Clarendon Gorge
Conditions
Swim: not recommended. Conditions for Clarendon Gorge (Mill River → Otter Creek basin) near Clarendon: NWS at the pin and—when configured—USGS trend on Otter Creek at Middlebury as a downstream proxy. Gorge hydraulics are local—read schist and foam on site.
On this page
Snapshot
Quick read for weather, water, trail, and season.
Weather and river readings may show recent public-service data; other fields stay from the guide for this place.
Weather
Partly Cloudy, 30°F
National Weather Service forecast, updated Apr 7, 1:05 AM.
Rain read
Rain chance in the next several hours may reach about 58% in that outlook.
Compare with the forecast you use for travel.
River flow
2340 cfs
OTTER CREEK AT MIDDLEBURY, VT · updated Apr 7, 12:30 AM · USGS
Clarity
Varies
Storm runoff adds color; calm weather often clears surface water.
Crowd & parking
Plan ahead
Hot days stack people and cars—have a backup plan.
Approach
Uneven natural tread
Roots, gravel, and slick stone are normal near the water.
Setting
Clarendon
Northern forest and river-edge mix typical of Vermont.
Timing
Earlier often calmer
Midday heat and weekends add use.
Mosquitoes
Seasonal
Repellent evenings.
Ticks
Check after
Brush and grass near banks.
Daily pulse
Match forecast, any live gage, and what you see at the water
Cold water and powerful hydraulics are possible after rain; wet schist and ledges stay slippery. There are no lifeguards. Cliff jumping is a personal risk choice—verify depth and hazards yourself. Supervise children closely and stay within your group’s skill level.
Air & rain
| Time | Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | 30°F | 6% chance |
| 1:00 AM | 29°F | 8% chance |
| 2:00 AM | 29°F | 10% chance |
| 3:00 AM | 27°F | 17% chance |
| 4:00 AM | 27°F | 24% chance |
| 5:00 AM | 27°F | 31% chance |
| 6:00 AM | 27°F | 30% chance |
| 7:00 AM | 28°F | 28% chance |
| 8:00 AM | 29°F | 37% chance |
| 9:00 AM | 31°F | 47% chance |
| 10:00 AM | 34°F | 52% chance |
| 11:00 AM | 36°F | 58% chance |
Overnight
Chance Snow Showers
~26°F
Tuesday
Rain And Snow Showers Likely
~40°F
Tuesday Night
Mostly Clear
~17°F
Wednesday
Sunny
~48°F
Wednesday Night
Mostly Clear
~28°F
Pair regional radar with hourly/daily tables when NWS loads. Live forecast: National Weather Service.
Water
Where the reading comes from
Otter Creek at Middlebury, VT (USGS 04282500)
Proxy / same watershed: the Mill River through Lower Clarendon Gorge joins Otter Creek upstream of this gage. Otter Creek at Middlebury reflects combined basin runoff—not discharge, depth, or turbulence inside the gorge pools. Use for broad trend after storms only; always read the gorge in person.
How to use it
2340 cfs
OTTER CREEK AT MIDDLEBURY, VT · USGS · updated Apr 7, 12:30 AM
Clarity
Storm-dependent
Heavy rain often adds color and debris.
Flow trend
Watch the live curve when loaded
Pair with color, sound, and debris at the bank.
Rain outlook
Check your forecast
Thunderstorms can change rivers quickly.
Recent rain
Weigh gage + bank
Mud lines and noise are field clues.
People
Parking
See access summary
**Lower Clarendon Gorge** on the Mill River is Vermont **FPR** public land (listed as Lower Clarendon Gorge State Park / State Forest depending on the official page). Vermont River Conservancy summaries describe parking
Approach
Varies by access
Multiple entries may exist along a corridor—read each stop.
In the water
No lifeguards
Supervise children within reach in moving water.
Approach
Footing
Natural tread
Closed-toe shoes with grip beat smooth soles.
If the water looks bigger, faster, or colder than you planned for, pause and pick another day.
**Lower Clarendon Gorge** on the Mill River is Vermont **FPR** public land (listed as Lower Clarendon Gorge State Park / State Forest depending on the official page). Vermont River Conservancy summaries describe parking along **Gorge Road** and a foot approach on an old roadbed toward the river—confirm the current **fpr.vermont.gov** trail map, gate status, and any seasonal closures before you go. Coordinates center **Gorge Road** in East Clarendon as a road reference—parking may be spread along the shoulder, so read each sign before you stop.
Closed-toe shoes with real grip for cobble and wet rock.
Nature
Corridor
River-edge Vermont
Give wildlife and anglers space.
- Songbirds
- Ducks
- Shared river use
Timing
Morning calmer
Afternoons add heat and people.
Observation only.
Bugs
Bug watch
Seasonal
Vermont norms.
Mosquitoes
Possible
Breeze helps.
Ticks
Present
Check after.
Sun
UV
Seasonal
Water glare adds exposure.
Midday
Summer arc
Shade shifts.
Feel
Strong mid-summer
Hydrate.
Peak window
Roughly 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Hint only.