See all 6 routes on Contoocook River
New Hampshire | Merrimack Valley / Contoocook corridor
Contoocook RiverContoocook River Federal Corps Access to Contoocook River Canoe Company
A longer Contoocook itinerary from Henniker’s federal access to the Canoe Company’s conditional, operator-controlled take-out.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
Waiting on forecast.
Waiting on forecast.
Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A longer Contoocook itinerary from Henniker’s federal access to the Canoe Company’s conditional, operator-controlled take-out.
Access map
Put-in
Contoocook River Access, Federal Corps facility, HennikerUse documented access sites and existing paths; follow public-site parking rules and any private or operator-controlled access terms.
Take-out
Contoocook River Canoe CompanyThe Canoe Company landing and parking are not unrestricted public access; confirm permission, shuttle coverage, hours and parking directly with the operator before departure.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use documented access sites and existing paths; follow public-site parking rules and any private or operator-controlled access terms.
- The Canoe Company landing and parking are not unrestricted public access; confirm permission, shuttle coverage, hours and parking directly with the operator before departure.
- Portage every dam or obstruction; never approach a hydraulic structure.
- Recheck seasonal parking, water levels and weather before departure.
Watch for
- Long reach with limited exits
- Broken dams, strainers and fast rises
- Cold water and downstream take-out hours
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.
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Download GPX Route geometry only; no schedule required.
Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
Check how the river is changing and what weather to expect.
USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Contoocook River near Henniker, NH. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.
Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Contoocook River near Henniker, NH |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| Discharge | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 5.00 ft to 8.50 ft |
| Low threshold | 4.75 ft |
| High threshold | 9.00 ft |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | USACE Contoocook River Henniker status |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Conditional outfitter take-outContoocook River Federal Corps Access to Contoocook River Canoe Company
The Forest Society guide publishes this take-out coordinate and describes a paid, one-way shuttle itinerary. The company currently describes a private river beach and limits parking to renting or shuttle customers; confirm access and shuttle coverage before departure.
- Scoring band5–8.5 ft planning band; 4.75 ft low cue and 9 ft warning
American Whitewater and USACE publish reach-specific Henniker stage cues; verify live telemetry and trend before travel.
- GaugeUSGS 01085000 near Henniker
Direct Contoocook stage telemetry for the selected corridor.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
Share your trip
Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
More in New Hampshire
All 46 routesMore on Contoocook River
All 6Nearby routes within 75 miles
Quick answers
Contoocook River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Contoocook River Federal Corps Access to Contoocook River Canoe Company route on the Contoocook River?
Paddle Today watches Contoocook River near Henniker, NH and treats 5.00 ft to 8.50 ft as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Contoocook River Federal Corps Access to Contoocook River Canoe Company route on the Contoocook River start and end?
This route starts at Contoocook River Access, Federal Corps facility, Henniker and ends at Contoocook River Canoe Company, about 15.5 river miles on the water.
Is the Contoocook River Federal Corps Access to Contoocook River Canoe Company route on the Contoocook River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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