Lauren’s Launch, Williamstown, MA (#3) to Clayton Park, Pownal, VT (#4)
4.8 miles
#3 Access: From the south, go 1.2 miles from the Routes 2/7 rotary in Williamstown to an unnamed road on the left with signs including “Williamstown D.P.S.” and “Hoosic River Access.” From the VT/MA state line, go south on Rt. 7 1.1 miles to the unnamed road. Take the unnamed road 0.2 miles, across railroad tracks, to a sign for Lauren’s Launch. Park in the pull-off opposite the entrance to the transfer station.
The river receives treated wastewater from a treatment plant, then swings north through a hemlock glade. As the river gains strength, the water becomes more challenging. Depending upon flow, tricky rips await at the landfill; at the Vermont line just above a deep swimming hole; and just before the Main Street bridge in Pownal. The Clayton Park takeout is a few hundred yards below the bridge, on the right (#4).