The Eel River in New Brunswick flows through the area between Meductic and Benton, where it has been dammed to create the Benton Deadwater, a long, wide flooded corridor approximately 3 kilometres in length. The dam is an arch dam located near the boat launch in Benton. The deadwater transitions from a wide, open expanse for roughly the first two-thirds of its length before narrowing into a more typical river channel lined with alders. The original riverbanks were once edged with hardwoods that overhung the water, but these could not survive the permanent flooding caused by the dam and have since been lost. The river is historically significant as part of an ancient travel corridor used for thousands of years by the Maliseet people to travel between the St. John River and Bangor, Maine — a route known as the Maliseet Trail.

The primary access point is the Benton Boat Landing, located at the end of the road past the main intersection in Benton. The facility includes a shelter, picnic tables, and a small dock. There is no fee to use the launch. From Benton, paddlers can explore two documented routes on the deadwater. The Island Loop is a 6.4-kilometre loop taking approximately 2 hours, rated easy, passing through wetlands with bird life. The Molly's Rock Route is a 10.7-kilometre return trip estimated at 5 hours, also rated easy, leading to a historically significant rock with carvings. A sign at the boat launch also identifies The Falls and Trout Pond as landmarks further upriver, with Trout Pond noted for water depths reaching 60 to 100 feet where the river flows around Sugarloaf Mountain. Both documented routes involve minimal current and no portages.

Two side streams enter the deadwater: one on the right not far from the boat launch, and Pocowogamis Stream on the left at approximately 2.5 kilometres from the launch. Cell reception is variable to nonexistent on the water. Insects, particularly flies and mosquitoes, can be a significant nuisance, especially at dusk, though dragonflies are sometimes present in large numbers and appear to reduce fly populations. Wind conditions on the open deadwater can vary considerably and should be factored into trip planning.

The Eel River also flows into the Saint John River near Meductic, where Meductic Memorial Park offers docks and a boat launch as an additional access option.