Swift River
Carroll Co. · 25 mi · Class I–III
212CFS/ 4.69 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–1200 CFS · USGS #01064801
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
White Mountain National Forest · Kancamagus Scenic Byway corridor
A White Mountain gem flowing alongside the Kancamagus Highway — one of America's most scenic drives. The Swift River delivers Class I–III whitewater through pristine mountain forest with swimming holes, covered bridges, and granite gorges. Rocky Gorge and Lower Falls are iconic New Hampshire destinations.
Trip sections
Bear Notch to Rocky Gorge — Class II–III, mountain headwaters
Rocky Gorge to Conway — Class I–II, lower valley run
Outfitters
Saco Bound
Swift River access and White Mountain paddle trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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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.