New Hampshire river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in New Hampshire with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
For a truly heart-pounding adventure, head to the Ammonoosuc River where the Upper and Lower sections provide Class IV-V rapids at higher streamflow levels. Safety is paramount on these runs, so always check water levels and wear proper gear, including a helmet and PFD. Additionally, be aware of potential hazards such as strainers and undercut rocks, and never paddle alone. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice looking to test your skills, New Hampshire's whitewater rivers offer endless opportunities for exhilarating experiences and unforgettable memories.
New Hampshire river runs
Every paddleable section in New Hampshire keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.
| River run | Streamflow | Class |
|---|---|---|
| Headwaters At Profile Lake To Southern Boundary Of Franconia Notch State Park | 330 cfs | · |
| Woodstock/Thornton Town Line To Thornton Railroad Bridge | 537 cfs | · |
| Thornton Railroad Bridge To Bridgewater/Bristol Town Line | 537 cfs | · |
| Sewall's Island To Manchester Street Bridge | 22 cfs | II-III |
| Begins In Franklin To Sewall's Island | 3,610 cfs | II-IV |
About New Hampshire river runs
What does whitewater class mean?
The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.
Where does the New Hampshire streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each New Hampshire paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.
What's a runnable level?
Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a New Hampshire paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.
Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?
Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.
Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?
No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.