Blackwater River
June 25th, 2008 by Kim
If you have a copy of the AMC Quiet Water New Hampshire/Vermont Guide (p.72) then you have probably breezed past the page devoted to the Blackwater River. Personally, I’ve read the entry several times and made a mental note that I’d have to paddle there. I wish I had done it sooner!
The boat launch starts you at the quiet end of the wide body of water. Head to the left from the launch and you’ll pass some marshy sections full of wildlife. During my initial paddle last weekend, and in the early morning, I was greeted by two deer, heron, songbirds, and a great number of (really large) turtles. Paddle in this direction, the shoreline narrows to a river. After about a mile the river narrows more. It appears there are some small rapids here, I didn’t have time to paddle further in this direction so I’m not sure if this section is passable.
Head back to the boat launch and continue past to the larger part of the paddle area. One or two houses dot the shore at this end. Again the water narrows to a river meandering off through the woods. While the way appeared partly blocked by a beaver dam, it still appears that there is ample room to paddle around the dam and continue on.
This initial exploration took only about an hour and was perfect for a quick paddle (which is all I had time for). This Friday I’ll be back to explore both ends of the river to see how far one can paddle before being turned back. AMC’s guide indicates end to end is about 5 miles.
How to get there: Traveling east on Route 4, look for Bay Road on your right about two miles past the junction of Route 4 and 11. A sign for the “Green Crow” will be on your right. Traveling west on Route 4, look for Bay Road on your left after driving through Salisbury Center. Head down Bay Rd about .7 mile. The launch area is on your right, a bit hidden and easy to miss.
The boat launch: Easy, dirt, shallow.
Pooch Paddle Rating: Sadie only gives this paddle 1 paw. As you can see from the few pictures I took, she was more than bored. “No ball playing? No getting out for a jaunt through the woods? Why bother? You humans are weird.” is her official line on this outing. When we have more time, Sadie will join me again and I’m hopeful she’ll score the Blackwater River higher on the scale!
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.