East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, New Hampshire – I have a long list of locations in the White Mountains that I return to over and over to create imagery. And one of my favorites is the area surrounding the 15 mile long East Branch of the Pemigewasset River (East Branch of the Pemi) in Lincoln, New Hampshire. The East Branch of the Pemi begins deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness in the area of Stillwater Junction.
On a historical note, just beyond the footbridge in the above image was the location of a timber trestle along the now abandoned East Branch & Lincoln Railroad (1893-1948). The bottom image was also the location of another timber trestle that crossed the East Branch of the Pemi.
Deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, the East Branch of the Pemi has a secluded feeling that attracts many outdoor enthusiasts looking for serenity. You will not find a more remote place in New England. And a sense of freedom and peace will take over the mind of most who visit this 45,000-acre federally designated wilderness area.
The river channel contains various sizes of boulders, making riverwalking enjoyable and crossing it fairly easy; of course, waters shoes and common sense is needed. Do not expect to be able to cross the day after 3 inches of rain, though we were able to days after Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. And before you even attempt crossing the East Branch of the Pemi, you should try smaller water crossings. And if you're timid about crossing rivers, then it may be best for you to stay on the trail system.
A classic New England foliage scene can be photographed from the bridge that crosses the East Branch of the Pemi along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. The combination of autumn foliage, footbridge, and river makes this a perfect scene. For this view, park at the Lincoln Woods Trailhead and walk to the bridge. This area attracts many photographers during the autumn foliage season.
On August 27, 2011, the White Mountain National Forest was officially closed at 6:00 PM because of Tropical Storm Irene. The above image shows how the Lincoln Levee, on the East Branch of the Pemi River, looked on August 28, 2011. This tropical storm caused massive destruction along the East Coast of the United States, and the White Mountain National Forest was officially closed during the storm.
The East Branch of the Pemi offers photographic opportunities from its starting point deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness to its joining with the Pemigewasset River in Woodstock, New Hampshire. A photographer can easily spend two-three days photographing this river.
All of the above images can be licensed for publications by clicking on the image you are interested in. And you can view more scenes of the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River here.
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.