The Mad River

Our sixth Place in the Basin is a river beloved by many for its recreation opportunities and scenic beauty. It winds through one of Vermont’s popular ski regions, and was the site of a unique sporting event this April. This river is the Mad River!

The Mad River is a tributary to the Winooski River. Its headwaters begin in Granville, Vermont, and it flows through the towns of Warren, Waitsfield, and Moretown.

The Mad River is known for its clear swimming holes. The river’s watershed, known as the Mad River Valley, includes ski destinations Mad River Glen and Sugarbush Resort, as well as access to the Long Trail and countless popular day hikes.

Friends of the Mad River has worked to protect and preserve the river since the 1990’s. Current initiatives focus on reducing stormwater runoff, riparian buffer restoration, improving aquatic organism passage, and flood preparedness.

The Mad River Triathlon is a four-sport fundraising event that takes place annually in the Mad River Valley. In 2025, several LCBP staff and Kris Stepenuck of Lake Champlain Sea Grant participated in the event as Team Lake Champs. An experienced paddler, Kris crushed the paddling leg of the event. From the LCBP team, Ryan Mitchell kicked off the event with a run, Matthew Vaughan rode from the river up to the base of Mt. Ellen, and Grace Palmer skinned up and skied down on the last of the winter’s snow to close out the event.

The triathlon was enjoyed by community members from around Vermont and the watershed more broadly, and funds raised will support organizations including the Friends of the Mad River through the upcoming year.