The West River, known to the Indians and the early settlers as the Wantastigeset, rises in Weston and flows southeast to the Connecticut. It is almost continuous canoe able rapids except where three daJ!1s block the flow. Although the river follows VT 100, the river's clear rocky bottom, fine banks, and wooded hillsides create the predominant scenery for the paddler.

Weston-Londonderry
6 3/4 mi

Description: Date checked: Navigable: Scenery: Maps: Portage:

Class II
1988, ST
High water
Forested, rural
USGS Wallingford 15, Londonderry 15 (63/4 mi L dam at Londonderry)

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Put in at the bridge in Weston. Although the river is channeled, it gives some indication of water level farther down- stream. The rapids are nearly continuous for the first 2 miles. The S-turn rapids should be scouted because of the possibility of, strainers in a blind corner. Take out on the right to scout just before a sharp right turn with a high bank on the left. The rap- ids soon moderate into quickwater. There is a good take-out just past a small bridge (6 miles) where VT 100 is close to the right bank. For gauge location, see the next section. It is estimated that a reading of 0.5 is necessary for a smooth run.

Londonderry-South Londonderry Ledges

5 1/4 mi

Navigable:

Class I, II, III, IV
1988, ST
High to medium water (April, May, after fall rains)
Settled
USGS Londonderry
This is the famous Londonderry Ledges section. Most of the rapids are Class III at the usual level, with connecting sections of Class II and I. Put in at the dam or from a roadside turnoff on the VT 100 bridge south of Londonderry. The river gradually builds in difficulty to the first ledge section in the vicinity of the VT 100 bridge. Competent paddlers will find endless eddying and surfing opportunities in this section. A short pool under the bridge leads to a steep rapid with a strong eddy (Larry's Eddy) on the left halfway down. Easier going leads to the second VT 100 bridge. Dead Cow Rapids lies immediately under the bridge and provides good surfing opportunities. The ledge section starts shortly below, with a friendly hole on the right at the entrance and numerous ledges, waves, and holes throughout its length. Take out below the ledges from a dirt road on the right. The gauge is on the left just downstream of the first VT 100 bridge. It is estimated that a reading of 0.0 will provide a low but runnable level. with 2.0 considered high. This section often has water when the Winhall, the Rock, and the Wardsboro do not.

Below South Londonderry Ledges- Ball Mountain Dam

6 1/2 mi


Class II-III
1988, ST
High water, medium water (Mayor after fall rains)
Wild
USGS Londonderry 15
6 1/4 mi Ball Mountain flood control dam- extremely difficult

This section is easier than the one above. The gradient is constant, with waves in high water and rocks in low. The mouth of the Winhall (13/4 miles) is a possible take-out, although it is not accessible in mud season.
The gradient steepens for the next 2 miles, ending suddenly at the backwater of Ball Mountain Dam. At low pond there are another 2 miles of gradually diminishing current and rapids to the portage trail on the right above the dam. Ice floes may block the river in the spring. The carry up is exceedingly strenuous: 250 vertical feet in 1/2 mile to the road. When continuing the run, you should scout the portage trail before putting in. There are better river sections in the area to paddle, considering the effort required in portaging.

*******Ball Mountain Dam-Salmon Hole- West River Run***************

Current level

2 3/4 mi

Class III-IV
1988
Controlled release Wild
USGS Londonderry 15

This is the famous West River run, which has greatly increased
in popularity with the water releases from Ball Mountain Dam.
Access to the upper river is a problem. Kayakers sometimes
.carry across the dam and put in on the left below it, which is a long, steep carry. A dirt road on the old railroad bed along the left bank can be reached from Salmon Hole. Although narrow and muddy, it is the usual route. Access may be regulated.
A difficult drop lies just below the put-in, then the rapids moderate somewhat, with waves in high water and rock dodging at medium stage. The entire river can be seen from the access road.
The most difficult part is the Dumplings shortly above Salmon Hole. The river drops and swirls around huge boulders, to the delight of boaters and spectators alike. On water-release week- ends even the bank is standing room only. The large pool below is Salmon Hole, the take-out.
This area is now a state park; admission is charged and entrance regulated.

Salmon Hole-Townshend Dam

Current level

5 1/2 mi

Class II-III
1988, ST
Controlled release
Forested, rural
USGS Londonderry 15, Saxtons River 15 (5112 mi R Townshend Dam 1/2 mi by car)

This section is somewhat easier to paddle than the one above and is more accessible.
Put in at Salmon Hole or at the bridge 1;4 mile below. At high water the waves are heavy; open boaters are especially advised to have proper flotation. Almost immediately the river divides around an island, with most of the water flowing left. In high water the right channel feels more like a small river, for those who prefer rocks to waves.

The most difficult spot is at the foot of the island, where the left channel drives toward the right shore around some large rocks. The spot is visible from VT 30.
The waves are heavy to the VT 30 bridge (21;2 miles) but mod- erate slightly to the VT 100 bridge (33/4 miles). Below here is the nicest part of the run, where the river is not near the road and the waves are very large.

Townshend Dam-West Dummerston

12 1/2 mi

Class I-II
1988, ST
Spring, fall, wet summers; controlled release Forested, rural
USGS Brattleboro 15

This section offers easy running for the less experienced pad- dler. The water is regulated by the flood control dam upstream, but natural water is usually allowed to flow through. The water releases above Jamaica raise this section to very high water.
Put in on the left from the dirt road between the road across the dam and the covered bridge. The first part is narrow, curv- ing, and mostly away from the road. In low and medium water easy rapids alternate with long, smooth s'ections. Very high water washes out all the smaller rapids and ledges, leaving only really big rocks as obstacles, but the current is very fast.
Below the VT 30 bridge (33/4 miles) the river becomes wider, straighter, and less difficult. Below a bridge on a side road (61;4 miles) the river again approaches VT 30 and passes the site of the West Dummerston dam, of which little trace remains. Above the covered bridge and within sight of it is a. series of ledges best run to the right at most water levels.