Contoocook River

About

From Jaffrey through 80 miles of New Hampshire countryside, the Contoocook flows northeast through Hillsborough and Merrimack counties to its confluence with the Merrimack River at Penacook. The river runs Class I in its upper headwaters from Jaffrey to Peterborough, then picks up Class I-II water through the covered bridge corridor between Peterborough and Henniker before settling back to Class I for the final stretch to the Merrimack. At 620 CFS average flow with an optimal range of 200-1200 CFS, the Contoocook provides reliable paddling through much of the season. The Peterborough to Henniker section follows the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway, passing several historic spans that give this middle stretch its character. Protected under the New Hampshire Rivers Management Program, the Contoocook supports guided trips through Contoocook River Canoe Company for paddlers seeking local expertise on flows and access points.