WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHOWING YOU A TRUE VERMONT ADVENTURE!
WELCOME OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS!
With more than 25 years of experience, we are a one-stop adventure destination. We provide Kayak Rentals and Personalized Guided Kayaking Adventures.
Kayak Killington is presented by Appalachian Trail Adventures, an award-winning outdoor guiding company based in Killington, Vermont. We also serve the Rutland, Chittenden, Ludlow, and Woodstock region.
Founded in 2007, ATA is all about exploring and having fun. With decades of experience guiding throughout Vermont, we have carefully refined our trips to create exceptional guided adventures. Our kayak adventures range from relaxing kayak rentals on scenic lakes to guided flatwater river paddles and even white-water adventures.
With the area's largest fleet of 27 kayaks— including 9 kid-sized kayaks in five different sizes to accommodate children of various ages— with kid-sized paddles and life jackets ranging from infant to oversized adult sizes, we're equipped to accommodate groups of all sizes.
While we specialize in serving larger groups, we also provide memorable experiences for couples, individuals, families, reunions, wedding parties, summer camps, school groups, and bachelor or bachelorette parties looking to explore Vermont's beautiful waterways.
If there is one word that best describes our guided day adventures, it's fun. Time and again, guests tell us their trip with ATA was the best adventure they've ever had—a sentiment reflected in our TripAdvisor reviews. With more than 240 outstanding reviews, our reputation reflects our commitment to exceptional customer service and memorable outdoor experiences.
Over the years, ATA has received numerous awards and media recognition, including features in The Wall Street Journal and TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award. This award recognizes businesses that consistently earn outstanding reviews from travelers around the world. ATA has also been ranked the #1 attraction in Killington on TripAdvisor for more than 12 years.
KAYAK RENTALS
Explore the waterways throughout the Killington region. Looking for a scenic paddle or eager to try a new outdoor adventure? Discover Vermont's unspoiled shorelines while paddling across beautiful lakes or on a river surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Kayaking is a picture-perfect way to observe wildlife, enjoy the peaceful outdoors, or simply spend a relaxing afternoon on the water.
GUIDED KAYAK ADVENTURES
Whether you're looking for a guided scenic flatwater paddle, an exciting whitewater adventure, or the chance to try a new sport, our kayaking adventures can be tailored to suit your interests and ability level. Our adventures are flexible, family-friendly, and welcoming to all skill levels, with beginners especially encouraged to join.We focus on creating fun, memorable experiences while providing paddling instruction as needed.
KAYAK RENTALS
With the area's largest fleet of 27 kayaks— including 9 kid-sized kayaks in five different sizes to accommodate children of various ages— with kid-sized paddles and life jackets ranging from infant to oversized adult sizes, we're equipped to accommodate groups of all sizes. Including fishing rod holders for anglers. At this time, we do not offer canoes, or stand-up paddleboard rentals. Kayak rentals are intended for lake use only. River trips are not permitted without a guide.
Explore the waterways throughout the Killington, Chittenden, Rutland, Woodstock, and Ludlow region, each offering its own unique character and spectacular views of Vermont's natural beauty. Popular paddling destinations include Kent Pond, Colton Pond, Echo Lake, Woodward Reservoir, Lake Rescue, Amherst Lake, Lake Ninevah, Lefferts Pond, and the breathtaking Chittenden Reservoir. Please note that weather conditions vary by location. Some lakes may experience high winds, whitecaps, or waves, while others remain calm.
Make it a full day of adventure by combining your kayak rental with a guided cave tour, or rock scrambling adventure for an unforgettable Vermont experience.
To check availability, call or text John at 802-347-4343. If he's out leading an adventure, please leave a message or reserve your kayak online using our kayak reservation form.
SINGLE-PERSON or TANDEM KAYAK RENTAL INCLUDES
⬤ Single-person kayak
⬤ Paddle
⬤ Cell phone dry bag
⬤ Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
⬤ Paddling instruction is provided as needed.
KAYAK TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE
⬤ Free transportation assistance to Kent Pond and Woodward
⬤ Transportation fee for Lefferts Pond, Chittenden Reservoir, and others
KAYAK RENTAL RATES
Rental includes a top-quality single-person kayak, personal flotation device (PFD), paddle, and cell phone dry bag. Paddling instruction is provided as needed. Transportation rates don't exist for Kent Pond or Woodward Reservoir.
8 AM - 3 PM: 2-Hour Kayak Rental is $40.00.
Post 4 PM: 1-Hour Kayak Rental is $40.00.
Post 4 PM: 2-Hour Kayak Rental is $50.00.
Full Day or Multiple Days: Rates vary from $60.00 to $80.00.
Transportation fees vary from $30.00 and up, except for Kent Pond and Woodward Reservoir there is no charge.
Tandem kayaks add $20.00 to the above rates.
Top Lakes for Kayaking
Kent Pond
Kent Pond is a beautiful location offering stunning views of Pico and Killington Peaks. Centrally located in Killington, this 71-acre pond has a maximum depth of 15 feet, making it ideal for beginners and first-time kayakers. It takes approximately an hour and a half to paddle around the pond. Although relatively small, Kent Pond is free from highway noise and is also a popular fishing destination.
Woodward Reservoir
Located just south of Killington in Plymouth, Woodward Reservoir is a scenic destination popular for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Covering 106 acres, it is best explored with a two-hour kayak rental. During peak times, the area can become crowded, and some highway noise may be noticeable.
Chittenden Reservoir
Just 20 minutes from Killington, Chittenden Reservoir is ATA's premier kayaking destination, offering breathtaking views and plenty to explore. This 741-acre reservoir is surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest and stretches up to two miles across at its widest point. With more than seven miles of shoreline, it features numerous coves and small bays that are perfect for kayaking and swimming. The lake and surrounding forest are home to abundant wildlife, including moose, making it an unforgettable outdoor experience.
GUIDED KAYAK ADVENTURES
Whether you're looking for a guided scenic flatwater paddle, an exciting whitewater adventure, or the chance to try a new sport, our kayaking adventures can be tailored to suit your interests and ability level. Our adventures are flexible, family-friendly, and welcoming to all skill levels, with beginners especially encouraged to join. We focus on creating fun, memorable experiences while providing paddling instruction as needed, including more advanced strokes throughout the trip for those who want to develop their skills.
Our guided kayaking tours are available as two-hour excursions or full-day adventures. A typical full-day trip includes 4 to 7 hours on the water and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
We regularly paddle five rivers in the Killington, Woodstock, Pittsfield, Ludlow, and Rutland region. Each offers a unique experience, ranging from calm, flatwater sections to exciting Class II rapids.
Our most popular river trip, the Upper Winding River, is a fun 1½- to 2-hour paddle on gently moving water with no technical rapids. This beautiful scenic stretch of river offers a peaceful experience with little to no traffic noise.
For an unforgettable full-day adventure, kayaking can also be combined with a caving or rock scrambling trip.
For availability or additional information, contact John. If he's out leading a tour, please leave a message or use our reservation form to book your adventure.
TOP GUIDED RIVER KAYAK ADVENTURES
Upper Winding River
Our most popular kayaking adventure, the Upper Winding River is a fun 1- to 2-hour trip, depending on group size. This two-mile paddle follows calm, flat water with no technical rapids, winding through a beautiful scenic section of the local river. Along the way, you'll paddle over beaver dams and enjoy excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. With 114 documented bird species in this wetland habitat, it's a favorite for nature lovers. Very little to no paddling experience is required, making this trip ideal for families and first-time kayakers.
Lower Winding River
Our second most popular river trip, the Lower Winding River is a 2½- to 3-hour adventure covering approximately three miles of gently moving water with no technical rapids. This scenic, narrow river features natural obstacles, including overhanging tree branches and beaver dams, creating a fun and engaging paddling experience. Very little paddling experience is needed, making it suitable for most beginners.
Full-Day Flatwater Paddle
Combine the Upper and Lower Winding River trips for a full-day, five-hour kayaking adventure with a break for a picnic lunch (not included). This unique trip offers a more adventurous paddle than a typical flatwater excursion, with winding channels, beaver dams, and natural obstacles such as overhanging branches that make for a fun and rewarding day on the water.
Woodstock River
The Woodstock River is a relaxing two-hour, 3½-mile paddle on gently moving water with no technical rapids. Following a wider, scenic river, this trip offers beautiful views and an easy-going experience. With a convenient launch location just minutes from downtown Woodstock, it's a favorite with visitors staying in Woodstock Village and Quechee.
Whitewater River
For those looking for a true adventure, this is John's favorite river. Featuring exciting Class I and II rapids, this trip is best suited for paddlers with previous kayaking experience. Multiple put-in and take-out locations allow trips of varying lengths, including full-day adventures with a picnic lunch (not included) at a scenic swimming hole. We provide kayaks, paddles, spray skirts, personal flotation devices (PFDs), dry bags, and helmets, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
Guided KAYAKING RATES
We provide a guided 1- to 2-hour local pond or river kayak tour for guests seeking a half-day adventure, and we even offer a full day river trip. Briefly, basic paddling skills are taught on-water when putting in, with more advanced strokes taught during the trip. Below is just a sample of our kayaking adventures; we have many more rivers to choose from than what is listed. Contact us for more information.
Lefferts Pond and Chittenden Reservoir
Just 20 minutes away is ATA’s premiere paddle location, with a jaw-dropping view of a 741-acre lake that is 2 miles across at its widest point, has 7 miles of shoreline with swimming spots and surrounded by Green Mountain National Forest.
| Number of Paddlers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Rate | $150.00 | $95.00 | $70.00 | $65.00 |
Kent Pond
The beautiful, local Kent Pond comprises of 75 acres taking approximately 1-hour to kayak.
| Number of Paddlers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Rate | $150.00 | $95.00 | $70.00 | $65.00 |
Upper Winding River
This adventure lasts 1- to 2-hour on a fun 2 miles of flat calm water, with no technical rapids, along a very scenic section of the local river with beaver dams to paddle over. Very little to no paddling experience is needed for this river, making it perfect for families and first timers.
| Number of Paddlers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Rate | $150.00 | $90.00 | $80.00 | $65.00 |
Lower Winding River
The 2-hour upper and lower sections is a fun, 3-mile section of flat moving water, with no technical rapids, along a scenic part of the local river with beaver dams to paddle over. This narrow river has obstacles such as tree branches to avoid, making it fun to paddle. Very little paddling experience is needed for this river.
| Number of Paddlers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Rate | $200.00 | $150.00 | $120.00 | $100.00 |
Woodstock River
The 2-hour Woodstock River is a fun, 3.5-mile stretch of flat moving water, with no technical rapids, along a scenic section of a much wider river. A favorite for tourist staying in Woodstock Village, Quechee and White River Junction.
| Number of Paddlers | 1 | 2 | 3-4 | 5+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Rate | $300.00 | $190.00 | $130.00 | $100.00 |
White-Water River
For those seeking a real adventure, John’s favorite river contains white-water rapids from class I to II, with a very fun flume paddlers just love. Paddling experience is needed for this white-water river. With multiple put-in and take-out locations, any duration can be requested, even trips with a picnic lunch at a swimming hole. We provide kayaks, spray skirts, paddles, PFDs, dry bags and helmets.
| Number of Paddlers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Rate | $450.00 | $220.00 | $150.00 | $120.00 |
Full-Day Flat Water Paddle
For those seeking a full-day adventure, the lower river can be extended to make a 5-hour kayaking adventure with a lunch stop at the local bakery for delicious sandwiches and sweets. This narrow river has obstacles such as tree branches to avoid, it’s not the typical kayak paddle people have in mind, making it fun to paddle.
| Number of Paddlers | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per Person Rate | $460.00 | $230.00 | $120.00 | $120.00 |
OUR GUIDED KAYAKING ADVENTURES AND KAYAK RENTALS ARE IDEAL FOR THOSE SEEKING:
Personalized kayak adventure
A family reunion vacation
A girls’ getaway
A bachelorette event
School activities
Fall foliage Kayaking
A corporate retreat with team building
Summer camp activity
Whitewater kayaking
A bachelor event
Guided river kayaking
Wedding event
"Great company to help see Vermont!" January 9, 2019 - A TripAdvisor Traveler Read 200 reviews of Appalachian Trail Adventures
2010-2024
TripAdvisor Popularity: #1 Attraction in Killington, VT
2015-2024
Awarded 9 Consecutive Certificate of Excellence
“THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND OPERATED UNDER A SPECIAL USE PERMIT WITH THE USDA AND THE GREEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST.”
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