Campsites, Access Points, and Portage Trails
Note: to select multiple types (campsites, access points) hold down the shift key.
Title | Type | Site Steward | River Mile (Sea To Source) | About | State | Campsite Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fourth Connecticut Lake | Access Point | The Nature Conservancy | 410 |
Foot access only; 0.75 mile walk to a shallow pond with a floating bog that marks the headwaters of the Connecticut River. |
New Hampshire | |
Third Connecticut Lake | Access Point | State of New Hampshire | 408 |
Unimproved ramp provides access to a beautiful, pristine crystalline lake, primarily used by anglers. |
New Hampshire | |
Second Connecticut Lake access | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 401 |
Improved ramp providing access to a big, open, and beautiful lake. Also consider exploring East Inlet and Scott Bog, accessible from East Inlet Road. |
New Hampshire | |
Magalloway Bridge Access | Access Point | State of New Hampshire | 397 |
Improved, car-top only access, providing access to quickwater-Class IV rapids (depending on flow conditions!). |
New Hampshire | |
First Connecticut Lake | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 392 |
Improved ramp for all boats |
New Hampshire | |
Lake Francis Ramp | Access Point | State of New Hampshire | 388 |
Improved ramp providing access to Lake Francis, off south side of RT. 3. |
New Hampshire | |
Pittsburg Access | Access Point | State of New Hampshire | 382 |
An informal launch site in Pittsburgh provides access to a stretch of quickwater and Class I-II rapids, navigable at medium water levels (look for flow conditions between 200-500 cfs). |
New Hampshire | |
Bacon St Bridge | Access Point | 377 |
Small parking area adjacent to historic covered bridge. |
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Beecher Falls Landing | Access Point | 375 |
Behind a consignment store and post office, immediately downstream of the Rt 3 bridge, an access provides a take-out for groups not seeking to portage or scout the challenging Beecher Falls rapids that follow, or end a trip here. Overnight parking by permission of the landowner. |
New Hampshire | ||
Canaan Access | Access Point | Town of Canaan | 373 |
Most common starting point for multi-day journeys, located just below the Canaan to West Stewartstown Bridge. Long term parking and an improved access on town owned land, conserved by the Vermont River Conservancy. |
Vermont | |
Colebrook Visitor Center | Access Point | NH Fish and Game Department | 366 |
Unimproved ramp. Car-top access only. Access via an unmarked dirt road leading west of US 3 across from a rest area with the Connecticut River Byway Wapoint Center for Colebrook. Do not park in the turn-around area, as boats with trailers need space to n |
New Hampshire | |
Colebrook Bridge St. Access | Access Point | Colebrook Development Corporation | 363 |
A foot bridge and small set of stairs leads to a sandy area under the Lemingyon-Colebrook Bridge, on the New Hampshire side of river. Car-top access only. Accessed off of Bill Bromage Drive. |
New Hampshire | |
Norm's Launch | Access Point | 363 |
Improved ramp for paddle craft and drift boats provided by a private landowner. This site is closed during wet and muddy conditions. No dogs allowed. Fees charged for commerical trips. |
Vermont | ||
Columbia Covered Bridge | Access Point | Columbia Conservation Commission | 358 |
Park on NH side of bridge (room for 1-2 cars). Follow improved path to launch below bridge. |
New Hampshire | |
Francis Smith River Access | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 356 |
Improved access developed for paddlers, drift boats, and rafts. |
Vermont | |
William Schomburg Memorial Recreational Area at Lyman Falls | Access Point | Columbia Conservation Commission | 351 |
A rough gravel road through a small quarry leads to a picnic area and river access just below the breached dam at Lyman Falls in Columbia, NH, with parking, a moldering privy, and picnic tables, and a beautiful cobble beach with excellent swimming and fishing. |
New Hampshire | |
Debanville Landing | Access Point | Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation | 348 |
Unimproved path. Car-top access only. Park by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail kiosk on the other side of RT 102. |
Vermont | |
N. Stratford Access | Access Point | 347 |
Across is possible from the Riverside Park playing fields. Unimproved path, for car-top access only. |
New Hampshire | ||
Maidstone Bridge | Access Point | 336 |
Cartop access on New Hampshire side, down river of bridge. |
New Hampshire | ||
Wyoming Dam Access | Access Point | 323 |
The breached Wyoming Dam is a hazard due to rebar jutting into the river. A take out is located immediately upstream on the Vermont side. A portage trail takes paddlers acros Route 105 to a put-in downstream of the dam. Land by stone steps above bridge. At high water, it is possible to take-out slightly upstream in a small cove. Follow trail up steps, across Route 102, and down to sandy beach. Please be considerate of adjacent landowners and stay on the portage trail. |
Vermont | ||
US 2 Bridge Access | Access Point | Beaver Trails Campground | 313 |
At bridge in Lancaster, one finds an improved ramp for all boats. Ask at gas station for best location to park. |
New Hampshire | |
Mount Orne Covered Bridge | Access Point | Vermont River Conservancy | 307 |
Small parking area and hand-carry launch, just south of the Mount Orne Covered Bridge on the Vermont side of the river. |
Vermont | |
John's River Ramp | Access Point | Ampersand Energy LLC | 304 |
Maintained by the power company at Gilman Dam. |
New Hampshire | |
Gilman Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 301 |
Located at the end of Walker Pit Road. |
New Hampshire | |
North Littleton Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 295 |
Parking and trailer boat access, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m., no fee. Restroom. Handicap access. |
New Hampshire | |
Pattenville Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 293 |
Improved ramp for all boat types |
New Hampshire | |
Pine Island Boat Launch: | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 293 |
Improved ramp, accessible from the north side of NH 135/18 |
New Hampshire | |
Dodge Hill Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 292 |
Improved ramp. |
New Hampshire | |
Waterford Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 292 |
Improved launch, off Riverside Cemetery Rd. |
Vermont | |
Moore Dam Picnic Area | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 291 |
Located on the south side of Moore Dam. Location of picnic area and Improved ramp for all boats. |
Vermont | |
Waterford Bridge Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 290 |
On north side of NH 135 just after NH 135 and 18 split. Improved launch. Toilets. |
New Hampshire | |
Pine Grove Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 284 |
Off Comerford Dam Road on VT side. Improved ramp. Toilets. |
Vermont | |
Comerford Dam - Downstream Access | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 283 |
For whitewater canoes and kayaks. Water levels can rise up to six feet and create Class III rapids. Difficult going at low water because of boulders and shallows. |
New Hampshire | |
Comerford Dam - Reservoir Access | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 282 |
Improved ramp. Steep but groomed portage trail. |
New Hampshire | |
Passumpsic River Access | Access Point | 282 |
Improved access for car-top launching only.On the Passumpsic River below the Barnet Power Station off Comerford Dam Road. |
Vermont | ||
McIndoe Falls Access | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 276 |
Small park on river left doubles as a hand carry access point |
Vermont | |
Ryegate Dame Portage and Access Point | Access Point | 272 |
Car-top access only, from short portage trail on NH side, around run of the river dam. Parking and toilet facilities. Look for white sign in field labelled "dodge falls". Follow down to parking area near dam. |
New Hampshire | ||
Woodsville Access | Access Point | 268 |
Small, sandy beach in town of Woodsville. Downstream of bridge, on Connecticut Street. Unimproved ramp, car-top access only. |
New Hampshire | ||
Knoxland Cartop Boat Lauch | Access Point | Upper Valley Land Trust | 265 |
Steep bank provides limited public access point across conserved land. Knoxland Farm provides a public boat launch site for muscle powered cartop boats such as canoes and kayaks. |
Vermont | |
Newbury-Haverhill Bridge Access | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 258 |
Improved ramp for all boat types. |
Vermont | |
Bedell Bridge State Park | Access Point | State of New Hampshire | 255 |
Boat ramp and picnic area at premier birding site. |
New Hampshire | |
Bugbee Landing Access Point | Access Point | Bradford Parks & Recreation Commission | 248 |
Small dock and unimproved ramp at the mouth of Waits River. Access off Doe Meadow Rd by driving through fairgrounds. |
Vermont | |
Orford Boat Landing | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 240 |
Improved ramp and dock. |
Vermont | |
North Thetford Landing | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 234 |
Improved ramp for all boat types. |
Vermont | |
Hewes Brook Boat Launch | Access Point | Lyme Conservation Commission | 230 |
Located on River Rd. in Lyme, this site provides car-top access to the Connecticut River at the mouth of Hewes Brook. |
New Hampshire | |
Ompompanoosuc Launch | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 227 |
Unimproved ramp for all boat types, just upstream of the confluence, above Rt 5 off Old Bridge Rd. |
Vermont | |
Wilson Landing | Access Point | 225 |
Improved boat ramp and dock managed by the town of Hanover. |
New Hampshire | ||
Ledyard Canoe Club | Access Point | Dartmouth College | 221 |
The Ledyard Canoe Club allows the public to use their launch, located in Hanover, NH. |
New Hampshire | |
Kilowatt Park North Picnic Area | Access Point | Town of Hartford | 219 |
On Vermont shore. Small dock, picnic area, and improved cartop access. |
Vermont | |
East Wilder Boat Launch | Access Point | City of Lebanon | 219 |
Unimproved ramp. |
New Hampshire | |
Kilowatt Park South (Olcott Falls) Boat Landing | Access Point | Town of Hartford | 219 |
Boating facility and public recreation area with several launch points, a picnic area, and hiking trails along the river on land owned by Great River Hydro. |
Vermont | |
Wilder Dam Portage | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 218 |
Unimproved path, car-top access only. |
New Hampshire | |
Norwich Cartop Launch | Access Point | 217 |
Small parking area and unimproved hand carry launch off River Road, 0.4 miles north of Route 10A. Note: launch and parking area immediately to the north is on private property. |
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Lyman Point Park Launch | Access Point | 217 |
Unimproved path provides access from a town park. |
Vermont | ||
Lebanon Public Boat Launch | Access Point | 216 |
Near wastewater treatment facility. Rough, unmarked road. |
New Hampshire | ||
Blood's Brook Launch | Access Point | State of New Hampshire | 214 |
In Lebanon Wildlife Management Area. Unimproved path. Cartop only. |
New Hampshire | |
Ottauquechee Launch | Access Point | 212 |
Informal, unimproved ramp for cartop launches only. |
Vermont | ||
Sumner Falls | Access Point | Town of Hartland | 209 |
Well marked portage trail. Fantastic white water play reach. Dangerous rapids for open boats. Unimproved path. Unmarked road provides access from the Vermont side to a picnic area and launch point. |
Vermont | |
Cornish Boat Landing | Access Point | NH Fish and Game Department | 202 |
Unimproved ramp just north of covered bridge. |
New Hampshire | |
Wilgus State Park | Access Point | Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation | 196 |
Small park with campgrounds just past the mouth of the Sugar River. Steep and muddy takeout. |
Vermont | |
Ashley Ferry State Park | Access Point | NH Fish and Game Department | 193 |
Only improved boat ramp between Cornish and Chesire. |
New Hampshire | |
Patch Park | Access Point | New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation | 185 |
Expansive, grassy picnic area and playing field with a unimproved ramp that accommodates small boats. |
New Hampshire | |
Hoyt's Landing | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 185 |
Improved ramp for all boating types. One of the few spots on the river that is wheelchair accessible. Geared toward anglers. Toilets. |
Vermont | |
Charlestown Picnic Area and Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 183 |
Single-lane concrete ramp with a paved approach and dock for launching. |
New Hampshire | |
Herrick's Cove Picnic Area and Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 179 |
Peaceful park with two-laned concrete boat launch and two docks |
Vermont | |
Bellows Falls Historical Society River Access | Access Point | Bellows Falls Historical Society | 176 |
Footpath providing access for nonmotorized boats bellow the Bellows Falls Historical Society. |
Vermont | |
Pine Street Boat Launch | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 176 |
Small ramp next to an old brick building. |
New Hampshire | |
Connecticut River Car-Top Access | Access Point | NH Fish and Game Department | 172 |
Sandy launch shaded by enormous siler maples. |
New Hampshire | |
North Walpole Access | Access Point | State of New Hampshire | 171 |
Sandy beach below Bellows Falls |
New Hampshire | |
Putney Landing | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 159 |
Improved ramp for car-top and small motorboats. |
Vermont | |
Dummerston Landing | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 158 |
Small access point with ramp. |
Vermont | |
Old Ferry Road Boat Access | Access Point | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | 153 |
Improved ramp for all boat types. |
Vermont | |
Retreat Meadows | Access Point | 151 |
Improved ramp for car-top boats, with limited parking along road. |
Vermont | ||
Broad Brook | Access Point | 148 |
Unimproved cartop launch. |
Vermont | ||
Hinsdale Access | Access Point | 145 |
Muddy beach in cove serves as an informal access point for small boats. |
New Hampshire | ||
Governor Hunt Recreation Area | Access Point | Great River Hydro | 144 |
Sandy beach provides access below the Vernon dam. |
Vermont | |
Pauchaug Brook | Access Point | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation | 132 |
Improved ramp for all boat types. |
Massachusetts | |
Riverview Picnic and Recreation Area | Access Point | FirstLight Power Resources | 125 |
Picnic area owned by First Light. |
Massachusetts | |
Barton Cove Canoe & Kayak Rental Area | Access Point | FirstLight Power Resources | 118 |
Picnic area and boat rental operation owned by FirstLight. Location for portage shuttle. |
Massachusetts | |
State Boat Ramp at Bartons Cove | Access Point | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation | 118 |
Improved launch for all boating types. |
Massachusetts | |
Poplar Street Access | Access Point | FirstLight Power Resources | 117 |
Steep, eroding access serves as a put-in below the Turner's Falls Dam. |
Massachusetts | |
Deerfield River Launch | Access Point | 117 |
Informal launch, accessed by walking down an unimproved path after crossing over a guardrail. |
Massachusetts | ||
Sunderland Ramp | Access Point | 106 |
Paved access off School Street. |
Massachusetts | ||
Cow Bridge Brook Ramp (Hatfield Town Ramp) | Access Point | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation | 100 |
Unimproved ramp. Seasonal toilets. |
Massachusetts | |
Elwell Recreation Area | Access Point | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation | 93 |
Improved access area with ample parking, toilet facilities, and a float dock. |
Massachusetts | |
Oxbow State Ramp | Access Point | 88 |
Improved ramp for all boating sites located in an old river oxbow on the west side of the river. |
Massachusetts | ||
Brunelle's Marina | Access Point | 86 |
Boat ramp, marina, and take-out location for HG&E shuttle around dam. The marina kindly allows paddlers to camp on their facilities, which include bathrooms and showers. |
Massachusetts | ||
Canal Park (South Hadley Canoe Ramp) | Access Point | 83 |
A small park with a seasonal dock that serves as a takeout above the dam. |
Massachusetts | ||
Stanley Berchulski Fisherman Access | Access Point | 82 |
A steep access road and improved ramp provides access below the dam in Holyhoke. |
Massachusetts | ||
Jones Ferry River Access | Access Point | 78 |
Improved ramp for all boating types. |
Massachusetts | ||
Medina Street Ramp | Access Point | 77 |
Improved access for all boating types. |
Massachusetts | ||
Bond Island | Access Point | City of Springfield | 72 |
A basic launch point with an improved ramp and parking. |
Massachusetts | |
Springfield Access | Access Point | City of Springfield | 72 |
Steep set of concrete stairs provides access from the city of Springfield from a riverside park. No nearby parking. |
Massachusetts | |
Pynchon Point | Access Point | City of Springfield | 70 |
Picnic area provides access in the Town of Agwam. 150 yard walk down improved trail. |
Massachusetts | |
Riverfront Park | Access Point | Town of Longmeadow | 69 |
Peaceful park suitable for launching hand-carry boats, just south of a yacht club. |
Massachusetts | |
Thomsponsville Town Ramp | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 64 |
Well developed access with ample parking. |
Connecticut | |
Kings Island Boat Launch | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 63 |
Improved ramp, just south of junction of Bridge Street and Parson's Road. |
Connecticut | |
Windsor Locks Public Ramp | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 58 |
Various paths provide access to the river |
Connecticut | |
South Windsor Public Ramp | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 53 |
Improved ramp and parking off Vibert Road. |
Connecticut | |
Bissell Bridge Boat Launch | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 52 |
Improved ramp for all boating types. |
Connecticut | |
Riverside Park | Access Point | Riverfront Recapture | 50 |
Community boathouse and improved ramp for all boating types, off Jennings Road. Volleyball, cricket and playgrounds, trails, sculptures, and athletic fields. |
Connecticut | |
Great River Park | Access Point | Riverfront Recapture | 49 |
Improved ramp off East River Drive. 350-seat amphitheater, toilets, sculptures and almost two miles of paved and lighted riverwalks. |
Connecticut | |
Charter Oak Landing | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 47 |
Improved ramp off Reserve Road in Hartford, CT. |
Connecticut | |
Great Island State Boat Launch | Access Point | 45 |
Unimproved ramp for car-top boats only. |
Connecticut | ||
Wethersfield Cove Boat Launch | Access Point | Town of Wethersfield | 45 |
Includes docks, moorings in the Cove and a boat launch with access to the Connecticut River. Launch fee charged ($7 resident, $15 nonresident for a small boat). |
Connecticut | |
Riverfront Park | Access Point | 43 |
New facilities with plenty of parking, a boat house, and other recreational facilities. Free launching for canoes and kayaks, $20 for trailer boats for residents and $40 for non-residents |
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Rocky Hill Ferry Park Boat Launch | Access Point | Town of Rocky Hill | 38 |
Improved ramp. $60 seasonal fee for residents, $30 daily fee for nonresidents. |
Connecticut | |
Harbor Park | Access Point | 31 |
Docks and improved ramp for car-top and small trailer boats. |
Connecticut | ||
Haddam Meadows State Park | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 19 |
Improved ramp for all boating types, picnic tables, and seasonal portable bathroom facilities. |
Connecticut | |
Salmon River Boat Launch | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 17 |
Improved launch for all boating types located at the mouth of Salmon River off Route 149, 1.5 miles north of the junction with Route 82. |
Connecticut | |
East Haddam Town Landing (Goodspeed Landing) | Access Point | Town of East Haddam | 16 |
A sandy, car top boat launch just south of the Goodspeed Opera House parking lot, now restricted for use by town residents only. |
Connecticut | |
Chester Town Boat Landing | Access Point | Town of Chester | 14 |
Improved launch for town residents with valid sticker only. |
Connecticut | |
Hadlyme Ferry Boat Launch | Access Point | 13 |
An unimproved ramp, car top only, just upstream of the Hadlyme ferry and Gillette Caste State Park. |
Connecticut | ||
Lyme Town Boat Access | Access Point | 9 |
Car top only launch off Cove Rd. |
Connecticut | ||
Little Point Street | Access Point | 8 |
Improved ramp, car-top only. |
Connecticut | ||
Bushnell Park | Access Point | City of Essex | 7 |
Unimproved car-top access in a small municipal park. |
Connecticut | |
Ely Ferry Road Access | Access Point | 7 |
Unimproved access to the lower Connecticut River. Park on the left (downstream) side of this road-ending, being careful not to park on the neighboring landowner's property. |
Connecticut | ||
Bushnell Park | Access Point | Town Of Essex | 7 |
Improved ramp, car-top only |
Connecticut | |
Nott Lane Open Space | Access Point | 6 |
Car-top launch adjacent to Essex Town Park. |
Connecticut | ||
Novelty Lane Water Access Area | Access Point | 6 |
Unimproved path, cartop only. |
Connecticut | ||
Scholes Lane | Access Point | 6 |
Small car-top launch at end of Scholes Lane. On street parking. |
Connecticut | ||
Essex Town Dock | Access Point | Town Of Essex | 6 |
Improved ramp for all boating types. Limited parking. |
Connecticut | |
Pilgrim Landing | Access Point | 5 |
Small cartop north of Baldwin Bridge on Route 156, past the Old Lyme Marina. |
Connecticut | ||
Deep River Town Landing | Access Point | 5 |
Well equiped boat launch and fishing pier. |
Connecticut | ||
Pratt Cove | Access Point | 5 |
Unimproved path, cartop only. |
Connecticut | ||
Tantummaheag Town Landing | Access Point | 4 |
Parking for 1-2 vehicles on the right just before the put-in. Note: may not be navigable at low tide. |
Connecticut | ||
Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 4 |
Improved access for all boating types. |
Connecticut | |
Lieutenant River Boat Launch | Access Point | 3 |
Car Top/Carry-In Launch located on the west side of Route 156, south of Ferry Road. |
Connecticut | ||
Old Lyme Road Launch Site | Access Point | 3 |
Small car-top boat access with floating dock, beach area, and picnicing. |
Connecticut | ||
Great Island State Boat Launch | Access Point | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection | 2 |
Improved launch for all boating types off Route 156 |
Connecticut | |
North Cove Town Ramp | Access Point | 2 |
Narrow, improved ramp for car-top and small boats. |
Connecticut | ||
Smith Neck Town Landing | Access Point | 1 |
Unimproved, car-top. Difficult to access at low tide. |
Connecticut |