Deerfield, Massachusetts, US

6) Route 2 to Route 112 (Above Shelburne Falls)

River Description

This is a very pretty run on the Deerfield where you put in just below the #4 Dam and take out just above the intersection of Rt 112 and North River Road.

At 2800 CFS (see Waterline, #4 Dam) this is a brisk Class 3 with plenty of nice features. Feels quite secluded on the way down. It is not long, and the shuttle is very short, so you can easily do it two or three times in a day.

I'm told that it is runnable down to about 1500 cfs. You can scout it from the take out and see whether there is enough water. You can't really see the first rapid from the dam at the put in, but if there is water running over the top of the dam there should be enough.

The put in is tough. You have to drag from Rt 2 (dirt road with a gate on Rt 2 westbound just east of the Big Indian, and you can park across Rt 2 in a big lot). Then you get to the dam and you have to get the boat down a big hill to the water. It is worth it, in my opinion, but it ain't easy.

The take out is not too bad, up a hill to North River Road just before the bridge. You'll know you are there because it is the confluence with the North River and there is a very nice lagoon sort of area with big rocks on the left; a great place to hang out, practice rolling or work on your ferries. Careful where you park, though.

Thanks to Ken Glusman and Mike Wevrick for providing info about this little gem.