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Massachusetts | Franklin County / western Massachusetts
Deerfield RiverDeerfield Station No. 5 / Monroe Bridge launch to Dunbar Brook Picnic Area
A 2.5-mile upper Deerfield Dryway run from the Monroe Bridge release launch to the Dunbar Brook Picnic Area take-out.
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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
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A short, release-dependent Dryway segment with documented public launch and take-out.
Access map
Put-in
Deerfield Station No. 5 / Monroe Bridge launch (water-entry edge)The Monroe Bridge launch is below a dam and may use a steep stair or boat slide; inspect it in daylight.
Take-out
Dunbar Brook Picnic Area whitewater take-out (water-entry edge)Dunbar is a shuttle parking and take-out area, not an invitation to continue below the authorized reach.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- The Monroe Bridge launch is below a dam and may use a steep stair or boat slide; inspect it in daylight.
- Dunbar is a shuttle parking and take-out area, not an invitation to continue below the authorized reach.
- The Dryway is technical Class III–IV water with limited bailout options.
Watch for
- Confirmed 900–1,100 cfs release and Charlemont gauge trend
- Ledges, sieves, pin hazards and wood
- Cold dam water, utility boundaries and limited exits
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.
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
Deerfield River at Charlemont, MA. 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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Route gallery
Photos
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Sources
Data and sources
Read the access and hazard notes and check the linked guides. We do not issue a daily score for this trip.
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.
- Reach and public accessMonroe Bridge to Dunbar Brook; 2.5 miles
American Whitewater identifies the Monroe Bridge launch, Dunbar take-out and the 2.5-mile Dryway reach.
- Numeric release evidence900–1,100 cfs scheduled whitewater releases
American Whitewater’s release-agreement summary documents the Class IV Monroe Bridge release range. Use the published schedule and local warnings rather than treating the band as a safety guarantee.
- Direct gauge referenceUSGS 01168500 Charlemont
The direct Deerfield gauge is downstream of the Dryway; verify telemetry, trend and release timing before launch.
- Take-out boundaryDunbar Brook Picnic Area below Labyrinth
The take-out is the documented endpoint; utility fencing and unauthorized access continue downstream.
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.
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More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
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All 8Nearby routes within 75 miles
Quick answers
Deerfield River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Deerfield Station No. 5 / Monroe Bridge launch to Dunbar Brook Picnic Area route on the Deerfield River?
This planning route has no live Paddle Today score. Review the linked water-level sources, current access notices and route-specific hazards before travel.
Where does the Deerfield Station No. 5 / Monroe Bridge launch to Dunbar Brook Picnic Area route on the Deerfield River start and end?
This route starts at Deerfield Station No. 5 / Monroe Bridge launch (water-entry edge) and ends at Dunbar Brook Picnic Area whitewater take-out (water-entry edge), about 2.5 river miles on the water.
Is the Deerfield Station No. 5 / Monroe Bridge launch to Dunbar Brook Picnic Area route on the Deerfield River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a hard route. Review the difficulty notes, hazards and current access conditions against your group's skills. No live score assesses this trip.
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