JUNE - Thursday        Lowell/Westfield town line to Lane Rd.

Day 1 – Thursday, June 6th: We will put-in at the Lowell-Westfield town line (at “Brown’s Ledges” off Route 100) and paddle approximately 7 miles to the established access point on Lane Rd, off Loop Rd in Westfield. This scenic paddle will involve one area of Class II whitewater, in a beautiful rocky gorge, and may have some shallow sections, depending on water levels.

Possible Stops/Points of Interest: Cajun’s snack bar, Monastery Rapids, Serpentine Ledges, big erosion site/reforestation attempts, O'Donnell's Farm, Couture's Maple Shop and B&B.

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JUNE - Friday           Lane Rd. to Mariner Property/River Rd

Day 2 – Friday, June 7th: We will put-in at Lane Rd, off Loop Rd in Westfield and paddle approximately 4 miles to the River Road crossing above the Chase Dam. This scenic paddle will involve stops at area businesses and an opportunity to explore a unique island! An optional portage around the Chase Dam, and another 1.25 mile paddle to a roadside access on River Rd may extend Day 2. This section (both above and below the dam) is primarily flatwater; could be shallow in some sections.

Possible Stops/Points of Interest: Couture’s Maple Shop and B&B, Brault’s Slaughter house for jerky, Troy school's island preserve, Jonathan Chase’s hydro dam project.

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JUNE 8 - Saturday         Missisquoi Gorges to N. Troy or PQ border (coinciding with Russ’s NFCT paddle)

Day 3 – Saturday, June 8th: Day 3 will be both our longest (likely between 8 and 12 river miles) and most technical day. This section is for experienced paddlers only, containing 4 gorges that are Class III/IV whitewater, as well as portages around Big Falls and the North Troy dam. The four gorges are within the first few miles below Chase Dam; boats may be lined through the gorges at low water, and portages are possible, but these gorges must be scouted and paddling experience is required to navigate them safely. Below the gorges, the river will pass under a beautiful covered bridge on Vielleux Rd and another ~1.5 miles to Big Falls. This section requires technical paddling and careful scouting so that you do not miss the take-out above Big Falls. After portaging around Big Falls, the river continues another ~3 fairly easy miles to where Route 105 crosses in North Troy. The take out above the dam is before this bridge. Portaging around the dam will lead to another ~1.5 miles of gentle flatwater paddling to the Canadian border. Day 3 will be an exciting day on the river, but is not for the inexperienced; please contact us if you are interested in more information about this section.

Possible Stops/Points of Interest: Four Gorges, Covered Bridge, Big Falls, N. Troy Park, N. Troy Falls.

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JUNE 9 - Sunday           E. Richford to Richford: 3 hours with water, 6-7 otherwise

Day 4 – Sunday, June 9th: We will put-in at the Canadian border in East Richford and paddle approximately 6 miles to Richford. This scenic paddle involves some neat historical features and one rapid, near the site of the old Steven’s Mill. When entering the downtown area of Richford, there is an access point established by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail that enables portaging around (or scouting, for whitewater enthusiasts) the Class III rapids in the heart of Richford. Davis Park, on the other end of the rapids, provides another access point, as well as a wonderful spot to enjoy a picnic along the river.

Possible Stops/Points of Interest: Border Station/bridge, Steven’s Mill remains/ruins, NFCT Coon's campsite, Brouillette’s Flats islands/wildlife habitat, Railroad bridge, Remains of old mill dam, logging, wood products industries while entering Richford, Richford Rapids.

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*Can’t join us for the Sojourn? Join us as we paddle this section (water-level permitting) during our annual Paddle and Picnic on June 30th (registration required)!

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JUNE 10 - Monday         Richford to E. Berkshire

Day 5 – Monday, June 10th: From the access point at Davis Park in Richford, we will paddle approximately 6.5 family-friendly miles to East Berkshire. There are a few sections of swift-water, but is the river in this section is primarily deep and slow-moving, making this a great tour for all. This section includes beautiful views of pastoral Vermont against the Green Mountain backdrop, and bald eagles are often seen in this section of the river. The take-out in East Berkshire is just past the confluence with the Trout River, where Route 118 crosses the Missisquoi.

Possible Stops/Points of Interest: History of the island below Richford Falls (Race Track, Semi pro ball field), dairy farming, USGS river gauge, Rail Trail, Pine Cone Snackbar, NFCT Doe Campsite, Trout River inlets (current and historic).

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*Can’t join us for the Sojourn? Another great opportunity to paddle this section of the river is during the Missisquoi Paddle-Pedal and Richford River Fest, taking place on June 22nd! Register today!

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JUNE 11 - Tuesday        E. Berkshire to Enosburg Falls

Day 6 – Tuesday, June 11th: From East Berkshire, we will do the final designated miles of the Missisquoi, paddling approximately 6 miles to just above the Enosburg Falls dam. This is a fun and varied section of the river, and includes a Class II-III whitewater spot at the old Samsonville dam (there is a portage option on river left). There are also great local and historical features on this section, including the Boston Post Dairy, close proximity of the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, and the Brownway Trail. Enosburg Falls Village provides ample options for a celebratory snack!

Possible Stops/Points of Interest: MRBA/W+S OFFICES, Sampsonville Dam site, Boston Post Road bridge, Boston Post Road Dairy, Brownway reforestation site, Bridge of Flowers and Lights, ice cream stop.

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JUNE 12 - Wednesday  Trout River (this day may be moved to a different date due to water levels)

Day 7 – Wednesday, June 12th: We will paddle the Trout River from Montgomery Center to its mouth at the Missisquoi River in East Berkshire, approximately 9 miles. The upper portions of the Trout River can provide whitewater fun during high water, but can present a shallow-water challenge at other times. Lower down, the river is slower-moving and more reliably deep. This day’s paddle details will depend on water levels, but the Trout does provide a fun experience no matter the weather. The route will carry us beneath several of the iconic covered bridges and past numerous excellent swimming holes.

Possible Stops/Points of Interest: Blue Bike Cafe, Bernie's, Snow Shoe Pub, Inn on Trout River, Mountain Fiber Folk, River Restoration from 97 Flood, Swimming Holes, Village Gorge/old mill remains, erosional problems, wildlife habitat.

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**The Wild and Scenic Sojourn schedule is subject to change, due to weather or river conditions. If you wish to join us for any or all of this paddle trip, please contact us at info@vtwsr.org or 802-393-0076 for more detailed information.