The lower part of the river between Contoocook Village and the Island in Penacook is largely flatwater and is used by a variety of motorboats, party boats, canoes and rowboats. The North Branch also has an excellent section for expert whitewater paddlers. These rapids, which are rated as difficult as Class V, are located in Antrim between the double stone arch bridge on NH Route 9 and the old Hawthorne College campus. Official access points located on flatwater sections of the river are suitable for launching motorboats. These access points include the NH Fish and Game Department site at the covered bridge in Greenfield, the River Road access in Henniker, and the Island access in Penacook.
Bridge crossings over the river offer other informal access points for car-top boats.
Fishing The Contoocook and North Branch Rivers provide both cold and warm water habitats for several species of recreational and sport fish. The Contoocook River is also a vital component of the anadromous fish restoration program for the Merrimack River watershed. It is viewed as an outstanding nursery area for young Atlantic salmon. The most significant, high quality habitat for these and other cold water fish is the section of rapids in the Hillsboro-West Henniker area. The slower moving sections of the river and impounded areas provide excellent warm water fish habitat.