Mad River
Washington Co. · 30 mi · Class I–III
350CFS/ 3.32 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–1200 CFS · USGS #04288000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Green Mountain National Forest (headwaters) · Vermont Rivers Management Program
A Green Mountain classic flowing through the Mad River Valley — home to Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas. The Mad River delivers Class I–III whitewater through covered bridges and ski country. Warren and Waitsfield anchor a valley that's equal parts ski culture and river tradition. The annual Mad Dash canoe race is a spring institution.
Trip sections
Warren to Waitsfield — Class II–III, mountain run
Waitsfield to Moretown — Class I–II, valley section
Outfitters
Clearwater Sports
Mad River Valley paddle trips and rentals, Waitsfield
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.