Day Trips
Reach 1: Haynesville Brook-Hardwick (4 miles) Above Hardwick, the river is a white-water river only navigable in the spring’s high water. The most common launch point ison a tributary, Haynes Brook, near the intersection of Rt 15 and 16. There are a series of Class II and III rapids in this reach that require skills to navigate.
Reach 2: Hardwick Lake Lake To Fisher Bridge (three miles): The river here is flatwater. While often close to Rt 15, it is a good option for paddlers seeking a short trip near the river’s headwaters.
Reach 3:Upper Lamoille Access to Morrisville Oxbow Park (8 miles): This is a varied and interesting section through a rural valley, with occasional “rock gardens” that require attention. While Rt 15 is never far, paddling is still pleasant.
Reach 4: Cadyville Falls to Watermen Brook (5 miles): The river here is quiet, remove, scenic, and offers great trout fishing. For a longer paddle (10 miles), continue on to visit (and portage) scenic Dog Head and Sloping Falls before taking out just before the Rt 15 bridge below Johnson (Behind the AG Self Storage Units).
Reach 5: Johnson to Jeffersonville (12 miles): This reach is marked by scenic Ithiel Falls (Class II) and a broad agricultural valley with sweeping views, and some great swimming spots.
Reach 6: Jeffersonville to Fairfax Falls (13 miles): Jeffersonville to Fairfax is one of the most popular sections of the river, with the upper reaches frequented by outfitters. It is suitable for beginners. Paddlers pass by fertile farmlands and wildlife rich floodplain forests
Reach 7: Fairfax Falls to Arrowhead Lake: (Eight miles): This is a great open boat run for paddlers looking for easy-moderate whitewater suitable for open boats in a beautiful valley away from busy roads.
Reach 8:
Arrowhead Lake (2-8 miles): Arrowhead Lake’s 8.8 miles of shoreline provide hours of flatwater paddling. Watch for ospreys, swallows, ducks, red wing blackburds, and snapping turtles in the marshy areas in the lake’s northern end.
Milton to Lake Champlain: (10 miles): The Lamoille river delta is quiet water passing through scenic gorges and wetlands before emptying in Lake Champlain. Peterson Dam must be portaged.
Overnight Trips
Currently there are three formal campsites on the river, spaced 10-15 miles apart, which make for a variety of overnight trips. Below are options for a single overnight trip that utilize these campsites. These trips can be combined for a 3-4 day adventure.
Upper River Overnight (Wolcott to Jeffersonville)
Day one (5-10 miles): For a short trip, put in below Cadyville Falls. It is a five mile (2 hr) paddle through the “Ten Bends” region to the McCuin Island Campsite. The river here is quiet, remove, scenic, and offers great trout fishing. Stop along the way at sandbanks to swim. Those seeking a full first day (15 miles. 4-6 hrs) can put in as high up as the Upper Lamoille Access in Wolcott. Note: infrastructure is limited at McCuin Island and get overgrown in the summer. Deveral rare plants and butterflies have been identified here. Please limit your stay to one night only and keep your campsite footprint small.
Day two (7-14 miles): Visits to Dog Head Falls and Crossing Falls, as well as a run of Ithiel Falls add variety to your trip – but pack accordingly, and be aware of your location on the river! A variety of take-outs are possible. Those seeking a 1/2 day paddle should take out by Willow’s Crossing (7 miles, 3-4 hrs). For a full day, takeout in Jeffersonville for a 14 mile day.
Green Mountain Paddle
Day one: Crossing Falls to Manchesters Campsite (1/2 Day): Put in below Crossing Falls, and continue through Johnson down to Ithiel Falls (scout river right). Stop for lunch and a swim at the beaches on the islands below the rapids. Carry on another hour to Manchester Farm Campsite.
Day Two: Paddle on to a take-out in Cambridge. Consider a bike shuttle back to your vehicle via the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.
Lower River
Day one: Put in at Cambridge or Jeffersonville. If you use VT Canoe and Kayak for shuttle service, you can use their launch, otherwise, the Dorothy Smith Access is your best bet. If you’re getting a late start, put in at the Boyden Farm Access. It is a four mile (2 hour) paddle to the campsite.
Day two: It is an easy, three mile paddle to Fairfax Falls. End your trip here, or for a full day and some fun rapids, portage the dam and carry on to Arrowhead Lake. There is an informal campsite located on an island in Arrowhead Lake popular will locals, as well as an additional informal site 1/4 mile below the dam in Fairfax.
