West
Location: Southern Vermont (about 100 miles northwest of Boston).
Length of trip: Three miles in half a day.
Season: Rafting only two weekends a year, usually at the end of April and again at the end of September; in 1996, September 21-22.
Weather: Paddlers should be prepared for wet-suit weather in spring, when nighttime temperatures drop into the 30s (F). Water and air temperatures can warm up and also drop quickly in spring. Autumn temperatures range from the 50s to the low 70s during the day and from the mid-40s to the mid-50s at night.
Lodging: Although campsites abound in nearby Jamaica State Park, youll need to call in January to reserve a site for one of the rafting weekends. Also B&Bs, inns, and motels in Brattleboro, Londonderry, South Londonderry, and Putney.
Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Lower section Class I and II; upper section Class III and IV. Clear, cold water warms up to the 60s in summer.
Special features:
- Rolling hills.
- Good trout fishing (brook, brown).
- Wildflowers in May.
- Swimming in one area.
- Technicolor foliage during the autumn rafting weekend.
- Moose, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys.
- Solitude.
- Lower section is suitable for river runners of all levels, families, seniors in good physical condition, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.
- Upper section is suitable for experienced river runners.
Nearby excursions:
- Green Mountain National Forest.
- Historic Hildene, the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, in Manchester Center.
- Vermont Country Store in Weston.
- Stratton Mountain.
- Norman Rockwell Exhibit in Arlington.
- Bennington Museum and Bennington Battle Monument in Bennington.
For a list of outfitters:
- Jamaica State Park, Jamaica, Vermont 05343; +1 802 874 4600 (late April through Columbus Day weekend), +1 802 886 2434 (rest of the year), fax +1 802 886 2206. Try to book at least a month in advance.
For more information:
- Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing, 134 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602; +1 802 828 3237 or 800 837 6668, fax +1 802 828 3233.
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