About
Missisquoi River, Vermont Quebec — 1775-1790s Frontier, 1840s-1880s Milling, 1943 Missisquoi NWR 80-mi Franklin. From the Northeast Kingdom headwaters near Lowell, the Missisquoi runs 80 miles through Orleans and Franklin counties at an average 1200 CFS, with optimal flows between 300–2000. The upper stretch from Lowell to Troy offers Class I–II water through Vermont's border country, while the river settles to Class I from Troy through Richford and down to Swanton. The lower reach approaches the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, where the river widens into marshland before joining Lake Champlain. Vermont Canoe & Kayak provides outfitting services along the corridor. Part of the Vermont Rivers Management Program, the Missisquoi maintains relatively high flows year-round compared to smaller Vermont rivers. USGS gauge 04294000 tracks conditions for 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.