River Description
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The Merrimack river starts in Franklin where the Winnipesaukee and the Pemigewasset rivers meet. This 24-mile section is runnable most of the year, though below 1000 cfs, some sections are very sluggish. Good recreational flow is between 1500 and 2000 cfs and the first 10 miles present more quickwater, then the water pace slows to flatwater as you approach Concord. Above 3000 cfs, the river edges begin to approach the tree-line, rapids are more turbulent, and the sandy banks (popular for campsites) are flooded out. The Contoocook River enters the Merrimack at about mile 15 and can present turbulent eddies at higher water levels.
The first mile of the Merrimack presents Class 1 rapids with Class 2 moments. The Sewalls Falls area (starting at 18 miles) presents Class 2 rapids and should be scouted from riverside trails (on river right) if unfamiliar. There are no other rapids on this section of the river beyond these two areas. There are several access points along the way to start or end a trip. See below for directions to these various access points. At the end of the trip in Concord you will pass a nice series of high sand dunes on the rivers edge, very unusual for New England. After the Everett Arena Boat Ramp, there are an additional 4.5 miles of flatwater that can be paddled up to the mandatory portage at Garvin Falls Dam, but river access for this lower section is poor.
### Directions to Franklin High School Boat Ramp (mile 0)
Rt 93 to Exit 20. South on Rt 3 approximately 5 miles to Franklin High School on the left. Parking and access behind the school. Alternatively, you can scout the various river access points by starting on Rt 3 in Concord (Exit 15W) and follow the river north. This is the best route to arrange your shuttle parking.
### Directions to Gerrish Depot Boat Ramp (~mile 8)
Rt 93 to Exit 17. West on Rt 4 approximately 4 miles. The road splits, keep right on Rt 3 North. Travel another 3 miles and look for Gerrish Depot on the right; an old run-down railway building. The boat ramp road is just 100 yards SOUTH of Gerrish Depot. Pass over the Northern Rail Trail and follow the road to the end at an obvious boat ramp.
### Directions to Boscawen Depot Boat Ramp (~mile 12)
Rt 93 to Exit 17. West on Rt 4 approximately 3 miles. Look for Depot Road on the right. Pass over the Northern Rail Trail and follow the road around the ball fields till the end at an obvious boat ramp.
### Directions to Sewalls Falls Boat Ramp at Upper Lot (~mile 18)
Rt 93 to Exit 15W. Turn right onto N Main Street, which turns slightly. Continue onto N State Street. After 2.8 mi, turn right onto Sewalls Falls Road and follow to the large recreational lot before the river bridge. The boat ramp is obvious at the end of the lot.
### Directions to Sewalls Falls Boat Ramp at Lower Lot (~mile 19)
Rt 93 to Exit 15W. Turn right onto N Main Street, which turns slightly. Continue onto N State Street. After 2.8 mi, turn right onto Sewalls Falls Road, turn right onto 2nd Street, go 0.8 mi and take a right into the parking lot. The boat ramp is obvious at the end of the lot. If you take a left BEFORE the parking lot, the road winds around to a north lot with access to Sewalls Falls beach.
### Directions to Concord Boat Ramp (~mile 24)
Rt 93 to Exit 14. Turn east on Rt 9 (Loudon Road) and after crossing the Merrimack River bridge, take the first left into Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road). The boat ramp is obvious at the left side of the lot and not to be confused with the private crew club river access docks.