It may be more of a drive from "down south" than other sections of the river, but a north country paddle rewards paddlers with great fishing, mountain vistas, and plenty of peace and solitude. For a three day, two night trip, consider putting in at the Arlin Brook. This is an unmarked access on state owned land, across the road from the visitor center on Route 3, two miles north of Colebrook (Those seeking a longer first day can put in in Canaan, seven miles further north, on the Vermont side). Paddle about 4.25 miles through quick water to Holbrook Point, a campsite developed in 2011 by the Vermont River Conservancy, with room for about three tents. From this site, it is a fourteen mile paddle to Lyman Falls. Adjacent to the old Lyman Falls dam, now breached, the property provides access to some of the finest trout fishing in New England and hosts several outstanding primitive canoe campsites.

The third day, paddle three miles south to Bloomfield. Iif you need supplies, there is a general store in North Stratford that is an easy walk from a landing at a downstream park. It is an addition 11 miles to a takeout just past the Maidstone Bridge. You'll find a timber staircase on the New Hampshire side. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail's Maine Central Railroad Trestle Campsite makes a good resting point/ lunch spot on route- it is immediately below a railroad trestle located in the middle of the river, about seven miles below Bloomfield.