River guideNew Hampshire
Contoocook River
Compare trips by distance, difficulty and current conditions. Open a trip for its map, directions and planning tools.
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Start with distance, then compare current scores where available.
Showing all 6 trips.
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End of mapBefore you go
Choose a Contoocook finish and arrange access first
Keep the public-landing plan separate from the outfitter-shuttle trip. The longer endpoint combinations remain available below with their specific take-out terms.
The documented nine-mile trip needs a reservation
The Forest Society describes Riverway Park to Contoocook River Canoe Company as a one-way, nine-mile trip with a reserved paid shuttle. Confirm current operator terms before committing; the company landing and parking are not unrestricted public staging.
Read the nine-mile shuttle guideForest Society nine-mile paddle guide
Use the public Riverway Park finish for a different plan
The River Road-to-Riverway Park choice ends before the outfitter section. Check both public approaches and current obstruction information. It has a different shuttle and landing commitment from a trip ending at the Canoe Company.
Read the River Road–Riverway Park guideNew Hampshire access directory
A longer start needs its own agreement
The published nine-mile shuttle does not establish service for a Henniker or River Road start. For a longer company-finish plan, confirm your launch, boat, parking and pickup directly with the operator. Keep Henniker gauge context separate from an inspection of downstream obstructions.
Guides and maps checked . We have not inspected this trip in person. Check with the launch manager for current access and closures.
River overview
Contoocook River paddle planning
What to verify before you commit.
Water levels
These Contoocook River routes use Contoocook River near Henniker, NH as the main gauge reference.
Route options
Start with the 2 focused reach guides above. All 6 endpoint choices remain available in the picker, including longer combinations with their own take-out, gauge and hazard notes.
Difficulty
Contoocook River routes here are marked easy, so choose the stretch that fits your group and conditions.
Quick answers
Contoocook River paddling FAQ
Where can I paddle the Contoocook River?
Paddle Today tracks 6 Contoocook River routes across Merrimack Valley / Contoocook corridor. Compare the route cards on this page, then open an individual route for put-in, take-out, distance, and access notes.
How should I check Contoocook River water levels?
Check the gauge notes for your stretch and its live score where available. This hub uses Contoocook River near Henniker, NH. Planning routes have no live score; check their source guidance and current access notices.
Which Contoocook River route is best today?
Compare current scores where available, along with water level, recent trend, weather, access, and route difficulty. Planning-only cards provide trip information without a live paddling recommendation.