Middlebury River

Ripton to E. Middlebury

Reach banner
DifficultyV
Length2.7 mi
Avg Gradient200 fpm
GaugeOtter Creek at Middlebury, Vt
Flow Rate as of 54 minutes
1470 cfs
Reach Info Last UpdatedMay 6, 2018

River Description

Source: Greg and Sue Hanlon's Steep Creeks of New England, which has more info on this run. Text used with permission.

Directions: The putin is just west of Ripton, downstream of where Rte. 125 crosses the river.

To takeout: drive about 2.5 miles West on Rte. 125 toward Middlebury. The first bridge across the river is the takeout.

The following info was posted by Fred Coriell on 03-11-02

We have been paddling the lower half of the run, which still has some of the best whitewater in the state. To access this park at the second pull out on the left side of the road when heading up from the East Middlebury bridge. Walk back down the road 1/4 mile, about 80 yards past the 40mph sign. Dive into the woods and pick your way down the steep bank. It requires lowering boats two different times, but is well worth the effort.

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River Features

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Take Out

Distance: 2.6 mi
Take Out

RM
Ryan McCall

Apr 22, 2014


Please be advised that VTrans is replacing the Sand Hill Bridge on Route 125 in East Middlebury over the Middlebury River. Construction will take place over next 45 days, 24 hours/day. There is the potential for debris to fall from the project during demolition and construction, in addition heavy machinery will be in operation in the direct vicinity of the bridge along VTrans right of way.

Please be advised that VTrans is warning all recreational users of the Middlebury River to avoid the immediate vicinity of the bridge until further notice.

The following link will take you to the project website which has detour details and the bridge closure dates as well as contact information.

http://rmw.vtransprojects.vermont.gov/bridge\_projects/m\_13/

Thank you for your cooperation.

William H. Farley P.E., CPESC
VT Agency of Transportation
Assistant Construction Environmental Engineer
Office (802) 828-5483

EC
Ed Clark

Sep 13, 2011


Ran the gorge post Irene, All good to go but both fallopian and rebirth are significantly different- probably worth a look, the run below the gorge is better if anything and at yo mom the sieve is completely plugged at present.

JS
Jeff Sharpe

Jul 24, 2008


The word on the street is that the wood in Rebirth is gone as of 7/24/08. Probably flushed out during one of the high water events we had recently.

CC
Colby Cook

Apr 8, 2007


New wood that extends across the top of Rebirth.

RC
Richard Cooley

Apr 13, 2006


Apparently rocks from last winter's flood filled the nasty seive/cave seen on the left side of the picture. Although the seive still exists, it is significantly less horrible.

PR
Patrick Rogers

Jun 14, 2003


More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.
More of my photos can be found on my NEW kayakingphotos.com page and my American Whitewater page.

SG
Scott Gilbert

Jan 1, 1900


In my opinion, the best drop on the river, trying to time the boof right is a challenge. You are now in the Birth Canal.
This is a very low level showing the lead in to the falls. I am stadning on a rock right at the lip of the falls.
Some interesting names for these rapids, the second one you see here is titled Cunnalingus, after these through the notch you see in the background is Rebirth which is where the Catchers Mitt is located.
This is a portage towards the end of the run. Remember that this picutre is taken at a very low level.
This is the most significant drop after the gorge opens up. At levels this low a screw you rock appears right in the middle of the lead in.