Nice long run on the North Nashua River on beautiful 75F sunny day. Water levels medium and falling, 2.58 ft, 122 cfs on the Leominster gauge. During the first half of trip there were 3-4 gravel bars to push through and many strainers to scoot around. The second half of trip, below the Pellecchia canoe launch, was smooth sailing, just one river-wide trunk to glide over. Such a beautiful, sandy river though notes of industrial past (many car tires, couple oil drums) and litter are present. Made a brief side trip up the South Nashua River. It's current was strong 3.25 ft, 289 cfs (and water warm 71F!) on the Clinton gauge. Would like to explore further up this branch on a different day. Note: the put-in at the end of Lancaster St is VERY STEEP, had to slide down the hill to the river, holding onto trees on the way down. The take-out is easy, though muddy, parking for 3-4 cars.
Start: 1081 Lancaster St, Leominster, MA
End: Canoe Launch/Rte 117, 7 Bridge Road, Lancaster, MA
Trip Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Trip Distance: 10 miles
The very steep launch at the end of Lancaster St in Leominster
Stopped for lunch here. Also good starting point for a shorter (5 mile) trip
Car tires prevalent here too:
