Indian Brook
May 28th, 2008 by Kim
When you arrive at the Route 4 boat launch in Canaan, NH you have a difficult choice. You can head off on the more popular Mascoma River and end up in a beautiful pond full of flowers and birds continuing on until you meet the rapids further down the river. Or, you can turn upstream and head into Indian Brook.
Indian Brook is the route I usually prefer. Few people ever head in this direction. Yet, once you escape the sounds of traffic from Route 4, it becomes one of the most peaceful and meditative trips you’ll take. You are almost guaranteed to see ducks, a variety of colorful birds, an occasional beaver and every once in a great while-a deer along the banks.
Don’t be fooled into thinking you won’t have to work on this trip. You will. The beavers have made absolutely sure of it. After about a mile of winding through the trees and following the river past amazing foliage and steep banks (and some incredible trees which have seemingly offered their root system to be the bank of the river itself), you’ll encounter your first obstacle–a small beaver dam. Most people should be able to paddle or portage around with little difficulty.
The next obstacle will test your determination to continue. You probably have to exit your boat, stand in the water and portage it over this greater dam. If you choose to be adventurous and do so you’ll be greeted with a choice as the river splits to the right and left. You won’t get far on the left. The grandfather of beaver dams waits for you there. But continue to the right and you will continue your peaceful journey through forest and scrub bush until you pass under Route 4 again. Paddle as far as you can before heading back. The paddle back will seem too quick as the river carries you along rapidly back to your starting point.
Indian Brook is almost always the first trek out each year for Sadie and I. This year was no exception and as always it was the perfect kick off to the kayaking season.
How to get there: Take Route 4 to Canaan. Just after you cross the Canaan town line you will see the Mascoma River Boat Launch on your right.
The boat launch: You’ll find a sandy, often muddy put in just off Route 4 at the Mascoma River Boat launch. If you don’t mind getting your feet a little muddy, the put in is fast and easy on you and your boat. Traffic at the put in is usually light, even on weekends. You’ll share the car area with the occasional fisherman and family skipping stones.
Pooch Paddle Rating: Sadie gives Indian Brook 3 paws as it has a few good beaches to get out the boat and stretch her legs. It’s also a nice quiet trip which usually gives her ample opportunity to catch up on her beauty sleep. Well, that’s after she’s managed to get nice and muddy on the beaches.
Tewksbury Pond
August 8th, 2007 by KimTewksbury Pond is right on the Canaan/Grafton town line. It’s a very small pond, so don’t expect to spend a great deal of time here, unless you are planning to spend the afternoon floating. Tewksbury has several summer camps on the end closest to the put-in which are often quite busy. It’s also pretty close to Route 4, so it can be very noisy from cars passing. Very popular local fishing spot.
This isn’t one of my favorite spots, but if I don’t have time to go very far or spend a lot of time out on the water it’s sufficient for a quick fix. Occasionally, you will spot a Loon pair at the furthest end from the put-in.
Put-in
Cement boat ramp with ample depth for launch. You will usually be sharing the put-in with several fishing boats, so sometimes you’ll have to get creative about getting your boat in the water.
How to get there
Take Rte 4 east through Canaan Village. About 3 miles past Canaan Village you will come to Derry Point Landing on your right (look for state boat ramp sign). Up very steep and extremely narrow dirt road to ramp (and just hope you don’t meet another car).