Best Waterways in Vermont

Trying to find the best waterways 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

Vermont, Lamoille County

02 :01 hrs
4.5 mi
1.9768066 ft
I

Located in beautiful Eden, Lake Eden is sandwiched between Stowe and Jay Peak. Private campgrounds, vacations rentals and summer homes dot the perimeter of the lake. The lake is small and offers excellent paddling conditions. There is a small gravel launch ramp but no facilities provided. It can be enjoyed year round but the parking and ramp are not plowed during the winter months.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

New Hampshire, Holderness

04 :24 hrs
9.8 mi
3.9513397 ft
I

Squam Lake offers some excellent paddle touring on a large lake with a convoluted and scenic shoreline. The center of the lake is host to many islands from tiny wooded outcroppings to larger inhabited woodlands. The northeastern portion of the lake has several isolated bays to explore that are separated by narrow straits. There are ample fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities on the lake and the nearby town of Holderness can provide basic services. Boat ramp and parking fees apply.

6

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.

7

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.

8

Vermont, Windham County

00 :38 hrs
1.4 mi
1.5929871 ft
I

Lowell Lake is 102 acres with just 2 miles of shoreline to paddle. It has been designated a quiet lake where only electric motors are allowed making it a favorite among canoeists and kayakers. This is a carry-in access only and offers some beautiful undeveloped shoreline to explore and enjoy.

9

New Hampshire, Grafton

02 :31 hrs
5.6 mi
2.6986694 ft
I

Grafton Pond has at least half a dozen bays to explore as well as many small islands and the straights between them. Despite being labeled a pond Grafton has over six miles of wooded shoreline to paddle along with a minimum of development. The lake has powerboat restrictions concerning wake and horsepower making it safer and quieter for the paddler. This lake is particularly attractive in fall when foliage colors are vibrant.

10

New Hampshire, Hancock

00 :47 hrs
1.8 mi
1.0997314 ft
I

Willard Pond is located on a large Audubon Society preserve making its shores almost entirely free of development. This pond has clean, crystal-clear water, views of a nearby mountains and densely wooded banks. Powerboats are not permitted on Willard Pond so paddlers can be sure they’ll have peace and quiet. This pond is particularly scenic in fall when foliage colors are vibrant.

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