Vermont Community Paddle at Roundys Cove

Join your Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) Vermont River Steward, Kathy Urffer, and partners on a guided paddle to explore the Connecticut River at Roundys Cove in Rockingham, VT. Originally part of the Roundy Farm, the cove was formed in 1928 when the marshy delta of Upper Meadows Brook was flooded by raising the level of the Bellows Falls hydropower dam. The State of Vermont recognized the natural resource values of the area by creating the Missing Link WMA just south of the cove due to its excellent natural, recreational, cultural, and scenic values. 

CRC works to keep residents informed of river issues and engaged in finding solutions. This includes the importance of understanding how to leverage policies such as the Clean Water Act and state Water Quality Standards to protect the health of rivers and watershed communities. CRC and our partners are working to petition the VT Agency of Natural Resources that this area be considered an Outstanding Resource Water under the Vermont Water Quality Standards. Come enjoy a day on the river and learn about this process.

Participants are invited to bring their own canoe or kayak and join us for this trip. If you don't own a boat, CRC will provide a limited number of kayaks to borrow through pre-registration, first come first served. Please note that the rental kayaks have a maximum paddler weight capacity of 250lbs. Paddles and life vests are included. If you are borrowing a boat, please arrive early at 9:45am for gear outfitting. (Public access to boats provided by the Vermont Canoe Touring Center courtesy of a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation).

The paddle will begin at Herricks Cove, a recreation area owned and managed by Great River Hydro, where folks will launch and paddle about .25miles upstream on the Connecticut River until we reach Roundys Cove. At Herricks Cove, there is a public boat launch, a gravel parking area, picnic sites, and several port-a-potties, including one that is handicap accessible.

This is a flatwater paddle against and with moving current best suited for an advanced beginner skill level and above. We recommend that you have comfort in and around water, have been in a kayak before, and meet all the paddling essential eligibility criteria listed here. All participants are required to wear a PFD on the water. A limited number of kayaks with PFD’s are available. Sunscreen, snacks and water are highly recommended. Heavy rain or high water cancels.

Paddling is a physical activity. Please be sure you're prepared for the day with water, snacks, and any supplies you need as an individual to be successful (including medications you might need, ie: inhalers, EpiPen, insulin, etc).

In an effort to make events and programming as inclusive and accessible as possible, CRC is holding this community paddle free of charge. We are only able to accommodate a small group of participants with rental boats for this event. If you are no longer able to make the paddle event, please try to notify us as soon as possible so that we may give your spot to someone on the waitlist.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Town of Rockingham, Sports events in Town of Rockingham, Health & Wellness events in Town of Rockingham.