The 10 Longest Rivers of Vermont

Vermont is a US state located in the northeastern region of the United States. It is a relatively small state in terms of population and area. Despite its small size, however, Vermont is endowed with a large number of rivers that play a crucial role in New England, providing irrigation sources, transportation routes for the logging industry, and great recreation facilities including swimming holes.

1. Connecticut River (655 km)

The Connecticut River is the longest river in the New England region and among the nation's 14 American Heritage Rivers. It rises at the Quebec, Canada border and flows through five states before discharging into the Long Island Sound. The Connecticut River valleys are home to the most fertile lands in the northern regions of the US.

2. Otter Creek (180 km)

The Otter Creek River is the second largest river flowing in the state of Vermont. The river rises in the Great Mountains and flows through Rutland County and Addison County before emptying into Lake Champlain at Ferrisburgh. For centuries, the river has been used as a major transportation route through parts of western Vermont.

3. Winooski River (140 km)

Winooski River, originally known as the Onion River, is located in northern Vermont. The river rises in the town Cabot, Washington County, and flows through the Green Mountains before emptying into Lake Champlain. The Winooski is the most important river in Vermont as it forms the major valley way between Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River valley. The river is one of the state's antecedents rivers that predates the rise of the ancient Green Mountain range and provides a natural habitat and fishing ground for the native brook and brown trout.

4. Lamoille River (137 km)

The Lamoille River flows through Lamoille County, Vermont. The river rises in the water divide of the Green Mountains and flows southwards, then northwards, ultimately draining into Lake Champlain. The Lamoille River is a beautiful calm river that provides ample ground for kayaking, tubing, and swimming.

5. Missisquoi River (130 km)

The Missisquoi River rises from the northern parts of Vermont and is a major tributary of Lake Champlain. Historically, the river was used by native Abenaki and European settlers as a passageway through Quebec and New England. Today, the banks of the Missisquoi River provide ample land for dairy farming and a waterway for logging in Vermont.

6. Deerfield River (122 km)

The Deerfield River is the second longest tributary of the Connecticut River, and flows through parts of southern Vermont and northern Massachusetts. The river played a crucial role in the settlement of the town of Deerfield and parts of Franklin County, Massachusetts.

7. Hoosic River (122 km)

The Hoosic River is a major tributary of the Hudson River in the northeastern United States. The river is named after its rocky bottom that is exposed throughout most of the year, except spring when the water levels rise. The Hoosic River acts as the northwestern border of Pittstown, before terminating its confluence at the Hudson River.

8. White River (97 km)

The White River begins at Skylight Pond, south of Bread Loaf Mountain, near the Green Mountain range. The river is a tributary of the Connecticut River, and serves as a major recreation facility in Vermont. In particular, the Royalton Bridge is considered an excellent spot for kayaking.

9. Batten Kill (95 km)

The Batten Kill River rises in Vermont and flows to New York City as a tributary of the Hudson River. It is a prominent fishing and breeding ground for trout. The Batten Kill River is home to the Tour of the Battenkill, which is the North America's largest road cycling race.

10. West River (87 km)

The West River is a major tributary of the Connecticut River. Historically, the river has been referred to as the "Waters of the Lonely Way." Its watershed is used a breeding ground for Atlantic salmon and brook trout, agriculture, and forest cover.