McDaniel’s Marsh
May 29th, 2008 by Sally
First looks can be deceiving. That’s certainly the case when you arrive at McDaniel’s Marsh in Enfield, NH. At first glance you see a relatively large body of water, but you can see the shore and you’re sure it will be a short day of paddling.
In all actuality, McDaniel’s Marsh is larger than popular Grafton Pond (and a lot quieter on the weekends). As you paddle the quiet waters you’ll discover the marsh continues on for quite some distance and well beyond what your eyes thought they saw.
Lots of birds make their homes here. From wood ducks and canadian geese to red-wing blackbirds and a number of tree sparrows, bird-watchers will find this an enjoyable location. A number of abandoned beaver huts may lead you to believe that the beavers have long since abandoned this marsh. But, the last time I paddled here, several beavers made it clear that this was their home and I was not welcome.
McDaniel’s Marsh is a quiet place to paddle with only one house along the shore and close to the boat launch. A few nicely cleared locations on the bank allow for a nice lunch break or opportunity to stretch your legs.
This is definitely a place to paddle in the spring and early summer. Late summer paddlers may find the vegetation too dense to paddle through successfully.
All in all, when other paddle locations are too busy for a comfortable or quiet day, McDaniel’s Marsh is an excellent place to go.
How to get there: From Take Route 4A to Bog Road (just outside of Enfield Center). Follow Bog Pond Road all the way to the end where it meets George Hill Road. You’ll see the boat launch right with ample parking in front of you.
The boat launch: Easy gravel and shallow.
Indian Brook
May 28th, 2008 by Sally
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.