Androscoggin River in New Hampshire

Trip Overview

We had 5 participants using 2 kayaks and 1 canoe. We placed one vehicle in Gilead, ME off of Bridge St. and drove about 8.5 miles west on Rt2 to Shelburne, NH. Parking lot is off of North Rd, just after you cross the dam. You need to carry your boats over the rocks to enter the river.

We spent some time playing in the swift current coming from the dam. The river is mostly swift water with a few sections of class 1. Some of the class 1 sections were shallow and sometimes we got stuck. The river splits along the way but we kept to the main flow. Plenty of deep sections where we could float in the current. About 3/4 the way down near Larry's Island we found a rope swing on the north side.

We saw a few bald eagles along the route. The trip took about 4 hours including a stop for a picnic lunch.

Take out in Gilead is a bit steep and narrow.

Accommodations:

We were staying with friends in the area. There are plenty of Motels and a few campgrounds on Rt 2 in the Gorham, NH area.

Fees:

parking is fee in both spots

Directions:

From Gorham, NH take Rt 2 east for about 3.75 miles. Take left on North Rd and cross over the Shelburne Dam. Parking is on the right.

Take out is in Gilead, ME about 8.5 miles further east on Rt 2. Take left on Bridge St. and parking on on the left just before the bridge.