Boston Kayaker

Kayaking on Winooski River - from Richmond VT to Essex Junction VT


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  Put in at Bridge Street
  in Richmond VT. 		Take out before dam at Mill Street
  in Essex Junction VT. 		Estimated distance
  = 11.5 miles 		Essex
  Dam 		River name came fron Abenaki
  word meaning "wild onion". 		Picnic and
  rest area

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to determine the legality, suitability and safety of this route for yourself.

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PDF version that fits in one page: 		Kayaking on Winooski River - from Richmond VT to Essex Junction VT

Other resources:
Friends of the Winooski
Friends of the Winooski: Paddling Guide (16mb pdf), see pages 22 to 23
Friends of the Winooski: Paddling Guide (cached copy)


Excerpts from Friends of the Winnooski Paddling Guide (page 22):
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Winding through wetlands, farmland and woodlands, this is a tranquil section of the river perfect for family and beginning paddlers. This stretch of the river also begins to pass through suburban development. Note how the river changes as the landscape changes in this section.
Put In:
  • Richmond Volunteer Green: From Rt 2 in Richmond, turn south on to Bridge Street. The park is on your right just before you cross the Winooski. The canoe launch is in the upstream corner of the park.
    Take outs:
  • Fontaine Canoe Access: The take out is on your left, just before the North Williston Road Bridge. From Rt 117, turn on to North Williston Road and turn left into the small parking area just after you cross over the Winooski.
  • Fish and Wildlife Access off the IBM access road: The take out is on the right at a small landing spot among the trees. It is not marked from the water. From the Five Corners (intersection of Rt 15, 117 and 2A) head south on 2A, turn left onto the Mill St. just before crossing the Winooski. The canoe access with small parking area will be on your right.
    Dam Portage: If you plan to portage the dam and continue on, you will exit the river at a set of stairs on the right below the Fish and Wildlife access. There is a foot path that will take you under Rt 2A to the power station. Go around the power station to the put in below.