WHAT IS A WATER TRAIL? 

 

The American Canoe Association  (ACA) defines a water trail as meeting the following five requirements:

1.The trail must be a contiguous or semi-contiguous waterway or series of waterways that is open to recreational use by paddlers.

2.The trail must have public access points for paddlers.

3.The trail must be covered by a map, guide, signage or a web site that is of reasonable quality and detail and available to the public.

4.Published or printed materials for the trail (e.g. guidebook, map, sign, website) must communicate low-impact ethics to trail users.

5.The trail must be supported and/or managed by one or more organizations.

 

 

The Rivers Alliance of Connecticut in partnership with the American Canoe Association, the National Park Service, American Rivers, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection is committed to helping existing water trails and trails yet to be to fulfill the American Canoe Associations water trail requirements. Trails meeting the requirements are shown with the symbol.  Trails meeting those requirements are also eligible to receive the coveted ACA - Recommended Water Trail designation. There are, however, many other trails, paddling destinations, paddling loops and recreation opportunities on Connecticut’s many rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. As information on these places is developed, we will add them to our database.

 

Know of a water trail not listed in our database? Send us an email and tell us the name of the trail, where it is located, the website address, and who to contact for more information.

 

 

CONNECTICUT WATER TRAILS (see map)

 

 

Connecticut River

 

   While not yet designated as a water trail, the paddling opportunities on the Connecticut River supported by the Connecticut River Watershed Council stretch in a contiguous run from the Massachusetts border to Long Island Sound. The

Connecticut River is a large powerful body of water with significant boat traffic, both commercial and pleasure, as well as strong currents, winds and tidal influences. The judicious paddler, however, can enjoy a long river journey with some overnight camping opportunities.

 

   All Paddlers should consult the Connecticut River Boating Guide available on-line at  http://www.ctriver.org/  and at many bookstores.

 

 

Essex Canoe/Kayak Trail    

 

   This trail sponsored by the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency covers North, Middle, and South coves at Essex. While there is quiet paddling in both North and South coves, paddling from North cove to South cove requires entry into the Connecticut River itself. Paddlers should beware of strong currents and considerable boat traffic through the North Cove marina around the marina in middle cove. There are also opportunities to paddle up river and into Hamburg Cove and down river to Ferry Landing ( under I95 bridge ) or on to Great Island. The main access points to the coves are at Bushnell Park at the end of Bushnell St. and at Essex Town Park at Nell La. behind the Post Office.

 

   A map and a brochure is available at  http://www.crerpa.org/RiverandSound/essextrail.pdf    A laminated copy is available at the CRERPA offices next to the railroad station at 455 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, CT

 

 

 

Farmington River

 

   While not yet designated as a water trail, the paddling opportunities on the Farmington River are supported by the Farmington River Watershed Association. They consist of six semi-contiguous recreation sections over an 81 mile distance starting in Otis, MA and ending at its confluence with the Connecticut River in Windsor. Paddling conditions range from class III/IV whitewater to flat-water and many dams further divide the river into additional sections. There are many put-ins and take-outs along with other recreational opportunities. A 14 mile portion is  federally designated  Wild and Scenic River.

 

   All paddlers should consult the available web-site and printed material available at  http://www.frwa.org/

 

Housatonic Valley River Trail    

 

   This trail runs on the Housatonic River from New Milford to the Stevenson Dam in Monroe and has been developed by the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials. There are several launch points and take-outs and portages at the Bleachery Dam in New Milford, the Shepaug Dam in Newtown and the Stevenson Dam in Monroe for those wanting to continue down river. The route    is flat-water with open lake water at Lake Lillinonah and Lake Zoar.  Paddlers should be aware of high water conditions and considerable boat traffic on the lakes. A water trail also exists on the Still River from Danbury to its confluence with the Housatonic in Brookfield. Paddlers should be aware of high water, downed trees and snags in the Still River.

 

   Maps and descriptions of the route plan for both the Housatonic and Still Rivers are available at  http://hvceo.org/rivertrail.php

 

 

Quinnipiac River Canoe Trail  

 

   This trail developed by The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association follows the course of the Quinnipiac River from Southington to New Haven. There are multiple access points and the river is divided into its upper, middle and lower sections, each with different paddling conditions. Paddlers should beware of high water levels and the existence of downed trees and snags as well as tidal currents in the lower section. A real time river gauge is available at http://www.qrwa.org/index.html .

 

   Booklets with maps are available at http://www.qrwa.org/publications.html  

 

 

Mattabesset River Canoe/Trail 

 

   This trail sponsored by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District meanders through a large freshwater tidal wetland to its confluence with the Connecticut River with an opportunity to continue to Harbor Park in Middletown. Paddlers should be aware of the tidal river current on the Connecticut as well as large boat traffic. The principle access is in Cromwell off Newfield St. (Rt 3). The public dock at Harbor Park may also be used.

 

   A map and brochure is available at  http://conservect.brinkster.net/ctrivercoastal/PDFs/Mattabesset_Canoe_Guide_07.pdf .   Laminated copies are available the CRCCD offices on the 2^nd floor of the deKoven House at 27 Washington St. in Middletown, CT

 

Mystic River Water Trail 

 

   This trail sponsored by the Mystic River Historical Society runs from its emergence as a wide body of water in Old Mystic to Noank and Mason’s Island. The trail offers a unique opportunity to view Mystic Seaport and its many historic vessels. The waters inside the railroad bridge are protected. Launching is available at the state car-top launch on River Rd. under the I-95 Bridge. Kayak rentals are available in downtown Mystic at 15 Holmes St. near the Seaport.

 

   A Kayakers Guide to the Mystic River & It’s History (with water resistant coating) is available for purchase from the Mystic River Historical Society for $8.00 including postage.   For ordering information please visit http://mystichistory.org.   If you would like to see a sample of the guide, please click here.

 

 Norwalk Islands Canoe/Kayak Trail 

 

   This trail sponsored by the South Western Regional Planning Agency is entirely on the open waters of Long Island Sound. There are opportunities to land on several islands, camp, visit a lighthouse as well as circumnavigate one or more of the island chain. Paddlers should beware of strong tidal currents, wind, waves and considerable boat traffic and channel crossings. The principle access is at Calf Pasture Beach. There is a $15 entry fee during the beach season. A State Boat Launch (see map) is also available on the Saugatuck River.

 

   A map and brochure is available at   http://www.swrpa.org/pdf_files/CanoeGuideWebVersion.pdf .   Laminated copies are available at local canoe/kayak dealers. Additional information on Shefield Island is available at  http://www.seaport.org/

 

 

Old Lyme Canoe/Kayak Trail 

 

   This trail sponsored by the by the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency is on the calm but often windy tidal estuary behind Great Island and Griswold Point. There is opportunity to explore the lower reaches of the Lieutenant River and the Black Hall River. Winter storms have eroded much of Griswold Point leaving the trail’s formerly protected southern section open to Long Island Sound. Paddlers should be prepared for windy conditions and rough water when venturing beyond Griswold Point or circumnavigating Great Island. The principle access is at the State Boat Launch (see map) at the end of Smith Neck Road. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the Black Hall Marina, 132 Shore Rd. ( Rt 156), Old Lyme, CT.

 

   A map and brochure is available at   http://www.crerpa.org/RiverandSound/oldlymetrail.pdf . A laminated copy is available at the CRERPA offices next to the railroad station at 455 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, CT

 

 

Willimantic River  

 

   This trail developed by the Willimantic River Alliance offers whitewater and flat-water paddling along four sections from Tolland to Willimantic at its confluence with the Shetucket River.

 

   An on-line map with put-ins and take-outs along with other recreational opportunities is available at http://www.willimanticriver.org/recreation/public_lands.html