Vermont | Lamoille Valley

Lamoille RiverUpper Lamoille Access to Arrowhead Mountain Lake public boat ramp

A staged upper-to-lower Lamoille itinerary from the Upper Lamoille access through every documented falls and dam portage to Arrowhead Mountain Lake.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceStaged multi-day itinerary (about 49 river miles)
DifficultyModerate
Typical timePlan a multi-day itinerary with portage
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Lamoille River flows through a wooded corridor near Wolcott, Vermont.
River contextLamoille River near Wolcott; same-river context, not an endpoint or current-conditions photograph river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Wikimedia Commons contributor

Need to know

Why this call
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Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
DifficultymoderateThe selected paddlers-trail reaches range from quiet Class I–II water to rock gardens and mandatory portages. Scout all ledges and carry around Cadyville and Morrisville dams.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm Vermont town, trail and managed-access rules before unloading.
CampingDay tripNo overnight camping is included; use established Lamoille Paddlers Trail campsites only where current rules permit and never camp on private banks.
SeasonApr-OctSnowmelt and rainfall can raise the Lamoille quickly. Check Johnson discharge, trend, weather, dam notices and current trail access before launch.

Tomorrow and the weekend

Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.

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Plan your trip

Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.

Access and shuttle

A staged upper-to-lower Lamoille itinerary from the Upper Lamoille access through every documented falls and dam portage to Arrowhead Mountain Lake.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Upper Lamoille Access (water-entry edge)

Use documented public access and portage paths only.

Finish

Take-out

Arrowhead Mountain Lake public boat ramp, Fairfax (water-entry edge)

Carry around every marked dam or falls; never approach a hydraulic structure.

Road shuttle

Access notes and hazards

Access caveats

  • Use documented public access and portage paths only.
  • Carry around every marked dam or falls; never approach a hydraulic structure.
  • Recheck seasonal parking, trail conditions, weather and live gauge trend.

Watch for

  • Multiple mandatory falls and dam portages
  • Five Chutes, cold water and reservoir wind
  • Staged distance with limited legal exits

Choose your trip times

No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.

Trip schedule

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Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

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Water-level history and forecastDetailed view

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Why this score

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Data status
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Data reliability: checking

This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.

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Water levels, published guidance and update times

These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.

Gauge siteLamoille River at Johnson, VT
DischargeChecking
Gauge heightChecking
24h trendChecking
24h changeChecking
Current bandChecking
Rain last 24hChecking
Rain last 72hChecking
Air tempChecking
Water tempChecking
WindChecking
GustsChecking
Rain timingChecking
Preferred range200 cfs to 1,000 cfs
Low threshold100 cfs
High threshold3,000 cfs
Evidence strength behind the rangeLocal route guidance
Gauge observedChecking
Paddle Today updatedChecking
Main source behind this scoreLamoille River Paddlers Trail recommended trips and map
Gauge sourceChecking
Weather sourceChecking
Rainfall sourceChecking
What to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Named reach and distanceUpper Lamoille Access to Arrowhead Mountain Lake public boat ramp; 49 miles

    The Lamoille River Paddlers Trail publishes this recommended day reach, distance and access/portage context.

    Source

  • Gauge and planning bandUSGS 04292000; 100 cfs low cue and 200–1,000 cfs planning band

    Johnson provides direct Lamoille discharge telemetry. The band is a conservative planning interpretation around the trail’s low-water, rock-garden and portage warnings; verify current conditions before travel.

    Source

  • Safety, portages and campingMarked Cadyville/Morrisville portages; day-use route

    The Lamoille Trail map marks falls, dams, portages and campsites. Use only current designated access and campsite facilities.

    Source

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Lamoille River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Upper Lamoille Access to Arrowhead Mountain Lake public boat ramp route on the Lamoille River?

Paddle Today watches Lamoille River at Johnson, VT and treats 200 cfs to 1,000 cfs as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.

Where does the Upper Lamoille Access to Arrowhead Mountain Lake public boat ramp route on the Lamoille River start and end?

This route starts at Upper Lamoille Access (water-entry edge) and ends at Arrowhead Mountain Lake public boat ramp, Fairfax (water-entry edge), Staged multi-day itinerary (about 49 river miles) on the water.

Is the Upper Lamoille Access to Arrowhead Mountain Lake public boat ramp route on the Lamoille River suitable for beginners?

This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.

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