Holyoke (PnH)

Topo maps show a 'rapids' near Holyoke. Further analysis shows a stretch with 80' of drop in a mile, which should generate some significant rapids and/or falls. There is sufficient drainage area above Holyoke to have adequate flow here upon spring melt and at times of heavy rain. However, it is also undoubtedly a small enough stream that deadfall will be a significant concern. It may possible to do a 'park and huck' on (part or all of) the steepest gradient which is concentrated in a park in Holyoke. Gradient upstream and down would suggest a longer run could have some additional merit, however (again) deadfall and sweepers (overhanging live shrubbery and trees on shore) are extremely likely to be a problem, negating the advisability of attempting any longer run. On 2014-04-08, "cupcake" provided: _Doing a bit of recon on this river, I wrote a letter to the township of Holyoke and a couple of property owners. The following information is from a property owner who lives right alongside the river:_ _The Net River is a wild river, and narrow, and overhung with alder brush. We have a community park, Holyoke Park, which gives public access to the river. Trout fishermen have been known to fish in the river, but not that much. I would say that the river is inaccessible beyond the park, and especially to any water craft. When the water is high in the Spring, the overhanging branches dip into it. As the water recedes, it is quite shallow. The river flows through areas of red clay . . . steep banks and red clay "volcanoes" where the ground water and the clay make a sticky mess . . . not quite quicksand but . . ._ _Also, once you'd get on the river, there is no easy way to get off as the river flows through dense forest and uninhabited territory (again with the steep banks or alder brush . . . you wouldn't get your kayak out with you!)_ _I hope this message hasn't made you feel challenged to try it . . . a couple of young men did a few years ago and had the rescue squad out searching for them when they didn't get to their take out spot by sun down. It makes for an expensive trip._ 2014-04-14, "cupcake" further provided: _There is indeed a runnable stretch through the park. We would need to remove two or three river-wide strainers and dodge a few low hanging branches. I suspect this is only runnable for a short time in the spring or after a heavy rainfall. Plenty of ledges and drops within the area of the park to make it worth the trip, just about 30 min from the Kettle. I wouldn't recommend boating beyond the park boundaries as there are no access roads for a take out._ Our thanks to "cupcake" for this wonderful information!