 WELCOME!
The Merrimack River Basin is a management unit of the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers comprising of 5 multi-purpose flood
control dams.
The Merrimack River Basin extends
from the rugged White Mountain region of northern New Hampshire to
the northeastern Massachusetts coast. The basin's 5,010 square miles
make it the fourth largest river basin in New England.
Flooding may be caused by a combination of many factors related
to the underlying river basin. The Blackwater, Franklin Falls,
Edward MacDowell, Hopkinton, and Everett Dams were constructed by
the Corps to lessen flood damages to communities within
the basin.
In addition to flood control, the dams of the Merrimack River
Basin provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
 The streamside environment includes a meandering 8 mile stretch
of the Blackwater River, an excellent canoe stream stocked with
trout. Hunting, fishing, hiking, and snowmobile opportunities
abound:
From Concord, 8 miles north on Interstate 93.
Exit 17 onto US 4 north, south on NH Route 127. Follow
signs.
For more information,
click
here to visit the project's website.
The Edward MacDowell Dam is located on Nubanusit Brook in
Peterborough. The 165-acre shallow lake and adjacent lands offer a swimming
beach, volleyball, horseshoes, hiking, and a boat launch. The
Corps manages habitat for viewing wildlife, hunting, and
fishing.
From Nashua, US 3 to Exit 7 west onto 101A and 101 to
Peterborough; follow signs to dam 4 miles west.
For more information,
click
here to visit the project's website.
 The
15-mile stretch of the Pemigewasset River which flows through the
reservoir lands is popular for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The
Corps along with the State of New Hampshire manage the area for
forestry, fisheries, and wildlife. The Profile Falls
Recreation Area offers a scenic waterfall, hiking, and
picnicking.
From Concord, 20 miles north on I-93 to Exit 22, south on NH
Route 127, 3 miles to dam.
For more information,
click
here to visit the project's website.
The Hopkinton Dam is located on the Contoocook River. The
reservoir area and Stumpfield Marsh provide
canoeing, wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting
opportunities.
Elm Brook Park offers swimming, picnicking, and boating with a
220-acre shallow lake. Four picnic shelters may be reserved
for a fee.
From Concord and I-93, north on I-89 to Exit 6, south on NH Route
127. Follow signs.
The Everett Dam is located on the Piscataquog River. Its
surrounding lands provide opportunities for hiking, fishing,
hunting, snowmobiling, and OHRV
riding (on designated trails only!).
Clough State Park offers swimming, picnicking, and boating on the
130-acre lake. Boats with motors are prohibited.
From Manchester, take the Everett Turnpike to Exit 10, then NH
Route 101 west to NH Route 114 to NH Route 13 north; follow
signs to Clough State Park and Everett Dam.
For more information,
click
here to visit the project's website.
Merrimack River Basin
US Army
Corps of Engineers
2097 Maple Street
Contoocook, New Hampshire
03229
(603-746-3950)
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