We run an operation as good as the river. The water on the Batten Kill is lively and crystal clear. Beginners float easily in the quietwater, while experienced canoeists enjoy other sections of quickwater and play in the eddies. The Batten Kill valley was christened ‘The Valley of Vermont’ by Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Arlington’s best known writer and novelist. In spring and summer the hills laugh with delight. In autumn, gentle breezes stir the leaves. There’s a feeling of perfect solitude off the roads, where one can peacefully reflect on the rich beauty of life.

From the bow of a canoe, the charm of the Valley quietly reveals itself and on its own terms. The rising slopes of Mount Equinox come gradually into view through the trees lining the riverbank. We float past lonesome country lanes, quiet meadows, deep woods and high mountainsides bathed in the sun. This is a small world apart made especially for canoeing. It is intimacy without equal. Whatever you choose, we won’t be surprised if you linger awhile in this special corner of Vermont.

Join us . . . you can paddle the Batten Kill for two hours or two days, or more. There are quiet sections, and quickwater. The choice is yours. Your trip begins at our shop. We’ll give you a map and go over your route to point out the particularly interesting places to swim, picnic awhile, as well as the difficult spots. Then you’re off on your own to enjoy crystal-clear water that alternately tumbles, sparkles and flows as the river wends along it’s way.

At the end of your trip one of our radio equipped shuttle vans will meet you and bring you back to your car. You check out, perhaps look over our selection of boats, books and gear, take a long last look down the river, and begin to make plans for another river trip. The Batten Kill has a reputation beyond what one would expect, mostly because it’s a famous anglers’ stream.

To promote and maintain cooperation between people fishing and floaters, and to reduce potential conflicts, our rental hours are between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm. Your cooperation and kind behavior is appreciated by all river users. Our rental shop is open daily from May 1 through Hallowean-- October 31. Each rental includes paddles, life jackets, a waterproof dry bag, as well as shuttle pick-up. Our equipment is the finest available: a selection of premium royalex canoes from Mad River, Dagger, and Old Town.

Quick Guide to the River

THE UPPER RIVER
The upper section is quiet water, famous for birds and fish. We quietly slip around the base of Mount Equinox near our main shop. Perfect for beginners and small children, and those who would like a short trip.
THE MID RIVER
The middle river is wider and more open. After a tricky bend at the Roaring Branch, the pace quickens for some fun paddling to our River Base. Float under the 1852 Covered Bridge in West Arlington. Here you will find great woods, mountains on both sides and lots of sandbars and shady stretches around Eagleville Covered Bridge.
THE LOWER RIVER
This is the most beautiful and remote section of the river, much of it far away from the roads and less used by boaters, fishers and other river users. This section boasts three covered bridges, great riverside ledges, deep swimming holes handsome woods with sweet private places to enjoy your day.

“Who is there, I wonder, who doesn’t want to escape from the speed and rudeness of today’s living... and run back into the hills where nature goes along in its own ageless, inimitable
way to refresh us... within and without.” So said Norman Rockwell when he lived in the Valley of Vermont.

BattenKill Vacations are the ideal mini-vacations: these individual self-guided trips are just right for folks wanting to go it alone without the hassle of arranging details. You pick the dates that are right for you any day, anytime. We do the rest. We make reservations for you at local country inns or bed-and-breakfasts, arrange shuttles, and tell you about all the best spots on the river and the best trails so you can plan the outing that suits you best. We are sure that we can fill at least six days of activity for you in our special corner of Vermont. Since we are at home here, we can offer much more than anyone else can.

A day of canoeing, another hiking on the Long Trail, mountain biking isolated mountain roads... the choice is yours, with our guidance and maps We want to give you the options for your vacation. Your confirmation packet will include a general outline of the choices, and each day our guides give complete briefings on the day’s possibilities, and provide maps and detailed route suggestions listing your various outdoor options.

Our aim is to give you total flexibility in choosing when you wake up, what time you leave the inn, and what kind of pace you set - with our maps and written route suggestions to guide you all along the way. In other words, we give you the tools to create your own travel experience. We will even pack a picnic lunch for you. Choose how many days you would like, and the type of accommodations and we will do the rest. There is a fantastic selection of country inns in southern Vermont.

At Hill Farm Inn, just down the road from our shop, is a unique Inn, permeated by the peaceful nature of its location. It provides a tranquil serenity and harmony  with nature that is rare in this day and age.

At Hill Farm you'll enjoy family parlors and living rooms inside, and rolling lawnes and gardens outside...a blend of man and nature set of by ther sweeping majesty of Mount Equinox and high meadows. Company and graciousness, porches and peaks and the day to share.

BattenKill Vacations include accomodations based on double occupancy including breakfast at the Inn. We pack a gourmet picnic lunch, and you have many choices of resteraunts in the evening since Hill Farm does not serve dinner.

We will be happy to refer you to other special inns in the area as well.

Trips can range from 2 hours, 3, 5, up to 7 hours. The 2 hour trip on the upper river is quiet and easy; especially appropriate for families with small children or folks new to canoeing or kayaking. The mid and lower river is slightly faster moving water and current.

Group Rates

Thank-you for requesting information on day trips for your group. The Batten Kill rises in the Green Mountains, flowing through some of the most beautiful countryside in Southern Vermont and passes under four covered bridges on its way to the Hudson.  Paddling the Batten Kill requires no previous experience or special skills, just a spirit of adventure and a desire to have fun!  Beginners float easily in the gentle current and waves, while more experienced paddlers enjoy sections of quickwater and play in the eddies.

Trips can range from 2 hours, 3, 5, up to 7 hours. The 2 hour trip on the upper river is quiet and easy; especially appropriate for families with small children or folks new to canoeing or kayaking. The mid and lower river is slightly faster moving water and current. The whole group does not have to choose the same section; it is important to us that everyone has an appropriate trip; plus there are more stories for the evening when people experience different trips.

We are pleased to offer special rates to groups of more than 8 people for day trips on the Batten Kill; we reserve the right to split larger groups up to lessen the impact on the river.

1. We request a deposit of $10.00 per person for unguided group rentals.
2. Group size for Guided Group excursions is a minimum of 4 participants.  The guide ratio is 8 participants per guide/instructor. We request a deposit of 50% of the total trip price for guided outings, and food requests. We request reconfirmation 7 days prior to the outing.  The balance is due on the day of the trip.
3. Some canoe and hiking trips may involve additional transportation costs, if the activity is away from our home base on the Batten Kill. Please inquire for details.
4. Our policy for arranging group outings is simple.  We ask that one person be in contact with us and handle collection and remittance of the money to us.  Deposits are refundable and/or reschedulable for food and guide activities more than 7 days prior to the trip; unguided canoe rentals are reschedulable with 24 hours notice; no show forfeits deposit.

Please contact our office for additional information, and to make reservations. .  We hope you are able to spend some time away from the crowds, the roads and the hectic pace. Thank you for your interest in BattenKill Canoe, and we look forward to paddling with you.