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The Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail


New England’s longest waterway, the Connecticut River, provides many opportunities for canoe and kayak exploration.

The Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail is a series of primitive campsites and access points from the river’s headwaters to the Massachusetts border. While most of the river shore is privately-owned, a number of generous landowners have agreed to host the public at primitive campsites on their land. No single entity manages the trail. Instead, a group of partner organizations collaborates with developing and stewarding this trail as it traverses the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

The future of the Paddlers’ Trail depends on good river etiquette and campsite stewardship. Before heading out on the water, please review the trail’s paddler etiquette guidelines posted on the website and at many of the campsites. This website is designed to serve as a gateway for those seeking to explore the river. Have a great journey!


New campsite open to the public

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A new campsite is open to the public along the Connecticut River, in the stretch of the river below Comerford Dam and above McIndoe Falls. Plan a fall trip on this beautiful section of the river.

The campsite is located on a shady river terrace on the New Hampshire side of the river, across from the north end of Stevens Island.

8/28 & 9/24 Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail Waterway Work trips

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Please join us for campsite construction, lunch and paddling on the Connecticut River!

The Vermont River Conservancy is developing new campsites as part of the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail, a series of primitive campsites and river access points spanning 240 miles from the river’s headwaters to the Massachusetts border, and the organization needs your help!

Volunteer Sunday, August 28th to help build and install a picnic table, small box privy, register box and access signage at a newly designated campsite in Monroe, New Hampshire.

Help protect Connecticut River access in Canaan, Vermont

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If you are like me, and love paddling the upper stretches of the Connecticut River, you know good access points are hard to come by. Today, however, I'd like to share some exciting news: The Vermont River Conservancy has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with a local landowner in Canaan, Vermont. If these efforts are successful, this project will provide paddlers with permanently protected access in the heart of the village.

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