Nipmuc – June 4, 2019

I joined last night’s Blackstone Valley Paddle Club trip on the Nipmuc River – one of my favorites.

The Nipmuc River arises in Burrillville at the confluence of Round Top Brook and the Chockalog River, and flows south about 3 miles to the village of Pascoag where it flows into the Clear River. The river was low but runable – 14 cfs. 3.3 feet.

We had 26 boats, but only one canoe. We paddled up a couple of miles over numerous beaver dams. Unfortunately, the top section is clogged with trees. From there it is a quick trip back downstream and into Harrisville pond. Nice night.

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My Pictures

Clear River Gage

RICKA Meting on the Water - Nipmuc River/Harrisville Pond - June 16, 2014

Heading upstream

It was a beautiful day today – sunny and warm – so I rushed through dinner to get out to paddle at the first RICKA Meeting on the Water on the Nipmuc River in Harrisville.

The Nipmuc River is formed at the confluence of Round Top Brook and the Chockalog River. It flows south about 3 miles into the Clear River, which eventually flows into Harrisville Pond.  The river was low but runnable – 3’, 10cfs on the Harrisville gage.

Back down around the beaver dams

I arrived at the Harrisville Fishing area at about 6:15, and everyone was just getting ready to launch.  The group included one canoe and twelve kayaks.  Frank gave the safety talk and we headed upstream. 

The Nipmuc has some of the cleanest water in the state, and usually we see lots of wildlife.  Beavers are especially active on this section of the river, and we carried over four beaver dams before we decided to turn around.  The run back downstream is always quicker that the trip up. 

After paddling back down, we headed out into the Harrisville Pond before heading home.  Great night on the water.

The crew takes a break

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My Pictures

Outdoor Scene Blog by Wayne Barber

Harrisville Gage

An Evening in “Beaver-Dam-Land” - June 5, 2012

It was too cloudy to see the Venus Transit, but it turned out to be a nice night for a relaxing paddle with the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club in “Beaver-Dam-Land” on the Nipmuc River.  With the rain last weekend, the river was at a nice level – 3 ft., 30 cfs on the Harrisville gage.  We paddled upstream and portaged over two beaver dams before turning around at the “Land-of-Blown-Down-Trees” Along the way we saw a small fawn sleeping along the side of river.  We explored the beaver pond before returning back to the take-out - nice night.

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My Pictures

Cheryl's Pictures

Nipmuc Gage - Harrisville

Upper Nipmuc - December 28, 2011

I got an early morning call from Paul today looking to run the Upper Nipmuc. Level was about 4.25' - just about the minimum for this trip. Paul says that 4.5' is better. We put in at the Round Top Fishing Area off Brook Road in Harrisville and took out at the gage behind Paul's house. We could have continued down all the way to the Harrisville Fishing Area on the Clear River (Sherman Farm Road - Rt. 96). Paddled over three beaver dams. Portaged around six blow-downs.  Very pretty little river - great run.



Links:
Fishing Areas and Boat Launches in the Town of Burrillville

Nipmuc River - November 20, 2011

I had hoped to do the Branch River today, but it didn’t work out, so I headed up to the fishing area in Harrisville to paddle the Nipmuc River. I’ve done this trip several times before, so I knew there would be beaver dams and downed trees. The river was at 3.7 feet, 30 cfs. - not a bad level.

As I approached the first beaver dam I could see it was in great shape. It had a fresh layer of sticks and mud, and was holding back 2 to 3 feet of water. The beaver lodge just up stream also had a fresh layer of sticks and mud, and had a large collection of sticks nearby – perfect for a winter snack. The beavers had been busy.

I paddled upstream, thought the fields and into the marshy woods. This is where we usually end up turning back due to fallen trees, but I decided to keep going upstream. I paddled around a couple fallen trees, and had to get out and carry over a few more.

I continued upstream to the USGS gage where the river enters a beautiful hemlock forest. The river was shallow, and eventually, I had to get out and walk. I walked upstream another mile, wading around boulders and up several small rocky drops. It was beautiful, but unfortunately, I forgot my camera back at the car.

I’d definitely like to do a run down this section of the river when there is more water.  Paul says that the put in is off Brook Road in Burrillville and that it is good above 4.5 feet.

Links:
Nipmuc River Gage near Harrisville

“Beaver Dam Land” – Nipmuc River – June 29th

Spent on few hours in “beaver dam land” last night with the Blackstone Valley Paddle Club on the Nipmuc River.

The Nipmuc forms in Burrillville where Round Top Brook joins the Chockalog River, and flows south to the village of Harrisville where it becomes the Clear River below the Harrisville Dam. In the spring we frequently paddle the Clear (and Branch) River(s) which is an easy whitewater run. Above the Harrisville Dam, the Nipmuc is one of my favorite flatwater paddles with crystal clear water that winds through pleasant woods and fields.

The river is narrow, but thanks to the good work of Paul L., it is clear of overgrown brush.  Beavers have been very active in the area. There were five beaver dams - a couple we had to lift over on the way up, but all were runnable on the way back down. Gage was 3.4 cfs, 2.9 ft. A good time.


Nipmuc River from Erik Eckilson on Vimeo.

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Cheryl's Pictures
AJ's Pictures