Mascoma River
July 30th, 2007 by Sally
Put-In
Depending on the water level, the put-in can be tricky. You might have to drag your boat a ways to avoid bottoming out or clamor over a few rocks to get to a good put-in spot. The struggle is never a guaranteed one, but it’s worth the struggle if you experience one.
The Trip
Head to the left and you’ll follow the meandering quiet water for maybe a half a mile. At first you will pass a couple of houses, but most of the way is private and beautiful. There is one section which I almost always have to drag my boat in late summer when the river level gets low. Again, well worth the effort. Keep going and you’ll come across an open pond terrific for exploring and dependable for the large number of lilies which crowd it’s surface. You can continue along the river into Enfield at which point you’ll have to turn around at the dam. It’s a pleasurable and easy paddle back (watch for the occasional beaver).
If you are still up for some paddling, continue past the put-in location into Indian Brook. This section of the river is quiet and always packs a surprise or two. The last time I paddled there I discovered a fawn rest in the cool mud of the river bank. What a beautiful sight!
So, there you have it–one of my favorite kayaking locations. But, hey, keep it a secret–I don’t want to share it with everyone.
How to get there
Route 4 east to Canaan. Look for the Mascoma River Canoe Facility on your right about a quarter of a mile past Dunkin Donuts. If you pass the high school you have gone about a half a mile too far.