Battenkill

Manchester to NY border (Arlington)

Reach banner
DifficultyI
Length18.7 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
GaugeBatten Kill Below Mill at Battenville Ny
Flow Rate as of 49 minutes
1080 cfsrunnable
Reach Info Last UpdatedMay 1, 2018

River Description


River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Take Out

Distance: 11 mi
Take Out

ZC
Zack Chastain

Mar 17, 2024


Wonderful spring paddle. We started at the Union Street put-in and paddled all the way to Shusan Covered bridge in NY. (Total mileage of 26+- miles). It took us around 6 hours with minimal breaks and sustained paddling. It rained, hailed and snowed on us so we were paddling pretty fast to stay warm. TLDR: Start at the Wagon Wheel Put-in for more of a true swiftwater/whitewater experience and take out farther past the border. (We did Shusan Covered Bridge) List of Access points We Used

Observations on the route:

  • At around 1900 CFS the Union Street access had just enough flow to not be bony.
  • There were a few trees down in the first 5 miles but only one required getting out of the boat to get around.
  • We had to duck under rail tressiles and bridges in the first 5-8 miles. I do not think I would want to run the river above recommended or even much higher than 2,000cfs.
  • Most of the exciting water and flow starts shortly after the Wagon Wheel Put-in, I'd recommend starting there unless you have time and like paddling through windy slow bottom land river sections.
  • There was only one rapid that had a very dangerous strainer on river right, but it was easy to go all the way river left to avoid.
  • It is a pretty easy river but pay attention, theres lots of beaver activity so I imagine there's new tree hazards in the water often.
TL
Tim Link

Jan 1, 1900


Yak Style c. 1986:
kayak by Hydra.
paddle by Illiad.
footwear by Adidas.
sprayskirt by Body Glove.
PFD by Extrasport.
helmet by Romer.
sunglasses by Vuarnet.
attitude by THC.