The Contoocook River offers multiple public access points in the Merrimack County area, including shorebank fishing access and cartop facilities for paddlers.

Key access sites include locations in Concord (Contoocook River Park with walk-in fishing access), Henniker (shorebank access off Route 114 with trout waters in some sections), and Hopkinton (Stumpfield Boat Launch with both motor boat ramp and canoe/kayak put-in as part of the Army Corps of Engineers' Hopkinton-Everett Lakes complex).

Several sites offer 24-hour access with no fees, making them convenient for both anglers and paddlers.