Best Kayaking in Vermont

Trying to find the best kayaking in Vermont? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

New York, Washington County

01 :22 hrs
3.5 mi
48.592567 ft
VI

The Mettawee River offers some significant rapids and falls for high adventure seekers. There is a big drop just under the bridge at put-in, and a little further downstream is a small waterfall that has a giant rock in the middle. To the river left of the rock is a large strainer or sieve that has claimed a life. Be sure to avoid that and scout it out before hand if necessary. At the end of this course is a large waterfall - about 10 feet in height. It's advised to scout it out before hand to decide the best route over (the waterfall is said to have a cave behind it). Note that there isn't really any marked spot to launch or park at the put-in location.

2

Vermont, Addison County

00 :16 hrs
1.1 mi
64.143616 ft
VI

This section of the New Haven is considered an area where kayakers learn to love kayaking because it has a mix of everything. If the water level is greater than 1,500 cfs some spots can get up to a class VI difficulty, otherwise it's mostly a class IV - V. There are slides, whitewater, eddies, and a couple waterfalls. One particular fall is called, Toaster Falls (Bristol Falls) which is 15 feet tall - be cautious not to go too far to the left...or else rocks will be one's landing. Be careful at the rapids after Toaster Falls for a hole on the bottom right slot. Also, there's a section called, Mama Tried which can have a big hole when water is high. Back at the put-in, sometimes the first rapids are portaged around at low water due to rocks. Be sure to check water levels before going.

3

New Hampshire, Enfield

01 :08 hrs
2.9 mi
33.79341 ft
III

This is perhaps the most popular portion of the Mascoma for whitewater. An excellent put-in facility exists at the outlet of Mascoma Lake were this run begins. The area surrounding is fairly scenic, covered in woodlands and dotted by farms. There are two whitewater courses in this stretch of river, take care not disturb the equipment in place. Be sure to make the take-out, a small but dangerous dam is located down stream.

4

Vermont, Bennington County

01 :03 hrs
3.8 mi
172.89145 ft
VI

For a mixture of everything, this portion of the Deerfield River can offer just that: falls, drops, ledges, holes, slides, boofs, whitewater...and maybe some flat water. The difficulty rating usually ranges between class IV and V, but can be higher when water levels are high. The route begins below Readsboro Falls at a small pull-off along the road, where one will need to hike down a hill to the river's edge. Around the halfway point is one particular section that's marked as a portage - at a spot called, Tunnel Vision. It has a dangerous sieve, very sharp rocks, and is recommended to put-in again after the bridge. Be sure to check water levels before going to the river, and once there, scout out any questionable sections before attempting.

5

Vermont, Rutland County

00 :07 hrs
1.7 mi
193.04608 ft
V

The Big Branch is a favorite among many paddlers for its intense nature. It's essentially a large boulder run in a gorge with many class V rapids - the largest drop being about seven feet. A few points of interest include: Cave Drop, Mushroom, and Sieve Rapid, There is a hole at the bottom of Cave Drop and a piton rock to the left. Try to get right of the big boulder at Mushroom and be cautious of the pin spot in the middle of Sieve Rapid - there is usually a good chute on the left. When in doubt, scout. Once parked at the put-in, there is a short hike down a trail to the river. At the take-out, one will need to hike back up to the road and back-track to the bridge. Be sure to check water levels before going. Note that sometimes in early spring there has been a gate blocking the entrance for vehicles, causing one to hike.

6

New Hampshire, Peterborough

03 :54 hrs
9.3 mi
15.003143 ft
I

This is nice paddle beginning in Peterborough; it wanders out of town into suburban and then pastoral settings ending at Powder Mill Pond. This stretch is almost always navigable and has a good blend of flat, quick and whitewater that makes it accessible for most. There is a portage along the way but it is a short one encountered at the outlet of the Contoocook Reservoir at about mile 1.8.

7

Vermont, Lamoille County

00 :55 hrs
2.8 mi
85.79712 ft
V

This section of the Winooski has a series of waterfalls, ledges, holes, and slides. Due to the nature of the area, this river-run can only be paddled a few days (on occasion) out of the year when the water is high. Recommended conditions require around 2,000 cfs on the New Haven River for this to be considered. Following alongside Route 12, one will paddle over many falls, one of which is a 15 footer as one nears the end of the course (which is shortly preceded by a small ledge). Be cautious on this 15 foot waterfall when attempting because there is a ledge part way down the fall. When in doubt, scout. At the end of the entire route, there is another waterfall at nearly the same height as the previous 15 footer. After the last fall, there is no real designated spot to exit the river at take-out, so one will need to find an area that suits.

8

New Hampshire, Hillsborough

02 :51 hrs
7.1 mi
47.70008 ft
IV

This section of the Contoocook is among the more popular bits of whitewater in New England due to its challenging rapids and reliable flows. This outing is not for the beginner; there are many class III/IV rapids that must be scouted before attempting them; the GPS track provided does not imply a suggested course down river. Along with the challenge this float is enjoyable due to the natural condition of the riverbanks and surrounding woodlands.

9

Vermont, Addison County

00 :11 hrs
0.4 mi
6.7545547 ft
V

In downtown Middlebury there is a stone bridge that crosses over Otter Creek. At this area, there is a large 18 foot waterfall that many like to kayak. It's regarded as an easy drop, but it's important to note that there is a ledge hole at the bottom of the falls and many tend to kayak over the right-center. Keep in mind that wood debris can determine new routes. Be cautious downstream of the falls, by the footbridge, for a hidden rock in a surf wave. Overall, this route is simply for the enjoyment of kayaking over the waterfall and can be run multiple times by carrying back above the bridge. Difficulty rating can range from class III to V (higher water levels causing higher difficulty).

10

Vermont, Addison County

00 :06 hrs
0.2 mi
4.5408707 ft
III

Named after the road which neighbors it, the Dog Team Ledges are located on the New Haven River just before it connects with Otter Creek. This small area is simply a place to practice kayaking over ledges and a small waterfall. At the top is a six foot waterfall, then several ledges follow below. The length of the course stretches only the length of the parking lot, so one can carry back up to the top and run it again and again. The New Haven River needs at least 150 - 200 cfs for the ledges to have enough water. Be sure to scout things out before attempting.

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