Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Title with the National Park Service arrowhead Parknet and arrowhead


New Hampshire Segments

 

Jamie Fosburgh
National Park Service
Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance
15 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 223-5191

Photo of small river in New Hampshire

River

County

Reach

Length (miles)

Year Listed/ Updated

ORVs

Description

Other States

Ammonoosuc River

Coos

Maplewood Dam near route 302 to Bretton Woods

14

1982/ 1993

 

R, G, O

   

Ammonoosuc River

Coos

From Bretton Woods to the confluence with Jefferson Brook.

3

1995

S

S, G, F

Fish-River is a regionally popular and significant trout stream. Geologic-Segment includes a unique natural geologic feature, Upper Ammonoosuc Falls.

 

Ammonoosuc River

Coos

Maplewood Dam near Rte 302 to Bretton Woods

14

1982

 

R, G, O

Hydrologic-(One of the largest rivers in this section.)

Geologic-(Segment includes highly diverse and steep channel, with resultant falls and impassible rapids.)

Recreation-(A regionally significant whitewater canoeing river, with gradients of Class II thorugh Class IV. River is noted for some of the finest whitewater canoeing in New England.)

Wild-(Corridor and surrounding watershed are virtually undeveloped and includes regionally significant Zealand Notch and Zealand Falls.)

 

Androscoggin River

Coos

Pontook Reservoir to Errol

13

1982

 

R, O

Recreation-(Significant segments of whitewater runs which are unique in that they are available during all seasons.)

Hydrologic-(Largely undeveloped high order river.)

 

Androscoggin River

Coos

Above Berlin to the Pontook Reservoir

10

1982

 

F, O

Fish-(River is an historic Atlantic Salmon fishery.)

Hydrologic-(One of two remaining sparsely developed free-flowing segments of a unique high order river.)

 

Androscoggin River

Coos

Above Errol to the Umbagog Lake

3

1982

 

F, O

Botanic-(Segment flows from Umbagog Lake, known as the finest wildlife area in New Hampshire and includes Floating Island, an open tamarack-black spruce bog. Area contains many northern bog plants and is a breeding habitat for the Lincoln sparrow.)

Fish-(River is an historic Atlantic Salmon fishery.)

 

Ashuelot River

Cheshire

Shaws Corner to Marlow

8

1982

 

R, F, C

Fish-(Stream is a regionally significant trout stream supporting native species.)

Recreation-(Segment includes one of longest continuous series of Class III and Class IV rapids, including a gorge at Gilsum, in the southern part of this section.)

Cultural-(Segment includes a unique stone arch bridge.)

 

Ashuelot River

Cheshire and Sullivan

From the confluence with the Connecticut River in Hinsdale to Butterfield Pond in Washington.

64

1995

S

R, G, W, H

Recreational-Segment contains 4 miles of continuous Class II-III rapids between Gilsum Gorge and Surry, and an area of Class V rapids south of Winchester. Geologic-Gilsum Gorge, a significant natural feature, contains numerous waterfalls and potholes. Wildlife-One of only three rivers in NH to support the federally-endangered dwarf wedge mussel. Historic-Gilsum Stone Arch Bridge and Sawyer's Crossing Covered Bridge are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Baker River

Grafton

Plymouth to headwaters

15

1982

 

G, F, H

Geologic-(Segment includes unique glacially formed Polar caves.)

Historic-(Segment includes significant Colonial trade route connecting seacoast with northern Connecticut River Valley. Site of the first road built in the State in 1767.)

Recreation-(River is a regionally significant canoe trail joining in the Pemigewasset River.)

Fish-(River is a significant Atlantic Salmon fishery under restoration.)

 

Baker River, South Branch

Grafton

Confluence with Baker River to 5 miles upstream

6

1982

 

G, F, H

See Baker River comments.

 

Bearcamp River

Carroll

Ossipee Lake to headwaters

24

1982

 

G, F, O

See Ossipee River comments.

 

Bearcamp River

Carroll

Ossipee Lake to headwaters

24

1982/ 1993

 

G, O

   

Beech Hill Brook

Rockingham

Confluence with the Piscassic River to headwaters

4

1982

 

F

See Lamprey River comments.

 

Blackwater River

Merrimack

West of Salisbury to Alleyville

8

1982

 

S

Scenic-(Significant and diverse juxtaposed combination of water, land, cultural and vegetative elements. Segment includes quickwater, a covered bridge, mill remnants, slackwater and river-related wetlands.)

 

Blackwater River

Merrimack

Confluence with the Contoocook River to the dam at Blackwater Reservoir

7

1982

 

R, F, H

See Contoocook River (segment from Contoocook to Pennacook) comments.

 

Cocheco River

Strafford

Rochester (Spaulding Turnpike Bridge) to Farmington

7

1982

 

F

Fish-(River is an Atlantic Salmon fishery and is undergoing restoration to its anadromous fish runs of shad, brown trout, alewives and blueback herring.)

 

Cocheco River

Strafford

Dover to Rochester

11

1982

 

F

Fish-(Sement is an historic Atlantic Salmon fishery and is undergoing restorations to its anandromous fish runs of shad, brown trout, alewives and blueback herring.)

 

Cold River

Cheshire, Sullivan

Confluence with the Connecticut River to headwaters

18

1982

 

F, C

Fish-(River is a significant Atlantic Salmon fishery under restoration.)

Scenic-(Significant and diverse juxtaposition of land, land uses, water and geologic elements.)

Cultural-(Segment includes one covered bridge and one National Historic Register site at Acworth.)

 

Connecticut River

Grafton, Orange

Confluence with the Omponmanoosuc River to South Newbury

37

1982

 

O

Hydrologic-(One of the last remaining sparsely developed, free-flowing segments of a high order river in the section.)

VT

Connecticut River

Coos, Essex

Dalton to North Strafford

40

1982

 

O

Hydrologic-(A unique, sparsely developed, high order river. One of the most significant examples of fluvial deposition in the northeast region.)

VT

Connecticut River

Coos, Essex

North Strafford to Beecher Falls

22

1982

 

O

Hydrologic-(A unique sparsely developed high order river.)

Scenic-(Segment passes by and provides excellent views of Monadnock Mountain, a regionally unique example of an open low mountain. Possess one of the highest ranges of views in the entire northeast.)

VT

Connecticut River

Cheshire, Windham

One mile above Rte 9 bridge to Rte 23 bridge at Walpole

18

1982

 

H, O

Hydrologic-(One of three remaining sparsely developed free-flowing segments of a unique high order river in this section.)

Botanic-(Segment includes calcareous soils unique to this segment supporting rare plant species unusual to this section of the Connecticut River Valley.)

Historic-(Segment includes the site of the first bridge over the Connecticut River, a toll bridge constructed in 1785 in Walpole.)

VT

Connecticut River

Sullivan, Windham, Windsor

Confluence with the Williams River at South Charlestown to Windsor

24

1982

 

O

Hydrologic-(One of three remaining sparsely developed free-flowing segments in this section.)

VT

Connecticut River

Grafton, Orange

Confluence with the Omponmanoosuc River to South Newbury

37

1982/ 1995

 

S, R, O

Scenic and recreational resources were found to be outstanding in statewide study by New England River Center in 1983.

Segment has been designated into the the New Hampshire River Management and Protection Program (RSA483).

VT

Connecticut River

Coos, Essex

North Strafford to Beecher Falls

22

1982/ 1995

 

S, R, F, O

Segment has been designated into the New Hampshire River Management and Protection Program (RSA 483). Scenic, Recreational and Fishery resources were also identified as outstanding in a statewide study by the New England River Center in 1983.

VT

Connecticut River

Cheshire, Windham

One mile above Rte. 9 bridge to Rte. 23 bridge at Walpole.

18

1982/ 1995

 

S, R, F

Segment has been designated into the New Hampshire River Management and Protection Program (RSA 483). Scenic, recreational and fishery resources were also identified as outstanding in a statewide study by the New England River Center in 1983.

VT

Contoocook River

Hillsborough

From Bennington to Poole Pond in Ridge.

29

1995

S

S, R, F

Recreational-Class II rapids between Jaffrey and Peterborough offer ideal training for beginning whitewater boaters. Fish-Segment is included in the Atlantic Salmon restoration program.

 

Contoocook River

Merrimack

Contoocook to Pennacook

9

1982

 

R, F, H

Fish-(River is an historic Atlantic Salmon fishery.)

Historic-(Segment includes two covered bridges which are being nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.)

Recreation-(Significant diversity of flow gradients ranging from slackwater to rapids of Class IV gradients.)

 

Contoocook River

Merrimack

West Hopkinton Dam to Bennington

26

1982

 

R

Recreation-(Segment includes some of the most significant white water canoeing in all of New England. Difficulty ranges up to Class IV with large rocks and obstructions adding to the river's turbulance. Segment includes noted areas such as S-turn (Class 3-4) and Freight Train Rapids (Class 4-5) ).

 

Contoocook River, North Branch

Hillsborough and Cheshire

From Confluence with Contoocook River in Hillsborough to Rye Pond in Stoddard.

16

1995

S

R, H, O

Recreational-Segment contains an expert whitewater section rated as Class V. Historic-A historically significant arch bridge is located in the segment. Botanic-Three exemplary natural ecological communities are supported by the river including an Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, a Southern New England Level Bog and a Southern New England Acidic Seepage Swamp.

 

Dead Diamond River

Coos

Confluence with Magalloway River to headwaters

16

1982

 

S, R, G

Scenic-(One of the highest ranges and diversities of views within the section and the northeast.)

Geologic-(A significant gorge between Diamond Peaks and Mt. Dustan.)

Recreation-(A unique diversity of flow gradients.)

 

Dead Diamond River

Coos

Confluence with Magalloway River to headwaters.

16

1982/ 1995

 

S, R, G, F, W

Fishery and wildlife resources were found to be outstanding in a statewide study by the New England River Center in 1983.

 

Dry River

Coos

Confluence with the Saco River to headwaters

10

1982

 

S, R, G, F, O

See Saco River (segment from New Hampshire/Maine State line to headwaters) comments.

 

Dry River

Coos

Confluence with Saco River to headwaters

8

1982/ 1993

 

S, R, G, O

   

Ellis River

Carroll

Confluence with the Saco River to headwaters

13

1982

 

S, R, G, F, O

See Saco River (segment from New Hampshire/Maine State line to headwaters) comments.

 

Ellis River

Carroll

Confluence with Saco River to headwaters

16

1982/ 1993

 

S, R, F

   

Exeter River

Rockingham

Town of Exeter to headwaters

27

1982

 

F

Fish-(River is listed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a significant anadromous fish spawning river and is currently undergoing restoration.)

 

Exeter River

Rockingham

Town of Exeter to headwaters.

27

1982/ 1995

 

F, H

Segment contains a nationally listed historic district (see Exeter River Report to General Court, NHDES 1995).

 

Franconia Branch

Grafton

Confluence with the East Fork to headwaters

5

1982

 

S, R, G, O

See Pemigewasset River, East Branch (segment from Hancock picnic area to headwaters of Norcross Brook) comments.

 

Franconia Branch

Grafton

Confluence with E. Br. to headwaters

6

1982

 

S, G, O

See Pemigewasset River, East Branch (segment from Boyle Brook to headwaters of East Branch) comments.

 

Franconia Branch

Grafton

Confluence with East Fork to headwaters

5

1982/ 1993

 

G

   

Fresh River

Rockingham

Confluence with the Piscassic River to headwaters

0

1982

   

See Lamprey River comments.

 

Gale River

Coos

From Confluence with Ammonoosuc River to the Headwaters.

12

1995

S

R, C

Recreational-One of the more undeveloped and scenic river segments in the White Mountains. Contains several miles of Class III-IV rapids. Cultural-Relatively undeveloped watershed in the White Mountain National Forest enables the river to serve as a water supply for the Town of Littleton.

 

Great Brook and Great Meadows

Rockingham

Confluence of Exeter River to headwaters

5

1982

 

F

See Exeter River comments.

 

Hampton Falls River

Rockingham

Hampton Beach to headwaters

2

1982

 

R, F, H

See Hampton River comments.

 

Hampton River

Rockingham

Hampton Beach to headwaters

5

1982

 

R, F, H

Historic-(Segment is adjacent to the landing site of the Old Bay Colonists, who were among the earliest settlers of this region, arriving in 1600.)

Fish-(River is noted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for its anadromous fish runs and is presently undergoing habitat restoration.)

 

Hancock Branch

Grafton

Confluence with the East Fork to headwaters

5

1982

 

S, R, G, O

See Pemigewasset River, East Branch (segment from Hancock picnic area to headwaters of Norcross Brook) comments.

 

Hancock Branch

Grafton

Headwaters to confluence with East Fork of Pemigewasset River

5

1982/ 1993

S, R

S, R, F

Reintroduction of Atlantic Salmon. Good trout fishing opportunities. Proximity to ski area. Dense forests, views of mountain peaks, and boulder strewn shorelines and river bed.

 

Indian Stream

Coos

From Headwaters to the confluence with Connecticut River.

17

1995

W

S, F, W, O

Scenic-Noted for its unspoiled natural character flowing almost entirely through undeveloped timberland. Fish-Prized trout stream and cold water fishery. Hydrologic-Northernmost runnable river in New Hampshire.

 

Isinglass River

Strafford

Confluence with the Cocheco River to Bow Lake

9

1982

 

F

See Cocheco River (segment from Dover to Rochester) comments.

 

Israel River

Coos

Confluence with Connecticut River to headwaters

16

1982

 

F, O

Fish-(River is an historic Atlantic Salmon fishery.)

 

Israel River

Coos

Confluence with Connecticut River to headwaters

17

1982/ 1993

 

F

   

Lamprey

Strafford

From Headwaters in Northwood to West Epping Dam.

20

1995

R

O

Hydrologic-Largest tributary to the Great Bay National Estuarine Reserve. Segment is largely undeveloped.

 

Lamprey River

Rockingham

Newmarket to Town of Epping

18

1982

 

F

Fish-(River is undergoing restoration of its anadromous fish runs and is noted for its Atlantic and Coho Salmon, brown trout, and shad.)

 

Lamprey River

Strafford

From Newmarket to West Epping Dam.

22

1995

R

F, H, O

Fish-Ongoing anadromous fish restoration program for Atlantic Salmon and Shad. Historic-Significant archaeological sites including two listed in the National Register. Ecological Integrity-Largely undeveloped river corridor. Segment contains significant floodplain communities.

 

Lovell River

Carroll

Confluence with Ossipee Lake to headwaters

9

1982

 

F

See Ossipee River comments.

 

Magalloway River

Coos

Below Aziscohos Dam to Umbagog Lake

16

1982

 

S, R, G

See Dead Diamond River comments.

 

Magalloway River

Coos

Below Aziscohos Dam to Umbagog Lake.

16

1982/ 1995

 

S, R, G, W

Segment supports nesting osprey.

 

Merrimack

 

The segment from its origin at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Winnipesaukee Rivers in Franklin, NH, to the backwater impoundment at Hooksett Dam, excluding Garvins Falls Dam and its impoundment.

0

1982/ 1995

   

This river is under Congressional study for designation to the Wild and Scenic River System. It is currently under the protection of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act pursuant to Section 7 (b) of the Act.

 

Merrimack River

Hillsborough

From Pennichuck Brook in Merrimack to Amoskeag Dam in Manchester.

15

1995

R

R, F, W, H

Recreational-Segment contains Class II-III whitewater that is passable at most water levels including a racecourse in Manchester. Fish-River is a significant Atlantic Salmon fishery under restoration. Wildlife-This segment of river corridor provides winter habitat for the federally-listed bald eagle. Historic-Lock at Cromwells Falls is the best remaining example of the historic Merrimack River Navigation System of locks and canals.

 

Merrimack River

Merrimack

Concord Center to Franklin.

26

1982/ 1995

 

R, G, F, C, O

National Park Service Wild and Scenic River Study was completed in 1993.

Segment length increased from eight miles to twenty-six miles as a result of Sewall Falls Dam being breached and restoring free flowing water conditions. The NPS study also found that the previously listed five mile segment from the confluence with Suncook River to the confluence with Soucook River was no longer eligible for listing due to flooding by the Hooksett Dam.

 

Merrimack River

Merrimack

West Concord to Franklin

18

1982

 

R, G, F, C, O

Hydrologic-(One of two remaining sparsely developed, free-flowing segments of a unique high order stream.)

Recreation-(Unique proximity to regionally significant population concentrations in Concord and Manchester.)

Geologic-(Area is part of Lake Winnipesaukee composite landscape area which includes significant portions of 1 of 7 regionally unique composite landscapes. These areas, where four or more different major landscape patterns- landform, land use, vegetation, water-- come together in juxtaposition, are the most diverse places in the northeast.)

Fish-(River is a significant Atlantic Salmon fishery under restoration.)

Cultural-(River is historically reported to be the most noted waterpower stream in the world, during the 19th century industrial era.)

 

Nash Stream

Coos

Confluence with Ammonoosuc River to headwaters

14

1982

 

O

Wild-(Corridor and surrounding watersheds are virtually undeveloped and remote.)

Hydrologic-(An excellent example of an undeveloped, free-flowing, low order river.)

 

Nash Stream

Coos

Confluence with Ammonoosuc River to headwaters

14

1982/ 1995

 

S, O

Scenic resources were found to be outstanding in a statewide study by the New England River Center in 1983.

 

Nashua River

Hillsborough, Worcester

Above Hollis Depot to East Pepperill

5

1982

 

G

Geologic-(River exhibits the unique phenomenon of reversed mainstream flow which is attributed to geological uplift or glacial activity.)

MA

North River

Strafford

Confluence with the Lamprey to North River Pond

13

1982

 

F

See Lamprey River comments.

 

North River

Strafford

Confluence with the Lamprey to North River Pond

13

1982/ 1995

 

S, F

Scenic resources were found to be outstanding in a statewide study by the New England River Resources Center in 1983.

 

Ossipee River

Carroll

Confluence with Ossipee Lake to headwaters

8

1982

 

G, F, O

Hydrologic-(Unique system of relatively undeveloped river segments hydrologically related to Ossipee Lake.)

Geologic-(Segments include intervalls, a regionally unique geographic feature.)

Geologic-(Area includes significant portions of 1 of 7 regionally unique composite landscapes. These areas, where four or more different major landscape patterns- landform, land use, vegetation, water- come together in juxtaposition, are the most diverse places in the Northeast.)

 

Peabody River

Coos

Confluence with Androscoggin River to headwaters

0

1982

 

O

Hydrologic-(A representative low order river in a high mountain area. Headwaters flow through Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the northeast.)

 

Peabody River

Coos

Confluence with Androscoggin River to headwaters

12

1982/ 1993

 

O

   

Peabody River, West Branch

Coos

Confluence with Peabody River to headwaters

16

1982

 

O

Wild-(Corridor and surrounding watersheds are virtually undeveloped and remote.)

 

Peabody River, West Branch

Coos

Confluence with Peabody River to headwaters

5

1982/ 1993

 

O

   

Pemigewasset River

Grafton

Above Shadow Lake to Profile Lake

7

1982

 

S

Scenic-(Segment includes Franconia Notch State Park which features Franconia Notch, an 8 mile long mountain pass between the Kinsman and Franconia mountains, some of the state's most spectacular landmarks and scenery, and New Hampshire's trademark, the Old Man of the Mountains.)

 

Pemigewasset River

Belknap and Grafton

From New Hampton to Profile Lake.

57

1995

S

S, R, G, F

Scenic-Segment includes Franconia Notch State Park and the State's most well-known landmark, the Old Man of the Mountains. Livermore Falls, located in Campton, is one of the more spectacular waterfalls in the region. Recreational-Segment contains significant flatwater and quickwater boating opportunities form Class I-III. Geologic-Campronite, a type of rock of unique and unusual chemical composition, was first found near Livermore Falls. Fish-River is part of an ongoing Atlantic Salmon restoration program.

 

Pemigewasset River

 

The segments from Profile Lake downstream to the southern boundary of the Franconia Notch State Park and from the northern Thornton town-line downstream to the backwater of the Ayers Island Dam.

0

1982/ 1995

   

This river is under Congressional study for designation to the Wild and Scenic River System. It is currently under the protection of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act pursuant to Section 7 (b) of the Act.

 

Pemigewasset River, East Branch

Grafton

Boyle Brook to headwaters E. Branch

16

1982

 

S, G, O

Wild-(Undeveloped character of the corridor and surrounding watersheds combined with ruggedness of the topography make this area inaccessible.)

Geologic-(Excellent example of a completely undeveloped, open low mountain, low order river.)

Scenic-(Unique high range and variety of views.)

 

Pemigewasset River, East Branch

Grafton

Hancock picnic area to headwaters of Norcross Brook

13

1982

 

S, R, G, O

Wild-(Undeveloped character of the corridor and surrounding watersheds combined with the ruggedness of the topogrphy make this area inaccessible.)

Recreation-(River is the largest in the area and is noted for its continuous rapids which range up to Class IV.)

Geologic-(Excellent example of a completely undeveloped, open low mountain, low order river.)

Scenic-(Unique high range and variety of views.)

 

Pemigewasset River, East Branch

Grafton

Junction of Norcross and Anderson Brooks to Hancock Picnic/Campground Area

13

1982/ 1993

W, S

S, R

Important anadromous and trout fishery. Reintroducing Atlantic salmon. Dense undisturbed forests and mountain slopes are varied by small tag alder semi open bottoms.

 

Pemigewasset River, North Fork

Grafton

Confluence with the East Fork to headwaters

7

1982

 

S, R, G, O

See Pemigewasset River, East Branch (segment from Hancock picnic area to headwaters of Norcross Brook) comments.

 

Pemigewasset River, North Fork

Grafton

Confluence with East Fork of Pemigewasset River to headwaters

6

1982/ 1993

W, S

S, R

Bordered by dense undisturbed forests and mountain slopes. Important anadromous and trout fishery. Atlantic salmon are being reintroduced.

 

Pemigewasset River, West Fork of the East Branch

Grafton

Confluence with E. Br. to headwaters

8

1982

 

S, G, O

See Pemigewasset River, East Branch (segment from Boyle Brook to headwaters of East Branch) comments.

 

Perry Stream

Coos

Confluence with Lake Francis to headwaters

18

1982

 

O

Wild-(Corridor and surrounding watershed are virtually undeveloped and remote.)

Hydrologic-(An excellent example of an undeveloped, free-flowing low order river.)

 

Phillips Brook

Coos

Confluence with Ammonoosuc River to headwaters

16

1982

 

O

Wild-(Corridor and surrounding watersheds are virtually undeveloped and remote.)

Hydrologic-(An excellent example of an undeveloped, free-flowing, low order river.)

 

Pine River

Carroll

Confluence with Ossipee Lake to Pine River Road

15

1982

 

G, F, O

Botanic-(Segment is adjacent to Ossipee Lake and Heath Pond Bog which are distinctive for their natural sand and moist peaty soil plant communities, and is being preserved as an example of natural beach habitat. Heath Pond Bog is also a National Natural Landmark. It is a classic example of bog succession and contains the greatest variety of plant species of any peat bog in the state.)

Geologic-(Segment includes a mile long esker which is a glacially deposited stratification of gravels, sands and stones.)

Fish-(Segment is a noted trout breeding habitat.)

 

Pine River

Carroll

Confluence with Ossipee Lake to Pine River Road

15

1982/ 1995