About
Pemigewasset River, New Hampshire — 1620s-1640s Pemigewasset Frontier, 1840s-1880s Logging, 1990s-2010s Pemi 75-mi. From Franconia Notch through 65 miles of Grafton County, the Pemigewasset carries White Mountain snowmelt at an average 1,400 CFS — high enough volume to create Class II-III drops in the headwaters that mellow to Class I-II through the lower valley. The Lincoln to Woodstock section draws the most paddlers with reliable Class II water, while the upper Franconia Notch stretch offers steeper Class II-III mountain whitewater. Plymouth to Bristol represents the lower character — broader, easier water through farm country. Optimal flows run 400-2,000 CFS, with USGS gauge 01076500 tracking conditions. The river flows within White Mountain National Forest boundaries through much of its upper reach and falls under New Hampshire's Rivers Management Program for additional protection. Outback Kayak operates guided trips on various sections.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.