How long?

Ryanb4228's picture

Does anyone know how long it would take to go from the Lebanon NH public launch to the sca campsite?

Noah's picture

Its about 25 miles to the campsite from Lebanon, plus two portages (Wilder and Sumner Falls). Usually we estimate 3 miles/hr on the river, although faster when the water is up. So ~8 hrs of paddling? Plus 1/2 hr per portage. Nine hours? Long day!

Noah's picture

The Lebanon launch is very informal. I'm pretty sure there are no rules about overnight parking, but I wouldn't leave valuables in the car there. It might be worth letting the local police know your plans. You could also drive out to the shopping plazas 1/2 mile away.

Noah's picture

The Lebanon launch is very informal. I'm pretty sure there are no rules about overnight parking, but I wouldn't leave valuables in the car there. It might be worth letting the local police know your plans. You could also drive out to the shopping plazas 1/2 mile away.

A fun day of paddling awaits! May 2018 we started at Gilman Island just north of Lebanon and paddled as far as the SCA campsite averaging just under 3 mph. Wilder Dam portage was uneventful and we ran Sumner Falls (but we had stopped there on the way north in the car for advanced recon and the river flow was good. Big sign recommending portage on VT side. Probably prudent unless you are strong, experienced paddler). Burnaby Island campsite at MP 202 was a good break point before the falls but is on the south end of island (map indicates on NH side). Burnham Meadows campsite at MP 208 is next to Path of Life gardens with some interesting sculptures. We couldn't find the SCA campsite at MP 222 in May 2018, did find a broken sign for it downstream but perhaps this is your take out point/you know where it is/access restored since then? Wilgus State Park five miles upstream of SCA at MP 217 looked nice as we passed (and even nicer when we didn't find SCA).
Enjoy the river!