Battenkill

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.