip Partners: Merrimack Valley Paddlers and NH Rivers Council.

June 1 (Sunday) - PEMIGEWASSET RIVER, Plymouth, NH (EASY)
An attractive section that includes shallow areas with sandy banks and bottom. Most of the trip has good current,  changing to flatwater behind Ayers Island Dam. Call first. Meet 9:00am in Plymouth, NH. Rte 93 to exit 25 to Plymouth. As soon as you cross the river, turn left onto Green St. Launch is on left just past Court House.Leader: Earl Flanders (603) 536-5652. Trip Partners: Pemi-Baker River Adventures and NH Rivers Council.  Call in advance for rentals or email: flanders1@roadrunner.com.

June 8 (Sunday) - WINNIPESAUKEE RIVER, Tilton, NH (EASY TO MODERATE)
This popular paddle is always enjoyed by everyone. It offers not only flatwater but also a couple of Class I-II sections thought to be excellent training for beginners.
Meet 9:00am. Rte 93 to exit 20 (Tilton);  meet at McDonalds parking lot.
Leader: Earl Flanders (603) 536-5652. Trip Partners: Pemi-Baker River Adventures, Friends of the Winni, Merrimack Valley Paddlers and NH Rivers Council.  Call in advance for rentals or email: eflanders1@roadrunner.com.

June 14 (Saturday) - MERRIMACK RIVER, Franklin, NH (MODERATE-EASY) Registration Required
If you’ve never canoed the northern part of the Merrimack you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see the differences. A much smaller sandy-bottom river flows past fields, farms and woodlands. Bootleg  on the Winni with a BBQ at  the take-out. Meet at 9:00am in Franklin, NH. Rte 93N to exit 20. West on Rtes 3/111 to Franklin High School parking lot. Leader: Nancy Gero (603) 895-0274, email: coolcanoechic@comcast.net   Trip Partner: NH Rivers Council.

June 15 (Sunday) - SOUHEGAN RIVER,  Amherst, NH (EASY)
Enjoy a leisurely paddle on a stretch of the Souhegan that is mostly flatwater or swift water with views of trees, meadows, birds and perhaps other wildlife (usually including a few golfers).
Meet at 10:00am in Amherst, NH. Everett Turnpike (Rte 3) to exit 7W (Rte 101A west), then after 7.5 miles take right onto Rte 122N. Launch is on north side of bridge by country club.
Leader: Rich Hart (603) 673-5128, email: harts@ultranet.com. Trip Partners: Souhegan Watershed Association and NH Rivers Council.

More to come!