Monroe Bridge-Bear Swamp Reservoir
Class III-IV
4mi

Description: Date checked: Navigable:


Put in on the left below the dam in Monroe Bridge. Because the put-in is down an extremely steep bank, throw ropes are suggested. The Deerfield hits its first Class III drop immediately below. Fine play spots continue for a mile to the harder section, where several Class IV drops appear in pool-drop succession to the reservoir. The best drop might be called Dragon's Teeth, after the rocks spaced along river left. It plunges straight ahead through a mega-hole and ends in either a fine pop-up spot or large standing waves, depending upon the water level. Because the reservoir rises and falls as much as fifteen feet during the day, you may find the last drop drowned. Take out on the right and scramble carefully over the rocks to the road. Carry your boat through the forest to the left of the first fence you find, then up the road to the parking lot at the picnic area. Park your car in the picnic area, as they close the gates without warning.

Bear Swamp Dam-MA 2 Bridge

8 1/2 mi

Quickwater, Class I, II
1985
Medium water when New England Power is generating power
Forested, rural
USGS Rowe
43/4 mi R Zoar Gap (optional)

This part of the river is beautiful. The river valley is quite steep in many places, with the Berkshire Hills rising from the river. There is a road, however, all along the river.
The put-in is 11/4 miles above the Hoosac Tunnel and just below the Bear Swamp Dam. As the road turns to the left, go straight onto the old road river. This area is reached from MA 2-the Mohawk Trail-by taking the River Road to Zoar at the east end of the MA 2 bridge, where it crosses over the Deerfield, west of the town of Charlemont.
About 5 miles of quickwater, Class I and II, lead to Zoar Gap from the put-in. Zoar Gap is exceedingly difficult to recognize from above and has been the site of many serious accidents. It cannot be recognized by the sound of the rapids (nor can many other trouble spots, although people stil) keep trying!). Nor is it feasible to rely on signs. If you can't spend the time to scout this spot on you~ way upstream, then start your trip at the River Road bridge.
Zoar Gap is a Class III-IV rapid extending about 50 feet. Scout it from shore. It can be lined on the right shore. The easiest route to run .~ is close to the right shore until you are even with the heavy hydraulics that are in the center; then shoot out to the center just below the hydraulics to avoid a rock hidden by heavy water close to shore on the right. Although you can run the gap in the center, you are likely to submerge an open canoe.
Right below Zoar Gap are the River Road Bridge and the Electric Company Roadside Park on the left. This makes a good lunch spot or ,put-in for a shorter trip, if you want to avoid Zoar Gap. From here to the MA 2 take-out is easy Class II with some large rocks and some ripples. The take out is just below the MA 2 bridge on the left at the roadside rest area.