5) Zoar Picnic Area to East Charlemont

This section of the Deerfield River has a number of smaller rapids and riffles that make it a popular summer tubing float but also a good training ground for whitewater boaters. The river can be wide, shallow, and slow but it is a good reach for those seeking a fun float on a hot summer day and regularly enjoyed by groups that can include families, Scouts, and church groups. The first few rapids between Zoar Picnic Area and Shunpike Rest Area are particularly good for training and instruction and the eddy line at Conjunction Junction is good for stern squirts or long down time in a squirt boat. It takes the water a couple hours to reach the put-in at Zoar Picnic Area when released from the dam so keep that in mind when considering what flow will be for the day. Logistics: There are a number of access points and much of this segment is roadside but please respect private property along this section. Good public access points include the put-in at Zoar Gap Picnic Area on river left, the intermediate access point at Shunpike Rest Area on river left, and the take-out at East Charlemont Boat Ramp on river left. There are a few roadside pullouts on the lower stretches of the run that also have good swimming holes. Great Outdoors maintains a private access that is popular with tubers but can also be used by boaters for a modest fee. The Highway 8A Bridge is not recommended due to private property immediately adjacent to the bridge. Outfitters located along the highway that parallels this reach serve tubers, whitewater boaters, and guests interested in an outfitted trip on this segment or more commonly one of the more challenging whitewater sections upstream.