Deerfield River
🛶 AW Stewardship
Franklin Co. · 65 mi · Class II–IV
1,560CFS/ 3.44 ft
Above Optimal↑Rising (+260 cfs/hr)· +520 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 400–1500 CFS · USGS #01170000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Mohawk Trail State Forest · Berkshire Natural Resources Council · American Whitewater Stewardship
New England's premier dam-release whitewater river. The Deerfield delivers Class II–IV rapids through the Berkshire Hills on scheduled releases from Fife Brook Dam — the most reliable whitewater in Massachusetts. The Dryway section pushes Class IV during high releases. Below Charlemont, the river mellows through covered-bridge farm country.
Trip sections
Fife Brook — Class II–III, dam-release section
Dryway — Class III–IV, expert release run
Charlemont to Shelburne Falls — Class I–II, scenic valley
Outfitters
Zoar Outdoor
Deerfield River whitewater since 1990, Charlemont
Crab Apple Whitewater
Deerfield and Millers River trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.