Vermont River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Vermont

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Vermont River Map showing major rivers in Vermont, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Vermont State

Rivers and Waterways in Vermont

Vermont’s river systems flow through mountains, valleys, and forested landscapes, with most waterways draining into Lake Champlain or the Connecticut River. Western rivers flow into Lake Champlain and then the St. Lawrence River, while eastern rivers flow south into the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. The state’s rivers are largely fed by snowmelt and rainfall, especially in spring. Numerous lakes and reservoirs support drinking water, recreation, and local ecosystems across Vermont.

Major Rivers in Vermont

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Connecticut River410 miEastLong Island Sound
Winooski River90 miCentralLake Champlain
Lamoille River85 miNorthLake Champlain
Missisquoi River80 miNorthLake Champlain
Otter Creek112 miWestLake Champlain
White River60 miEastConnecticut River
Passumpsic River60 miNortheastConnecticut River
Batten Kill59 miSouthwestHudson River
Black River44 miEastConnecticut River
West River53 miSouthConnecticut River
Mad River26 miCentralWinooski River
Dog River20 miCentralWinooski River
Williams River27 miSouthConnecticut River
Saxtons River23 miSouthConnecticut River
Waits River24 miEastConnecticut River
Lewis Creek26 miWestLake Champlain
LaPlatte River16 miWestLake Champlain
Cold River20 miCentralOtter Creek

Major Lakes in Vermont

LakeTypeRegion
Lake ChamplainNatural lakeWest
Lake MemphremagogNatural lakeNorth
Lake WilloughbyNatural lakeNortheast
Lake BomoseenNatural lakeWest
Lake SeymourNatural lakeNortheast
Lake DunmoreNatural lakeWest
Waterbury ReservoirReservoirCentral
Harriman ReservoirReservoirSouth
Lake CarmiNatural lakeNorth
Silver LakeNatural lakeCentral

Major River Basins in Vermont

Vermont’s river basins are divided between those draining into Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River system and those flowing into the Connecticut River. These basins support ecosystems, water supply, and regional waterways.

  • Lake Champlain Basin
  • Connecticut River Basin
  • Winooski River Basin
  • Lamoille River Basin
  • Missisquoi River Basin
  • Otter Creek Basin
  • White River Basin
  • Passumpsic River Basin
  • Batten Kill Basin

Vermont Rivers Facts

StateVermont
Total Rivers & Streams7,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversConnecticut, Winooski, Lamoille
Total Waterway Length7,500+ miles
Main DrainageSt. Lawrence River & Atlantic Ocean
Longest RiverConnecticut River
Shortest RiverDog River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletSt. Lawrence River & Atlantic Ocean
Key UsesWater supply, recreation, ecosystems
Longest River Within StateOtter Creek
Number of River Basins6–9 Basins
Major ReservoirsWaterbury, Harriman Reservoir
Primary Water SourceSurface water and lakes