East Branch River Route 2 This route is NOT recommended for NOVICE and INTERMEDIATE paddlers The route is comprised of the East Branch of the River, the River proper, and Port. Although there are a number of stillwaters along the river, the majority of the route is a series of drop pools connected by rips, runs and falls. Navigating these sections requires a high level of technical whitewater skills and safety consciousness. Navigability is affected dramatically by water levels, and is generally limited to spring and fall. River canoes equipped with air bags are recommended. Inspection of runs for obstacles and reading of water prior to navigating is also recommended. The route is recommended for EXPERT paddlers only. The river was traditionally used for log driving, and evidence of this activity can be seen in old dams and sluiceways, and runs cleared of rocks. These old dams and sluiceways must be approached with caution, as many iron bolts, spikes and other hardware are imbedded in submerged timbers near them. The river flows through the former Bowater Mersey s District, now Crown lands, where logging activity may be encountered, and the s, where vehicle access is restricted. The area is not developed, and offers the experienced paddler an opportunity for exciting paddling in a remote setting. Length: Time: Approach: Alma: 8 km 2 days Follow Route 4 from Kelly Bridge on the West Dalhousie Road to the south end of Alma. Due to its shorter and easier course, it is recommended that this route, rather than the Milford s route, be used as the overland approach to Route 2. Milford s: Follow Route 4 to Thomas Cove, on east side of First Branch. Follow Route 7 to south end of Alma. Access to the River via Mersey Road from Albany New is possible, but may be interrupted due to forestry activity. Entry Point: Exit Point: South end of Alma, at outlet and beginning of River. Bridge over river at New Albany. Parking: At Entry Point. Landmarks:. Abandoned tugboat once used to tow log booms 2. Former Bowater Mersey Base Camp, District 3. Main Gate 89
Route Classification: Expert Portage Information: Due to the nature of the river route, individual portages are not always identified following the convention used for other routes in this guide. Rather, sections of the river are described in general, and are indicated with arrows. Navigability and the need to portage will depend on water levels and the skill of the individual.. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 0. 90.4 km Entry, Exit Point to Route 4, Alma. 2.8 km Entry, Exit Point to Route 7, Hendry. 3.0 km Lower volumes of water requiring technical skills. Steep, rocky banks and large boulders in river. Slight current spanned by bridge structure. Easily navigable. 500 m Narrow, steep section. Difficult passage. 500 m On left (EAST) side of outlet. Carry along main access road to gravel pit on right (WEST) side. Turn right through pit and follow foot path to river. 2.0 km Slower moving flat water, interrupted with riffs and runs. 00 m Falls. Difficult passage. Portage on left (SOUTHWEST) side of river. Carry across access road and launch below falls. 3 km Section of drop pools and runs, with a number of falls. 6 km Wider, higher water volume. Long, slower moving sections interrupted by runs and falls.
000 4942000.000 Alma k Randolf 494000.000 Big Cranberry REFER TO ROUTE 7, MAP 2 Stream 4940000.000 2 4940000.000 4942000.000 Cran b s roo yb 494000.000 Kelly err 4943000.000 Little Molly Upsim 4944000.000 4944000.000 Little Spectacle s DAM Mitchell 4939000.000 Beaver s Joins MAP 2 Eas t Branch River 3 Birch s Br k oo Spurrs Eddy s 4938000.000 335000.000 4943000.000 Route 2, Map METRES REFER TO ROUTE 4, MAP 2 0 SCALE 4939000.000 East Branch River 335000.000 9
Route 2, Map 2 METRES 4938000.000 329000.000 000 SCALE Birch s 3 JOINS MAP 4938000.000 0 East Branch River 4 y Riv er 4936000.000 4936000.000 Port 4937000.000 4937000.000 s 5 4934000.000 6 East ive dway R Me ch n Bra r Big Pony 7 4934000.000 4935000.000 a t Branch M Wes 4935000.000 edw 92 2 Snowshoe s 4932000.000 4932000.000 8 Little Pony JOINS MAP 2 s 329000.000 4933000.000 4933000.000 Snowshoe s Nature Reserve 9
0 East Branch River 000 Route 2, Map 3 METRES SCALE 493000.000 JOINS MAP 2 9 s ook Porcupine Br 4930000.000 4930000.000 493000.000 Porcupine s Nature Reserve South Mud 4927000.000 0 yr 4928000.000 Med wa ive r 4927000.000 4928000.000 Luxton Meadow 4926000.000 s oad yr rse Me Mill GATE 3 Little Bullmoose Albany New 4926000.000 4929000.000 Luxt on Me ado w Brook 4929000.000 Perch McGowan Nature Reserve ANNAPOLI S COUNTY QUEENS C OUNTY 93
Disclaimer The Municipality of the County of Annapolis does not have control over the canoe routes, portages or wilderness tent areas listed in this guide, and therefore assumes no responsibility for the safety of the canoeist paddling the route, walking the portage, or using the wilderness tent areas. We recommend that users approach all canoe routes and wilderness tent areas in a safe and responsible manner, and conduct visual inspections whenever possible and practical. Conditions can change through fluctuating water levels, addition of natural debris, and commercial logging activity. As we are not the owners of any of these lands or routes, any special arrangements must be made directly with the owners and you are accountable to them for any damage, loss or other problems that you may cause. Although the information in this guide is believed to be accurate, we assume no liability for any errors or omissions that may exist, or for changes that may have occurred on the routes after the publication of this guide. We recommend, as a supplement to the information herein, that you use Natural Resources Canada :50,000 topographical series maps of the general canoe routes. Annapolis County Recreation Services requests that you read the sections on Safety, Equipment, Trip Planning and Ethics before you travel on the lakes and waterways of the region. Always tell someone where you are going and when you are returning. Please be aware that many portages/canoe carries are not marked. Map Legend Entry, Exit Point Landmark Portage River Section Rapids Existing Tentsite Beach Highway 0, Exit l0l 2 Public Highway 0 5 Highlighted for clarity: Municipal Boundary Contour/ Elevation 00 Grid North Grid Line Scale Bar 0 000