Paddling down the Batten Kill river with views of the Green and Taconic mountains, covered bridges and
wildlife make this a fantastic day trip. The trip can be as long or short of a run as you wish. With
numerous places to launch from Sunderland to Arlington, you can have a mellow paddle, a few minor
rapids, quick water or have it all. There is easy access throughout the trip. My preferred take out is
usually just over the line in New York, although you can paddle almost all the way to East Greenwich.
The stretch from Sunderland Hill Rd to Route 7A is quiet and has nice views of the Green mountains
throughout. Things get a little tricky where Roaring Branch comes in; this is the only real rapid on this
section, a class 2 in higher water. The remaining section in Vermont, my favorite section, is quick water
as you paddle through the Taconics and enter into New York.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife you may see Deer, Fox as well as a multitude of birds. Things to
consider in planning your trip are water level and setting up a shuttle. You can generally paddle all
spring and into mid-summer unless it is an unusually dry summer. This is a popular Fly-fishing river so
please be respectful of fishermen. Also in the summertime this becomes a popular tubing river. If you
are in need of a boat there are outfitters who rent boats and set up trips.
Directions:
The Batten Kill has numerous put-ins through out this section. On Sunderland Hill Rd at the bridge over
the Batten Kill. On Route 7A there is a state fishing access point at the bridge over the Batten Kill. Another
good put in as at the Arlington Recreation center parking lot on VT-313. Take out points in New York
include a rest area soon after entering into NY or at the Eagleville Covered bridge.
