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.

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.

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.
Off Mill Street in North Hartland, VT, north of the covered bridges.
An unmarked steep dirt road access lead down to the Ottauquechee River. Turn right turn onto a dirt road after crossing the twin covered bridges.

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.
If you intend park overnight, please leave a note in car so no search is initiated or car is towed.

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
Managed by the Glastonbury Parks and Recreation Department.

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