See all 20 routes on Merrimack River
New Hampshire | Merrimack Valley / Franklin to Concord
Merrimack RiverFranklin High School Merrimack access (water-entry edge) to Boscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge)
A documented upper Merrimack day reach from the Franklin High School access to the Boscawen Depot public ramp.
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Need to know
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Route overview
Trip details
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Plan
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Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A documented upper Merrimack day reach from the Franklin High School access to the Boscawen Depot public ramp.
Access map
Put-in
Franklin High School Merrimack access (water-entry edge)How’s Your River identifies Boscawen Depot at approximately mile 12 and the Franklin High School access as the run start. Confirm the Depot Road ramp, parking, river entry and any downstream Sewalls Falls boundary before launch.
Take-out
Boscawen Depot 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 at approximately mile 12 and the Franklin High School access as the run start. Confirm the Depot Road ramp, parking, river entry and any downstream Sewalls Falls boundary before launch.
- 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
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Conditions
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
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River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Merrimack River at Franklin Junction, NH. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
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Gauge
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Score & sources
Why this score
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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 | Merrimack River at Franklin Junction, NH |
| Discharge | Checking |
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| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
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| Rain last 24h | Checking |
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| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 400 cfs |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | How’s Your River Franklin to Concord Merrimack run |
| Gauge source | Checking |
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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.
- Named run and distance12 miles from Franklin to Boscawen Depot 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.
- 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.
- Direct telemetryUSGS 01081500 Merrimack River at Franklin Junction
Use the direct gauge before launch; it is the upstream primary for the documented run.
- 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.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
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Paddler reports
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Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
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Quick answers
Merrimack River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Franklin High School Merrimack access (water-entry edge) to Boscawen Depot 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 Franklin High School Merrimack access (water-entry edge) to Boscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge) route on the Merrimack River start and end?
This route starts at Franklin High School Merrimack access (water-entry edge) and ends at Boscawen Depot public boat ramp (water-entry edge), about 12 river miles on the water.
Is the Franklin High School Merrimack access (water-entry edge) to Boscawen Depot 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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