About
Mad River, Vermont — 1790s-1810s Frontier, 1840s-1880s Milling, 1990s-2010s Mad River Restoration 35-mi Warren Washington. From the Green Mountain National Forest headwaters, the Mad River cuts 30 miles through Washington County with Class II-III drops above Waitsfield giving way to easier Class I-II water through the valley to Moretown. At 380 CFS average, the river runs best between 200 and 1200 CFS on gauge 04288000. The Warren to Waitsfield section holds the technical water — a mountain run that requires solid boat control and route-finding through rock gardens and ledges. Below Waitsfield, the gradient eases as the Mad River enters broader valley terrain, offering more forgiving Class I-II paddling suitable for intermediate boaters. Clearwater Sports operates from the area, providing gear and shuttle services for the corridor. The Vermont Rivers Management Program oversees flow releases and access coordination along the system.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.