New Hampshire | Grafton County / Pemigewasset corridor

Pemigewasset RiverLivermore Falls Walk-in Access to Shaw Cove Cartop Facility

The longest selected Pemigewasset starter reach, linking Livermore Falls with Shaw Cove.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 29 river miles
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeAllow 8–12 hours with scouting
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Pemigewasset River runs through a forested New Hampshire valley.
River contextPemigewasset River; 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

Why this call
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Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
DifficultymoderateThe selected public access chain spans Class I–II lower valley water with some Class II–III features and dam portage requirements. Keep the itinerary below dams and scout strainers, ledges and changing current.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm NH Fish and Game, municipal and federal day-use and parking rules before unloading.
CampingDay tripNo overnight camping is included; use established campgrounds and never camp on private banks.
SeasonApr-OctSnowmelt and rain can raise the Pemi quickly. Check the Plymouth gauge, weather, dam notices and NH access conditions before launch.

Tomorrow and the weekend

Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.

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Plan your trip

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

Access and shuttle

The longest selected Pemigewasset starter reach, linking Livermore Falls with Shaw Cove.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Livermore Falls Walk-in Access, Holderness

Use only documented public access points and existing paths.

Finish

Take-out

Shaw Cove Cartop Facility, Sanbornton

Portage all dams and do not enter restricted hydraulic zones.

Road shuttle

Access notes and hazards

Access caveats

  • Use only documented public access points and existing paths.
  • Portage all dams and do not enter restricted hydraulic zones.
  • Respect parking, carry-in and seasonal access limits.

Watch for

  • Plymouth gauge and fast rises
  • Strainers, ledges and cold water
  • Dam portages and limited exits

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.

Trip schedule

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Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

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Why this score

See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.

Data status
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Data 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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Water levels, published guidance and update times

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

Gauge sitePemigewasset River at Plymouth, NH
DischargeChecking
Gauge heightChecking
24h trendChecking
24h changeChecking
Current bandChecking
Rain last 24hChecking
Rain last 72hChecking
Air tempChecking
Water tempChecking
WindChecking
GustsChecking
Rain timingChecking
Preferred range400 cfs to 2,000 cfs
Low threshold400 cfs
High threshold3,000 cfs
Evidence strength behind the rangeLocal route guidance
Gauge observedChecking
Paddle Today updatedChecking
Main source behind this scoreRiverScout Pemigewasset flow and reach guide
Gauge sourceChecking
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Rainfall sourceChecking
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.

  • Public access chainLivermore Falls Walk-in Access to Shaw Cove Cartop Facility; 29 miles

    The 2024 corridor plan and NH access directory list the named cartop or walk-in facilities along the Pemigewasset.

    Source

  • Scoring band400–2,000 cfs community planning band

    RiverScout ties the band to USGS 01076500; Wilderness Portal provides a conservative 700–2,500 cfs Bristol Gorge reference. Recheck live telemetry before travel.

    Source

  • GaugeUSGS 01076500 at Plymouth

    Direct Pemigewasset telemetry for the selected Grafton County corridor; verify current value and trend.

    Source

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Pemigewasset River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Livermore Falls Walk-in Access to Shaw Cove Cartop Facility route on the Pemigewasset River?

Paddle Today watches Pemigewasset River at Plymouth, NH and treats 400 cfs to 2,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.

Where does the Livermore Falls Walk-in Access to Shaw Cove Cartop Facility route on the Pemigewasset River start and end?

This route starts at Livermore Falls Walk-in Access, Holderness and ends at Shaw Cove Cartop Facility, Sanbornton, about 29 river miles on the water.

Is the Livermore Falls Walk-in Access to Shaw Cove Cartop Facility route on the Pemigewasset 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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