Otter Creek
Rutland / Addison Co. · 112 mi · Class I
725CFS/ 3.43 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–1500 CFS · USGS #04282000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Otter Creek Natural Area · Vermont Rivers Management Program
Vermont's longest river at 112 miles, flowing north through the Champlain Valley from Dorset to Lake Champlain at Ferrisburgh. Otter Creek is the quintessential Vermont flatwater paddle — gentle Class I current through dairy farms, covered bridges, and the historic marble city of Rutland. The creek's extensive wetlands support exceptional wildlife habitat.
Trip sections
Rutland to Brandon — Class I, marble country
Brandon to Middlebury — Class I, college town approach
Middlebury to Vergennes — Class I, Lake Champlain lowlands
Outfitters
Vermont Canoe & Kayak
Otter Creek paddle trips from Middlebury
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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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.