Winooski River

This section of river is mostly class I-II. The first rapid, Hugo, is located 200 yds down from the put in. It is an easy rift run down the middle and ends in a large eddy. It gets its name from the wave created at higher flows. Approx. 1 mile down stream you will pass the mouth of the Mad River on the left. It is an easy paddle 200 yds upstream to see the bottom drop of the Mad. After passing under the Rt 2 bridge look for a junk yard on the left. This is the marker for the upcoming Junk Yard Rapids. The river bends sharply to the right and splits around a rock island. Eddy out at the bend on the left to scout this section. When approching the split you must commit to the left or the right channel for the water piles up on the rock. This is a great play spot. You can surf the pillow or splat the rock. Junk Yard ends in a big eddy. The rest of the trip to Waterbury is an easy paddle. After passing under the third bridge of the trip, look for a Recreation field on the right The take out is is where a small brook joins the river.

Directions; The take out is located at the north corner of the recreation field on Main street in Waterbury. Entrance to the rec field is next to the railroad overpass.

From the take out proceed east on Rt 2 to Middlesex. Turn right on to Rt 100B. Just after crossing over the river look for the power plant on the right. Green Mountain Power provides parking. Please don't block the entrance to the power house.