Winooski River
Washington / Chittenden Co. · 90 mi · Class I–III
454CFS/ 7.42 ft
Flood→Stable
Optimal: 500–4000 CFS · USGS #04289000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Vermont Rivers Management Program · Winooski Valley Park District
Vermont's most dynamic river flows 90 miles from Cabot through Montpelier and the Green Mountains to Lake Champlain at Burlington. The Winooski carves through dramatic gorges with Class I–III rapids, passing the state capital and Vermont's largest city. The river's recovery from severe industrial pollution is one of New England's great environmental success stories.
Trip sections
Montpelier to Waterbury — Class I–II, capital corridor
Waterbury to Bolton — Class II–III, Green Mountain gorges
Bolton to Burlington — Class I–II, Lake Champlain approach
Outfitters
Umiak Outdoor Outfitters
Winooski River trips and rentals, Stowe area
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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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.