Winooski River Canoe & Kayak Maps
Please note that these maps are for overview purposes only and should not be used in place of a more detailed map for navigation purposes. Please refer to the Winooski Valley Park District's Complete Canoe & Kayak and Natural History Guide text for additional information.
Reach One: Plainfield to Cabot
Directions: Access the Winooski River from Route 2 in Marshfield, from near the Old Schoolhouse Common on School Street or Spooner RV Park on Pattys Crossing Road. In Plainfield the River can be accessed off of Route 2 from near Twinfield Union School on Nasmith Brook Road. Note the portage between John Fowler Road and the Plainfield Recreation Area (Reach Two).
A general caution is in order about the first two reaches of the river. The navigability and conditions vary widely in the upper reaches and require expert skills during high water. Hazard signs are not provided for dams above Montpelier. Use caution.
The headwaters of the Winooski River begin in Cabot at an elevation of 1820 feet and form the watershed of Coits Pond. The outlet of the pond forms the beginning of the Winooski River. From here, the river winds its way to Marshfield and continues under Route 2 to the dam in Marshfield. This section of river is not suitable for canoeing. The first access for this reach is located at the Old Marshfield Elementary School, now called the Old School House Common.
However, Marshfield Dam, a popular recreational canoeing area, is located just two miles north of Marshfield on Route 2. (You will see this area referred to as Molly's Falls Pond on topographical maps.) Green Mountain Power and Vermont Fish & Wildlife have provided a public boat access to the dam. Thistle Hill Campground is nearby off Route 2. (See Reach 1 map for reference.) There are two stores and a bakery/cafe in Marshfield.
To reach the Old School House Common turn left (heading west) off Route 2 onto Depot Street, which is an unmarked street across from the general store. The Common is located on the right. There is an entrance sign, and the building is easily recognizable as an old schoolhouse.
23 The waters in this stretch can be quick and full of sharp turns and small rapids. The river meanders through pastureland with large flat topped hills and passes Spooner's Campground & RV park on the right bank. The access is on the left bank, and there is a small bridge that can be used to reach the carnpground. Brook, brown and rainbow trout are often caught in these waters.
Five miles downriver, access is available on the left immediately after the bridge to Twinfield Union School. The school is easily seen directly off Route 2. From this bridge the river continues its meandering course, but as the gradient increases, the current increases and class II rapids extend for one mile to the Onion River Campground on the left. As the river approaches Plainfield, it crosses under several roads and a covered bridge. To portage around private property and the dam in Plainfield, you must pull out at the last access before Plainfield. After you pass under the covered bridge, the access is located on the left immediately before the next bridge you come to.
HAZARD SIGNS ARE NOT PROVIDED AT DAMS ABOVE MONTPELIER. CANOE AT YOUR OWN RISK. No portage map is provided. See Reach 1 map for reference.
Reach Two: Plainfield to Montpelier
Directions: In East Montpelier the River can be accessed directly from Route 2 just east of the intersection with Route 14N, or from Route 2 directly across from Towne Hill Road (South of the intersection of Route 2 and Route 14S).
To reach the river access in Plainfield at Plainfield Recreation Area, turn left off Route 2 (heading west) at the light in the center of town.. The Plainfield hardware store is on the corner. Then take your first right, follow this road over a small bridge and again take your first right. There is a Plainfield Recreation Area sign set back from the road. Put in near the basketball court.
From this access point until nearing the Route 2 bridge, there is a considerable set of class 11 rapids. Do not attempt these rapids if you are ill-prepared. Use caution. Access can be found below the rapids on the right side, just before the river passes under the Route 2 bridge. Continuing downriver the current is swift as the river meanders through alternating wooded and pasturelands.
Approximately five miles downriver, you will approach East Montpelier, where a store can be found for supplies. As you canoe into East Montpelier, you will be paddling along Route 2. At the end of the Route 2 guardrail you can beach your canoe on the right. Continuing downriver you will pass under Route 14, and, on your right, the confluence of Bennett Brook.
On the left, just downstream from Bennett Brook, is an access which can be used to reach the Green Valley Campgrounds. This is the recommended spot to finish paddling this reach. Paddling beyond this point involves portaging three dams, with only short paddling distances between each. All can be portaged on the right, with the first dam requiring the use of ropes to lower the canoe, and the last dam requiring takeout 200 yards before the dam, just under the power line crossing. Detailed portage maps are not provided.
HAZARD SIGNS ARE NOT PROVIDED FOR DAMS ABOVE MONTPELIER. CANOE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Reach Three: Montpelier to Middlesex
Access the Winooski River in Montpelier from the intersection of Route 2 and Bailey Avenue, or along Route 2 where it is crossed by I-89. The River can again be accessed just west of Lower Barnet Hill Road, after crossing over the railroad tracks. Note the portage in Middlesex: canoe accesses are available where the River is crossed by Route 100B. Follow the River downstream of the dam before putting back in.
When beginning a canoe trip from Montpelier, there are several good places to put in. One is at the northeast corner of Montpelier High School, located on Bailey Avenue, and the other is underneath the Interstate 89 overpass, on the right side of the river on Route 2. Plenty of parking is available at both areas. Or, if you would like to run a short section of easy rapids, put in an other one and one-quarter miles upstream from the high school on the right bank. This access can be reached through local parking areas.
Canoeing the stretch between the Interstate 89 overpass and Middlesex Dam is very relaxing and pleasant. The current is slow, and the course winds past farmhouses and pastureland. Many large dairy farms are visible along this stretch, and much of the land is cultivated. Trees are of the wetland variety, such as willows and alders. The river can be shallow in spots, and the canoe may have to be lined. A small section of rapids is about two and one-half miles downstream, where Interstate 89 and the train tracks closely parallel the river. Pull out on the left bank before the rapids to decide on the best route to proceed. About a mile beyond these rapids on the right bank is a canoe stop along Route 2. The bank is steep here, but this area can be used as an access point.
Another takeout and launching area is one and one-quarter mile further downriver, before the Route 100B bridge where Route 2 curves with the bend of the river. The bank is low here, and from this access a store is within easy reach by foot. If you are unsure of your ability to reach the Middlesex Dam access area safely or do not want to negotiate its short, yet steep hill (see Middlesex Dam section below), take out at this access.
MIDDLESEX DAM PORTAGE: Middlesex Dam Middlesex Gorge, just above the GMP dam, is one of the most spectacular areas on the river, with rock walls towering 75 feet above the water in some places. Remember that like all dams on the river, the Middlesex Dam is potentially dangerous and should be approached with caution. Boat barriers in the form of floating barrels span the river under the Route 100B bridge. DO NOT GO BEYOND THE BRIDGE! The barrels are normally in place from about Memorial Day to November 1st. It is always possible that the floating barrels may not be in the river for reasons beyond the control of Green Mountain Power. 30 The takeout is on the left side of the river, just before the bridge. The bank here is quite steep, and though it is a short distance, you may require a rope to pull your canoe up to the road. The portage, which begins just upstream of the bridge and ends downstream of the powerhouse, is .2 miles. Much of the portage runs along Route 100B. The canoe access is reached by following the dam access road off Route 100B down to the powerhouse. There is a gently sloping path that leads to the river's edge off the parking area.
There is a chute of rapids below the dam which can be very tricky depending on the water flow over the dam. Boaters should be mindful of eddies caused by discharges immediately behind the powerhouse. Survey the rapids from the bank before attempting to run them. If the water is shallow, the rapids may be portaged around on the left bank.
Reach Four: Middlesex to Waterbury
The Winooski River can be accessed in Middlesex just downstream of the Middlesex Dam on Route 100B. It can additionally be accessed from the picnic area along Route 2 between Route 100B and Route 100, as well as along Route 2 just west of the intersection between Routes 2 and 100 and from the bridge on Winooski Street. Note the portage for the Bolton Falls Dam: be on the lookout for power lines upstream of the dam indicating the need to pull out from the River.
The put in for this section is just below the Green Mountain Power Dam. Follow the dam access road off Route 100B down to the small parking area adjacent to the powerhouse. (See Reach 4 map and Middlesex Dam portage map for reference.)
This section of the river runs through flat or undulating agricultural land and with the exception of the difficult rapids below the confluence of the Winooski and Mad Rivers, canoeing this stretch of the river is easy. The current is slow to moderate, and the river corridor curves through cultivated land and northern hardwood forest with red and sugar maples, beech, yellow birch and some hemlock.
Off to your left, Camel's Hump towers over the river valley from its elevation of 4,083 feet. One of the most prominent peaks of the Green Mountain range, Camel's Hump is easily recognized by its unique double-humped profile, which serves as a conspicuous landmark in northern Vermont.
The Mad River enters the Winooski on the left about three quarters of a mile below the dam. A good swimming hole can be found on the Mad River about one-quarter mile upstream at the end of a short rapid. Just downstream of the confluence of the Mad and Winooski Rivers is a good fishing spot. Below the Route 2 bridge, at the lower tip of a large island, is a very dangerous set of rapids which must be carefully negotiated. Canoeists would be wise to take out at the junkyard above the rapids on the left, and care must be taken to avoid rocks. If necessary, the rapids may be portaged on the left. High cliffs rise on the north side of the river, with moderate rapids continuing for some distance below.
At the end of the rapids, several old iron anchor rings can be seen in the rocks in the center and on the south shore of the river. Logging drives were common in the Winooski River Valley during the nineteenth century. Logging crews would follow these drives in Adirondack style "bateaux," which handled well in fast, narrow and ledge areas. Log jams frequently occurred in riverbends and at falls, and these iron rings may have held booms to help control the timber as it flowed through this narrow section of the river valley.
About one and one-half mile downstream on the Middlesex/ Waterbury town line is a remote canoe stop which can be used as a campsite. Beach your canoe in a small inlet where the river bends around a rock ledge on the right bank. This area is inaccessible from the road. But about a half mile downstream on 33 the left bank is a highway rest stop access on Route 2. There are picnic tables and trash barrels here, but the site is not suitable for camping.
Two and one-half miles beyond the last roadway access is the town of Waterbury, where there is a general store. You can take out on the right bank just upstream of the Route 2 bridge or at the end of Winooski Street, where a small bridge crosses the river. This is a good drop-off spot, since there is a small parking area across from an electric substation, and you can put in there just downstream of the bridge, where there is a path. This area is adjacent to the Waterbury Athletic Field.
About one mile downstream, a railroad bridge crosses the river. Before canoeing under the bridge, take out on the left bank and scout for boulders and log jams. If necessary, the bridge can be portaged around on the left. Just beyond the railroad bridge, where the Little River enters on the right, is a good fishing spot.
The Little River leads upstream and is passable only to a certain point by canoe to the Waterbury Reservoir and flood control dam. This popular recreational facility is located within the Mt. Mansfield State Forest. The camping and canoeing at Little River State Park are excellent. The reservoir access is approximately a one mile hike up the dam access road from where the river becomes impassable. The park is approximately a half mile up the road from here.
Just below the Little River outlet are several islands where snow geese have been sighted. Bolton Falls dam is one and one-half mile below the Little River outlet.
Bolton Falls Dam
Approximately 1000 feet before reaching the takeout point, you will note orange balls attached to the transmission lines suspended over the highway and the river. A second set of orange balls suspended from a wire 15 feet above the river will be noted just before you take out. The access is located on the left side of the river. YOU MUST TAKE OUT AT THIS POINT. From about Memorial Day to November 1st there are boat barriers in the form of floating barrels located just beyond the takeout and well before the dam. It is always possible that the barrels may not be in the river for reasons beyond the control of Green Mountain Power. Do not paddle beyond the takeout because river conditions become very hazardous, and you run the risk of being swept over the dam.
Beach your canoe on the left bank near the takeout, before the barrels. The bank here can be very muddy. The steep uphill portage is marked with wooden engraved signs and is easy to follow. The total distance is about 2000 feet. This portage is difficult and takes at least one-half hour. See portage map above.
The portage trail intersects a small dirt road, which is the dam access road. This road may be used as a vehicular access from the River Road on the south side of the Winooski River. Parking space is available. The rock ledge in the Bolton Narrows is called Allen's Rock, after Ira Allen, one of the original Green Mountain Boys. According to legend, Allen distinguished himself from his traveling companions one day by standing at the edge of the cliff and staring straight down into the narrows below without any sign of fear or hesitation. Since that day the cliff has been known as Allen's Rock.
Reach Five: Bolton Falls Dam to Richmond
Access the River downstream of the Bolton Falls Dam in Waterbury, as well as from picnic areas along River Road just east of Honey Hollow Road. In Jonesville access the River from Cochran Road approximately across from Greystone Drive, and again in Richmond from the Richmond Park on Bridge Street.
The 10.5 mile stretch from the Bolton Falls Dam to Richmond presents some hazards only during low or very high water and contains two moderate rapids. Here the Winooski flows through 36 the heart of the Green Mountains, providing spectacular scenery as it runs towards the gentle farmlands of Bolton and Richmond.
Put in at the access area below the Bolton Falls Dam in Duxbury. This spot can be reached by following River Road, which runs along the south side of the River. Follow Winooski Street in Waterbury, cross the river, turn right onto the south bank of the river and follow the road 2.9 miles to the DeForge Hydro Electric Dam. * Look for the Green Mountain Power sign and dam access road on the right, which is a small dirt road that goes over a bridge from the main road down to the river. (See Reach 4 map and Bolton Falls portage map on previous pages.)
The area just below the dam is a good fishing spot. Boaters should be mindful of eddies caused by discharges immediately behind the powerhouse.
Below Bolton Falls to Jonesville
This scenic stretch of the Winooski bisects the Green Mountains and passes through northern hardwood forests and farms. As the river meanders through this section there are gravel bars, islands and rocks which obstruct the stream's flow. Canoeists should be cautious in maneuvering around the rocks in this area.
There is an unmarked canoe stop for picnics or overnight camping approximately one-quarter mile downstream on the right side of the river. A clear brook feeds into the river here, and it is a good fishing spot because of the many deep pools in the river.
About three-fourths of a mile below the Bolton Falls Dam is a moderate set of rapids which can cause problems in low water and serious problems at very high water due to strong currents, with large waves piling into trapped flotsam on the railroad bridge abutments. At the end of the rapids underneath the railroad bridge, there are many large rock outcroppings which have been smoothed by the water. The water forms deep pools here and the channel is deceptive. Approach with caution. If you choose to run the rapids, bear right to pass under the railroad bridge. These rapids can be portaged to the left by landing near the mouth of Ridley Brook and carrying your canoe through the woods past a private dwelling to the railroad tracks. Follow the railroad tracks to the trestle and put in on the downstream side. Do not cross the trestle. The portage is about 1500 feet.
About one and one-half miles downstream from the railroad bridge, on the left bank, is the Bolton canoe access. There is an inlet here and a large rock projects from the bank. Parking is available. This access can be reached by car off River Road. (See Reach 5 map for reference.)
The next bridge you pass under will be the Jonesville Bridge. Just after the Jonesville bridge, there is a canoe stop on the right bank. This is also where the Long Trail passes through Jonesville en route to Camel's Hump and Bolton Mountain. For further information on hiking the Long Trail consult: The Long Trail Guidebook (Green Mountain Club, PO Box 889, Montpelier, VT 05602, (802) 223-3463.)
Jonesville to Richmond Bridge Street Bridge
Trout fishing and swimming are possible at the mouth of the Huntington River in Jonesville. In this section, the current is fair with some riffles. Beyond the Huntington River, the river takes a slow curving course, flowing around islands, past bluffs and rock outcroppings, and through hardwood forest. One and one quarter mile downriver of the confluence of the Huntington River, on the left, is the 35-acre River shore Preserve, owned and managed by the Richmond Land Trust. This area can be used as a rest stop. A developed canoe access is proposed (fall 1993 completion) along with picnic areas, trails and parking.
As you continue downriver, the next bridge you will pass under is in the town of Richmond. Shortly after the bridge you can 39 beach your canoe on the right at the Richmond Town Green, called Volunteer Green. This is a good picnic site. There are tables, grills and garbage cans available. If you need to pick up supplies, it is a short walk to town, where there is a pharmacy and grocery store, as well as a bakery. One-quarter mile south from the steel bridge in Richmond is the Old Round Church. Built in 1812, this unique historical structure has 16 sides capped by a bell cupola.
Reach Six: Richmond to Essex Junction
The Winooski River can be accessed in Richmond from the Richmond Park on Bridge Street and from the parking area along Route 117 south of Barber Farm Road. In Williston access the River from along Route 117 just east of North Williston Road. Note the portage at the Essex Junction Dam, just upstream of Route 2A.
Through this stretch the river is broad and flat, flowing through fields and woodlands. Two and one-half miles downstream from Richmond are the Interstate 89 and Route 2 bridges. A quarter mile below these bridges on the right is a store where some camping supplies may be obtained. The store is on the other side of Route 117 and is not visible until you are up on the bank. just downstream from the next railroad bridge, where Route 117 comes into view on the right, is another roadway rest stop area on the right bank. Garbage cans and parking are available. Two and one-half miles downriver from this access is a state-leased boat access. The area is on the right bank across from a small island and can be used as a rest stop.
North Williston Bridge to Essex Junction Dam
The North Williston bridge is located one mile downstream of the state leased boat access. The bank is steep here, but it is used as an access. The river is fairly deep (3 - 5 feet) through this section as you proceed downriver, and it becomes deeper as you approach the dam. The river takes a wide, slow course through farmland and the residential areas of Essex Junction. Depending upon the natural flows and the amount of water passing through the generation units at the Essex #19 Dam, the current may be swift or slow and the river narrow or wide.
Just above the Essex Junction Dam, on the left bank directly across from the IBM boat launch, is an unmarked overnight canoe stop. The landowner has given permission for canoeists to utilize this area, provided that they are respectful of the privilege by carrying out all their trash, using only down and dead wood for fires and making sure that all fires are completely out before leaving.
Essex Junction Dam
There are two portage trails around Essex Junction Dam. Both begin before the boat barriers that are placed in the water about Memorial Day and removed about November 1st. DO NOT GO BEYOND THE BARRELS. Always proceed with caution when approaching the dam. It is always possible that the floating barrels may not be in the river for reasons beyond the control of Green Mountain Power.
The northern portage is preferable in high water. Take out above the dam on the right, making sure to stay far back from the edge of the dam. Portage along the IBM access road, turn left onto Park Street and then right onto Cascade Street. Beware of traffic on Route 2A. Follow this road to the Essex Junction Waste Water Treatment Plant located on the left, with a small parking lot and a trail leading down to the river. The total distance of this portage is about one mile. See portage map on next page.
The southern portage is not quite as long but traverses more rugged terrain. Bear to the left shore as you approach the barrels. Do not go beyond the barrels. A warning sign should be posted on a tree on a small island near the left bank. Take out on the left bank adjacent to the warning sign. The portage trail runs next to the GMP substation fence and crosses the field and Route 2A. Beware of traffic on Route 2A. Across the road, Green Mountain Power has constructed Overlook Park, which provides picnic tables and port-a-pots. From the picnic area follow the trail over the steep rocks to the footpath leading through the woods to the ledges along the river. Do not launch your canoe just below the bridge, because the rocks, ledges and rapids are extremely hazardous to canoeists. Continue portaging beyond the rapids and put in further downstream. The footpath continues through the woods (and poison ivy) beyond the ledges. The total distance of this portage is about 3500 feet.
Reach Seven: Essex Junction to Burlington
Downstream of the Essex Junction Dam, the river can be accessed from the Park District's Muddy Brook Park, Essex Overlook and Woodside Parks, and from Lime Kiln Road off of Route 15. Note the portage for Winooski Falls. Downstream of the Falls, the River can be accessed at the Millyard Canoe Access, the Ethan Allen Homestead, and Macrae Farm, Delta Park. From any of these accesses downstream of Winooski Falls the River can be taken directly to Lake Champlain at the Burlington-Colchester border. Use the Delta Park access if you do not want to proceed into Lake Champlain.
The river flows through residential and urban areas and eventually returns to wooded and wetland areas. Downstream of the city of Winooski the river becomes a wide and flat body of water recharging a great intervals flood plain and flowing through its delta for 17 miles before emptying into Lake Champlain. In this last reach there are canoe access points at Winooski Valley Park District parks. Primitive camping is allowed by permit only at some of these parks. (See Reach 7 map for reference.) Please contact the Winooski Valley Park District at 863-5744 for information and a permit.
Essex Junction Dam to Millyard Canoe Access
Through this section the river is wide and fairly deep. Farmland, residential areas and some deciduous forest line the river's banks.
Just below the Essex junction Dam, the channel to the left of the island may be blocked, depending on the water level. If so, canoeists can use the right channel. A caution is in order about releases. Canoeists should be aware that water levels here depend on how much water is in the river and when waters are released from the Essex Junction Dam. Levels can change rather quickly.
This whole section of river is impacted by the Winooski Gorge Dam (Green Mountain Power's #18 facility located just below the Lime Kiln Bridge), which may pond water for several miles distance up stream, reaching to the Winooski Valley Park District's Woodside Park in Essex. At other times, this part of the river has a swift current. This is all based on the amount of water naturally in the river, the operation of the Essex # 19 and Gorge #18 facilities and the relative time of releases. Generally, releases are in the morning and late afternoon, and there are usually no releases on Sundays.
Muddy Brook (access to Allen Brook Cascade) enters the river from the left bank about a mile below the Essex junction Dam, where the river turns sharply to the right. There is a canoe access on Muddy Brook a few yards beyond where the brook joins the river. This is an excellent fishing, walking and picnicking area. Several short nature trails through unusually lush flood plain flora have been provided by the Winooski Valley Park District, which leases this 8-acre parcel from S.T. Griswold and Company. To access the area by vehicle, turn onto Lime Kiln Road south from Route 15 across from St.Michael's College. Take the second left onto National Guard Avenue. Follow National Guard Avenue onto Poor Farm Road to the Muddy Brook entrance and parking area on your left. Poor Farm Road continues to River Cove Road, which meets Route 2A one mile south of the Essex Junction Dam.
Just beyond the confluence of Muddy Brook is a moderately easy set of rapids about one-quarter of a mile long. Water flow will be low during the summer, except after heavy rains, and it may be necessary to line your canoe. Four miles below the Essex junction dam and just past a sharp turn in the river's course is the Winooski Valley Park District's Woodside Park on the right. A canoe/boat ramp has been constructed here, although access by vehicles to the park is currently restricted. A quarter mile portage from the park gate at the Woodside Correctional Center is necessary.
Access to the park is directly across from Fort Ethan Allen on Route 15. Picnicking, hiking and fishing are available in this recreation area. Parking is available at the park gate.
In order to bypass the impassable Winooski Gorge and the Winooski Falls in the City of Winooski, a two mile vehicular portage should be arranged in advance. Canoeists may exit at 47 Woodside Park or continue one mile further and exit before the Lime Kiln Bridge. There is an access shortly after the wastewater treatment plant on the right. (See Winooski Gorge portage map on previous page for information.)
YOU MUST EXIT HERE because beyond the Lime Kiln bridge the river cannot be paddled for two and one-half miles, since it spills over Green Mountain Power's Gorge #18 Dam in Colchester / Winooski, and the Winooski Falls Chase Mill Dam in Winooski. *
Your portage by car should be made to the Winooski Valley Park District's Millyard Canoe Access off West Canal Street in downtown Winooski. The Millyard Canoe Access can be reached by taking Route 15 West into downtown Winooski and turning left onto Main Street. just before crossing the bridge into Burlington, turn right onto West Canal Street and continue for one-half mile to a paved road into the Millyard Condominiums. This road leads to the river and the canoe access. Parking is available here. (See portage map.)
Millyard Canoe Access to Lake Champlain
The river between the City of Winooski and Lake Champlain meanders through flat terrain which quickly changes from an urban setting to farms and forest land.
Just above the Millyard access is a choice fishing spot known as Salmon Hole. Long appreciated by local fishermen for its walleye pike, steelhead trout and landlocked salmon, this fishing hole nestled just below the Winooski Falls also makes a lovely picnic area. The Winooski Valley Park District owns the area and has provided a graded trail up to Riverside Drive on the Burlington side of the river.
Downriver of the Millyard access, near the railroad bridge, is the site of the first clearings in the Winooski Valley in 1773. But this is also the site of a much earlier settlement: recent archaeological finds indicate that over 300 years before Ira and Ethan Allen settled on the river, the Winooski River's flood plain was farmed by Indians. Prehistoric campsites have been unearthed throughout the Intervale area. As you approach the railroad bridge, twisted girders and abutments of the original bridge, which was washed away in the infamous 1927 flood, become visible.
Two and one-half miles below Winooski, the 284-acre Ethan Allen Homestead appears on your left. Owned by the Winooski Valley Park District, this public park has a large picnic shelter, fireplace and outdoor privy located in the upper meadow. A canoe access on the left bank is indicated by a sign. The access is located where an inlet joins the river. This is a pleasant spot to stop for lunch, to hike or rest.
The 200-year-old Ethan Allen Farmhouse and adjacent buildings are also owned by the Park District. A walking tour and video presentation on Ethan and Fanny Allen is offered daily from spring to fall for a small fee, along with other educational programs by the Ethan Allen Homestead Trust. For further information inquire at the Hill-Brownell Education Center (located in the large barn) or by calling 865-4556.
To reach the Ethan Allen Homestead by car, take Route 127 north and exit for North Avenue Beaches. Then take the first right at the small green signs to the Ethan Allen Homestead.
Two and one-half miles below the Ethan Allen Homestead is another Winooski Valley Park District canoe access. Adjacent to an island, McCrea Farm offers picnic and parking facilities. Canoe into the cove three-fourths of a mile downstream from the island on the right. The cove opening is in the right comer where the river takes sharp turn to the left. The canoe access and picnic tables are at the end of the cove.
This 286-acre park is home to a wide variety of songbirds, ducks and geese which visit the marsh in the lower portion of the park each year. In its quiet cove by the river, you may find blue winged teals, American bitterns and herons. McCrea Farm can be reached by taking Route 127 north to Colchester four corners, which is the first intersection with a light after the bridge. Turn right on McCrea Road and drive to the park entrance at the road's end.
About one mile downstream, the river turns sharply to the right shortly before the Route 127 Heineberg Bridge. Stay far to the right on this corner, since the river tends to carry you into logs and dead wood on the left bank and below.
There is an access on the left immediately after the bridge. The bank is low here, but there is a steep hill that you will need to pull the canoe up in order to reach the road access. Parking is available on the side of the old road bed. To reach this area by car, exit Route 127 at Plattsburg Avenue and take your first right. This is an unmarked road.
Just below the Heineberg Bridge there is also a very sharp eddy on the right bank near the old bridge abutment. Be cautious; it can be dangerous, especially in high water.
From the Heineberg Bridge on down, the river is more exposed and wider. On windy days it can be noticeably choppy. As you paddle this section, Derway Island in Burlington is to your left and Half Moon Cove in Colchester is through the woods to your right. Both areas have significant scientific and wildlife value.
Three-quarters of a mile above the mouth of the river on the right bank is a state fishing access. Canoeists may take out here or continue to the mouth of the river, head north along the shoreline of Lake Champlain for about one-half mile around a spit of land to a beach and portage about 200 yards to the same access area. The Winooski Valley Park District's 55-acre Delta Park is adjacent to the state access. The park contains 3000 feet of lake and river frontage and is the home of rare plants and animals. A parking lot, picnic tables and trails are provided.
Delta Park and the state fishing access can be reached by car by following Route 127 (North Beltline) one mile beyond the Heineberg Bridge to Colchester four comers (at the first intersection with a light after the bridge). Turn left onto Porter's Point Road and continue for one and one-third miles; turn left onto Airport Road and drive one-third mile; turn left again onto Windemere Way and follow it to its end.
