This is one of my favorite paddling locations that I have
found to date. Don't let the term river fool you, there's barely a current to
be had. Also, don't be totally confused if you're looking at a map. The Exeter River
magically converts into the Squamscott
River once you cross the dam in
downtown Exeter .
When you put in at the local park you have a choice, left or right. Pretty
daunting decision I know.
If you head left (aka north) you'll head towards downtown Exeter and pass several
houses along the way. Even being in this residential area it is quite peaceful
and calm. After about 0.8 miles you'll run into the dam which makes these
current so mellow. The dam is another topic I will discuss later.
If your decision making coin lands on tails, take a right
and head south. This is my preferred direction because you're away from
civilization. This takes you into an amazingly quiet and secluded area that is
almost impossible to believe is a river. The are is more what I prefer with a
marsh like feel. Here you will often see fish jumping and turtles sunning on
old logs. Even on some of the hottest summer days the thick tree cover keeps
you cool and protected. At about 2 miles up river you'll pass a campground
where you're typically greeted by someone cooking breakfast. You can keep going
but this is typically where I turn around. At this point the tree coverage is
so thick it's almost dark on the river.
Info on the dam: So I just found out very recently that the
dam which creates this wonderful place is scheduled to be removed in the fall
of 2015. From what I understand the dam, as most dams do, have messed with fish
migration and created flooding issues. So a good call by the state to remove
it, but I have no idea what is going to become of the area from a paddling perspective.
I can only assume that the water currents will not be incredibly pleasant and
relaxing as they are now, but time will tell.
Dates
visited: 01/10/11, 09/06/13 & 07/20/14
Put
in: N42 58.399 W70 56.585 (Entrance N42 58.363 W70 56.709)
Motor
Boats: No
Scenery: 5 Bisons
Serenity: 4 Bisons
Length:
1.6-3.7 mi
Rating:
5 Bisons
Update: So as I mentioned above, the Exeter Dam was scheduled to be removed in 2015. Well I hadn't heard anything about it so on 05/29/16 my buddy Jim and I decided to go see what was up. Well the dam is still there and everything is a beautiful as it always is. Been doing some Googling and can't find any specific date for when the dam will be removed, but it's still on the list. Guessing it's going to be around for another summer, so go enjoy while you can.
Update: So as I mentioned above, the Exeter Dam was scheduled to be removed in 2015. Well I hadn't heard anything about it so on 05/29/16 my buddy Jim and I decided to go see what was up. Well the dam is still there and everything is a beautiful as it always is. Been doing some Googling and can't find any specific date for when the dam will be removed, but it's still on the list. Guessing it's going to be around for another summer, so go enjoy while you can.
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New to kayaking and from Plaistow NH.
ReplyDeleteWould love to kayak the Exeter river. Where to park and put in is my queation?
The dam is now gone but you can still kayak on the river. You just can't go as far before you run into downed trees blocking the path. But if you put in upriver at the Pickpocket Dam you can paddle at a moderate speed for a good hour on that section of river before you are blocked and have to turn arouind.
ReplyDeleteWe checked out the put-in at Pickpocket yesterday but the river was low and the current too strong to come back upriver. We put in at the McDonnell Conservation easement but quickly ran into a tree fall blocking the river. We portaged once along the steep bank but decided it's a better run in April-May.
ReplyDelete