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Smith - 1) Route 104 to Cass Mill Road
Smith, New Hampshire, US |
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1) Route 104 to Cass Mill Road
| Usual Difficulty | IV (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.75 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient | 89 fpm |
| Max Gradient | 100 fpm |
Smith River
Smith River
Photo of Brian Glaysher & Sunshine by Mark Lacroix taken 04/02/03 @ 4.1'
Gauge Information
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH RIVER NEAR BRISTOL, NH | ||||
| usgs-01078000 | 3.80 - 6.00 ft | IV | 01h25m | 2.47 ft (rc= -0.6 ) |
River Description
The Smith River in central NH is a steep, spring runoff river. This section parallels the old
route 104 (Smith River Road) which has long since been bypassed by the new route 104. In
winter/early-spring, it is usually plowed just past a bridge over the river, which is the normal
put in. Early in the season you may wish to carry (or drag over the snow) upstream a little to
access one of the good drops on the river. Some people prefer a little warm up and will drive the
extra half mile upstream on Smith River Road (or, if it is snowed in, the new route 104). Access
the river at a left turn on Smith River Road (once again only plowed up to the last residence on
the road).
The run is continuous from the put in. The most difficult rapid is located just upstream from the
Cass Mill Road bridge. Ray's Rapid can be sneaked on a small channel on river
left, but is often choked with logs and ice early in the season. The river slackens a little
after the bridge.
While the listing name suggests Cass Mill Road as the take out, more usually boaters continue to
a clearing formed by some overhead power lines. (From the road, you will be able to see the river
in the valley.) Optionally you can continue two additional miles downstream to the take out at
Berry Road bridge. This part of the river is mostly class II with a few strainers to avoid. (See
additional listing.)
Technical info
| Put in elevation | 725' |
| Take out elevation | 570' (481' at Berry Bridge) |
| Total drop | 155' (244' to Berry Bridge) |
| Average drop/mile | 89'(65' to Berry Bridge) |
| Distance | 1.75 miles (3.75 to Berry Bridge) |
| River width average | 25' |
| River geology | Small to medium granite boulders, some ledges |
| River water quality | Good, clarity average |
| Scenery | Nice river valley usually sometimes within view of old route 104, a few homes/camps on the banks. |
| Wildlife | Occasional deer, hawks, otters |
Directions
Put in
Interstate 93 to exit 23 (NH 104).
Left (west) on NH 104 through the town of Bristol approximately 9 miles.
Left at Cass Mill road.
Take a right at the intersection just before the bridge over the Smith.
Approximately 1-1/4 miles park on the right after another bridge over the Smith.
Put in upstream of the bridge.
Take out
Head back and through the intersection with Cass Mill Road.
Approximately 1/2 of a mile past this intersection park by some overhead power lines.
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1) Route 104 to Cass Mill Road, Smith New Hampshire, US (mobile)