New Hampshire | Merrimack Valley / Franklin to Concord

Merrimack RiverBoscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge) to Everett Arena public boat ramp (water-entry edge)

A Merrimack reach from the Boscawen Depot public ramp to Everett Arena in Concord.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 17.5 river miles
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeAllow 6–9 hours with current
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Merrimack River at Thornton’s Ferry in New Hampshire.
River contextMerrimack River in New Hampshire; same-river context, not an endpoint or current-conditions photograph river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Wikimedia Commons contributor

Need to know

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Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
DifficultymoderateThe Franklin–Concord run is primarily Class I with quickwater and a Class II Sewalls Falls section. Scout Sewalls Falls, bridges, strainers and all dam boundaries from shore before committing.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm Franklin, Concord and New Hampshire Fish and Game access rules, parking limits, seasonal closures and any water-quality notices before launch.
CampingDay tripNo overnight river camping is included. Use established campgrounds or lodging near Franklin or Concord; do not camp at access sites or on private banks.
SeasonApr-OctThe run is generally navigable April–October. Snowmelt, rain, releases, cold water and wind change conditions quickly; check direct telemetry and trend immediately before departure.

Tomorrow and the weekend

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Plan your trip

Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.

Access and shuttle

A Merrimack reach from the Boscawen Depot public ramp to Everett Arena in Concord.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Boscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge)

How’s Your River identifies Boscawen Depot on the upper run and Everett Arena at the Concord end. Use Sewalls Falls as the mandatory intermediate scouting and bailout point.

Finish

Take-out

Everett Arena public boat ramp (water-entry edge)

Sewalls Falls is a rapid and former dam area; scout from the riverside trail and stop before any downstream restricted or dam reach.

Road shuttle

Access notes and hazards

Access caveats

  • How’s Your River identifies Boscawen Depot on the upper run and Everett Arena at the Concord end. Use Sewalls Falls as the mandatory intermediate scouting and bailout point.
  • Sewalls Falls is a rapid and former dam area; scout from the riverside trail and stop before any downstream restricted or dam reach.
  • The source notes that sandy banks and campsites flood above roughly 3,000 cfs; do not infer safe conditions from flow alone.

Watch for

  • USGS 01081500 trend and releases
  • Sewalls Falls Class II water, strainers and bridge current
  • Cold water, private banks, water quality and dam boundaries

Choose your trip times

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Trip schedule

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Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

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Why this score

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Data status
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Data reliability: checking

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Water levels, published guidance and update times

These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.

Gauge siteMerrimack River at Franklin Junction, NH
DischargeChecking
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24h trendChecking
24h changeChecking
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Rain last 24hChecking
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Preferred rangeNeeds paddler reports
Known low-water floor400 cfs
High thresholdWater-level guidance unavailable
Evidence strength behind the rangeLocal route guidance
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Paddle Today updatedChecking
Main source behind this scoreHow’s Your River Franklin to Concord Merrimack run
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What to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Named run and distance17.5 miles from Franklin to Everett Arena public boat ramp (water-entry edge)

    How’s Your River documents the Franklin–Concord access sequence and identifies this endpoint as a named ramp on the run.

    Source

  • Scored flow band400 cfs runnable floor; 1,500–2,000 cfs preferred

    How’s Your River reports the runnable range and good recreational band from American Whitewater and USGS data; verify live trend and local conditions.

    Source

  • Direct telemetryUSGS 01081500 Merrimack River at Franklin Junction

    Use the direct gauge before launch; it is the upstream primary for the documented run.

    Source

  • Access and campingFranklin High School to public Concord ramp; nearby basecamp only

    The access directory and Concord guide identify public water-entry edges; no informal riverbank camping is included.

    Source

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Merrimack River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Boscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge) to Everett Arena public boat ramp (water-entry edge) route on the Merrimack River?

Paddle Today watches Merrimack River at Franklin Junction, NH and uses 400 cfs as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.

Where does the Boscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge) to Everett Arena public boat ramp (water-entry edge) route on the Merrimack River start and end?

This route starts at Boscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge) and ends at Everett Arena public boat ramp (water-entry edge), about 17.5 river miles on the water.

Is the Boscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge) to Everett Arena public boat ramp (water-entry edge) route on the Merrimack River suitable for beginners?

This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.

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