South West Vermont

The Battenkill River is one of the premier recreational rivers in America. Though shallow and rocky in places, it is ideal for canoes, plastic kayaks, and especially tubes.

Certain bends in the river provide excellent fishing and swimming, depending on the time of day, but a trip down the river in one of the aforementioned modes is my preferred way to go.

The Battenkill winds down the scenic valley between the Green and Taconic ranges, and then snakes through a pass in the Taconic range when it hits Arlington. Before flowing into New York state, where additional fishing and swimming opportunities abound as well, the Battenkill pass through a small valley in West Arlington of post card quality and has in fact been plastered all over post cards and calendars in local gift shops.

Access is available along route 7A in Arlington and all along 313 West on the way toward NY state. The recreation park in Arlington has a parking lot on the 313 side that many use when tubing, kayaking, or canoeing.