FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long will my trip be?
Depending on what equipment you are taking and river conditions, trip times vary, but based upon our averages, kayaks, canoes, SUPs, and rafts usually take between 2-3 hours, while our tubes take between 4 and 5 hours. These times are all rough estimates as the Connecticut River is dam released and is always running at a different flow.
What if I exceed my trip time?
When you book a trip we allow extra time in that duration to enable you to stop and explore, or have a picnic, or even if the water levels are lower and slower that would take extra time for you to return. Guests typically don’t exceed the duration but during our briefing we provide you with enough information so you can easily return with in the time frame you booked. We do occasionally have to apply a time over duration fee explained on our Policy Page as the equipment you booked at an earlier time frame made be needed for a later shuttle.
When is the Path of Life open?
The Path of Life Sculpture Garden is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Dawn till dusk. If our shop isn’t open, a gate will be open with a cash pay box at the tunnel entrance, you can also pay via QR code at the tunnel.
What are the river conditions?
The river flow is constantly changing from the dam release which results in different levels throughout the entire day. The portion of the river that we send our standard river trips on is mostly calm and smooth, with the potential small rapid along the way. We don’t receive our most accurate readings until the day of your trip, so river readings taken on previous days are always subject to change. Click here for the daily river levels.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not allowed on our garden paths unless they are a certified service animal. Dogs are permitted in kayaks and canoes, but not in our shuttle vans due allergies. Personal transport is required if you are bringing an animal on your river trip. Call for more details.
What times do your trips depart?
Our daily river trips depart Wednesday-Sunday at 10AM, 12PM, and 2PM. Check in time is always 30 minutes prior to the departure time so we may brief, outfit and transport you to your put-in location 5 miles up river and you float or paddle back to us and take out at the GRO/POL garden river access. Admission to the POL garden is included with your river trip.
Our tubing float trips depart exclusively at 10AM and 12PM. If you’re looking for info on our extended duration trips or multi-day camping river trips, please call our shop @ (802) 674-9933 *UPDATE 2023 due to the flood levels in July GRO reopened 7/28 /23 our trips run Friday to Sunday [10, 12, 2]
Are the river trips guided?
Our standard river trips are NOT guided, but we do provide a large amount of information about your trip during our pre-trip briefing. If further instruction is requested, our drivers are trained to give basic instruction if needed. We do offer guided trips as well, please call for more information.
Will I get wet?
Most likely, yes. If you are looking for a river trip that gets you less wet, our kayak and canoe options are fairly minimal when it comes to getting wet. If you’re tubing you will most definitely get wet, as the tubes have an open bottom. If you’re rafting, the rafts take in water in the floor, so at minimum, your feet would most likely get wet.
Where can I find bathrooms?
We have two bathrooms available for public use here at our shop. Once you depart here from our facility towards our put-in, there is a bathroom available once you arrive. We also have multiple bathroom areas available throughout the entire sculpture garden.
Can I fish on my river trip?
If you are on a river trip in kayaks or canoes, we do allow fishing on your trip. Vermont and New Hampshire State Law requires a fishing license to fish on the Connecticut River, either type of license is valid. Single day fishing licenses are available on the respected state websites. Commonly found fish on the river consist of: Smallmouth Bass, Perch, Walleye, Rainbow Trout, and Northern Pike.
Can I stop on the river?
Yes! During our river trip briefing we discuss wind, water and weather as well as where you put in the river and take-out and we point out key features along the way as well as places to stop. If you find anywhere along the river throughout your trip that your group would like to stop at, you are welcome to. Our trip times allow for enough time for stops, but we do enforce our time over duration policy.
How does parking work?
We have a limited amount of parking available at our facility in Artisans Park. When you arrive, we have parking attendants active during normal check-in times that will help assist with parking you to the best place for your vehicle.
What should I bring on my river trip?
We recommend bringing: sunscreen, water shoes/strap-on shoes, food, drinks, bug spray, cell phones (in zip lock bags). If you have any out of the ordinary things that you would like to bring on your trip, please call our shop to inquire. If you are planning on bringing alcohol on your trip, we allow up to 3 standard drinks per legal adult. When booking your trip, you will receive an e-mail with a more detailed list. Dry bags are also provided at no additional fee.