Mississquoi River Paddle (Lowell to Westfield)

A half day paddle through the headwaters of the Missisquoi River through beautiful forests and lush open fields with great views of the Green Mountains. 
Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
6.50 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Moderate
Towns
Lowell (VT), Troy (VT), Westfield (VT)
Surface
River/Stream
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

This half day paddle takes you through mature floodplain forests and lush open fields with great views of the northern Green Mountains. Quick water sections and a short class II rapid provide some excitement, but remain within reach of beginner paddlers. On the approach to the rapids, you can scout on river-right. If you are uncertain about the rapids, portage on the same side. Following the rapid, the river opens to a pool, which is a nice place to stop, sit on the rocks and go for a swim.

This section is best paddled in the spring, early summer, or after summer rains. Look for the USGS gage in Troy to be above 180 CFS. Please note that the Missisquoi River is narrow through this section. You may need to portage around downed trees or duck under low branches.

Five miles into the paddle, the river has begun to cut a new channel. In 2020, the right side of the new channel was best, but this is a dynamic spot. Be especially alert for downed trees.

This section of the Mississquoi River is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. Projects have been implemented to improve river access.

Find out more:

Other Information

To learn more about this region and plan your trip, visit the Northern Forest Canoe Trail website. There you can:

  • Download a map of this stretch (for a nominal fee)
  • Use the Trip Planner Map Tool to locate outfitters, guides, and other amenities 
  • Learn about the trail and its unique history
  • Become a Northern Forest Canoe Trail member or volunteer
  • And much more!

Trail Manager

For more information, visit the NFCT website or the Upper Mississquoi and Trout Wild and Scenic Rivers website or contact:

Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Noah Pollack
PO Box 565
Waitsfield, VT 05673
Phone: 802-496-2285
info@northernforestcanoetrail.org
View website

Upper Mississquoi and Trout National Wild and Scenic Rivers

Upper Mississquoi and Trout National Wild and Scenic Rivers
2839 VT Route 105
Berkshire, VT 05447
Phone: 802-393-0076
info@vtwsr.org
View website

Trail Tips

Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Be aware of and limit the noise you and your group generate. Enjoy the sounds of nature.
Legend
Hide All

Trailhead Information

Put-in - The Rabion Farm Access is situated at a pull off on VT-100, 2.6 miles north of Lowell. Follow a set of stone steps, built by the NFCT, to river.

Take-out - The Lane Road Access is located off Loop Road, south of the town of Westfield. A parking area as located on the left, after crossing a bridge over the Missisquoi River.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found

Trail Alerts

Safety
Be a Safe and Respectful Paddler
Paddling conditions will vary according to the weather and season, so always exercise caution and always wear a lifejacket. With good judgment and proper equipment, the risk associated with paddling can me minimized. Respect the natural world and the rights of landowners, and be considerate of other outdoor enthusiasts. Paddlers should seek to avoid causing erosion, trampling vegetation, disturbing wildlife, and harming water quality.
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Trail Finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…