Plainfield Paddlers' Access

Plainfield, Vermont

Winooski River

Paddling Access

Launch your canoe or kayak to float the Winooski River, right in the heart of Plainfield's village center.

Dogs allowed on leash

Public access: Yes
Activities: paddling, fishing, birding

All Paddling Access All Sites

Plainfield Paddlers' Access Plainfield, Vermont Winooski River

Plainfield Paddlers' Access

Thanks to 300 years of industrial development, many of Vermont’s rivers through urban downtowns and village centers are lined with parking lots, buildings, and dumpsters. Hiding behind these homes and businesses is the local river, often with no public access.

This river access is exactly that kind of tucked-away site — but instead of being completely hidden, Vermont River Conservancy worked with local volunteers and the Cabot School’s tenth grade class to transform this site from a back-of-business dumping ground to a community gem. The team cleared debris, installed a gravel trail, and constructed two sets of timber-cribbed access stairs, and students built a rain garden and educational signs. There’s just enough space to launch a canoe or cool off in the Winooski.

Local Businesses

Stop in the Plainfield Co-Op, a community general store where you’ll find all the basics, plus jams, baked goods, coffee, and a small gallery featuring local artists.

Conservation Details

River: Winooski River
Acreage: 0.25
River frontage (ft):

Funding Partners

This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:

Directions

Take Route 2 East to Plainfield from Montpelier. Take a slight right turn onto Main St. and in about 500 feet turn left at the Plainfield Co-op. Walk through the graveyard and take the path down to the river

Photos

Canoe and kayak access to the Winooski River in Plainfield, Vermont.