Clyde River (Vermont) facts for kids

The Clyde River is a river in northern Vermont, United States. It flows for over 33.5 miles (54 km) before joining Lake Memphremagog. It is one of the four main rivers in Orleans County. The Clyde River is known for being powerful. It helps generate electricity at several dams. It is also part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a popular route for canoeing and kayaking.

The river was named by early explorers. They liked a river with the same name in Scotland.

Some parts of the Clyde River are great for whitewater activities. A 21 miles (34 km) section is rated as a class I-III river. This means it has some calm spots and some exciting rapids.

About the River

The Clyde River collects water from an area of about 146 square miles (378 km²). Most of the river flows slowly. But there are about three miles (5 kilometres (3.1 mi)) of rapids near where it meets Lake Memphremagog. Even when there's a lot of water in spring, the current is usually gentle.

Where the River Flows

The Clyde River starts in a place called Spectacle Pond in Brighton. This pond is a "kettle," which means it formed from a melting block of ice left behind by a glacier. It's not very deep, only about 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0 m).

From Spectacle Pond, the river flows through several areas:

• It crosses Island Pond, near the town of Island Pond.
• The Pherrins River joins the Clyde. This river can sometimes make the Clyde's water rise quickly.
• The Clyde River then winds through different areas. It passes between hills and mountains.
• It flows past several ponds and lakes. These include Mud Ponds, Lake Echo, and Lake Seymour.
• The river continues its journey, passing through Charleston.
• It then flows into Pensioner Pond and Charleston Pond.
• Further downstream, it connects to Lake Salem.
• Finally, the Clyde River flows through the city of Newport. It then empties into Lake Memphremagog.

The River in Towns

The Clyde River is a big part of the town of Charleston. It runs almost through the middle of the town. There are some important waterfalls here, like the Great Falls. Here, the water drops over 100 feet (30 m) in a short distance. But generally, the river flows slowly through Charleston.

In Derby, the Clyde River is the main waterway. It flows from east to west through the town. After leaving Clyde Pond #1, it flows into Lake Salem. Then it continues west and eventually into Lake Memphremagog.

Nature Around the River

The area around the Clyde River is home to many animals. Beavers are common here. They sometimes cut down trees like silver maples. These trees can fall into the water and create natural dams called logjams.

The river flows through farmland. The banks are lined with silver maple trees and alders. You can also see northern white cedar trees and willows. Many different shrubs grow right up to the water's edge.

River History

The name "Clyde" is a common first name. It is also used as a family name. The name "Clyde River" became official on October 29, 1980. This was done by the U.S. government's Geographic Names Information System.

Dams on the River

Over the years, many dams have been built on the Clyde River. These dams were often used for mills or to generate power.

• In the early 1800s, a mill dam was built at Arnolds Falls.
• A dam was built in 1883 where the river leaves Lake Memphremagog.
• The Newport Dam, also known as Clyde Pond #2 or Prouty Dam, was built in 1918. It was a large dam, 713 feet (217 m) long.
• The dam at Echo Lake was finished in 1922. It is not used to make electricity.
• Other dams were built in West Charleston (1928) and at Pensioner's Pond (1929).
• Dam #11 was built in 1957. It was later removed in 1996.

In 2007, a special passage for fish was built at the Newport Dam. This helps salmon swim up the river. Before this, salmon fishing in Lake Memphremagog and the Clyde River almost stopped. Now, it has gotten much better. The State of Vermont puts 30,000 salmon into the river each year. Many of these salmon return to the river to lay their eggs.

Tributaries and Towns

Tributaries

Some dams are on rivers that flow into the Clyde River, not on the Clyde itself.

• Lake Seymour has a dam built in 1928. This lake flows into Echo Lake, which then flows into the Clyde River. This dam is also not used for hydroelectric power.

Cities and Towns Along the River

Here are the main towns and cities the Clyde River passes through, listed from its mouth back to its source:

• Newport, Vermont
• Derby, Vermont
• Charleston, Vermont
  • West Charleston (village)
  • East Charleston (village)
• Brighton, Vermont
  • Island Pond, Vermont