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 elevation725'Take out elevation570' (481' at Berry Bridge)Total drop155' (244' to Berry Bridge)Average drop/mile 89'(65' to Berry Bridge)Distance1.75 miles (3.75 to Berry Bridge)River width average 25'River geologySmall to medium granite boulders, some ledgesRiver water qualityGood, clarity averageSceneryNice river valley usually sometimes within view of
old route 104, a few homes/camps on the banks.WildlifeOccasional 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.