Paddling
Connecticut state parks offer lots of paddling, canoeing, kayaking
Connecticut's abundant number of well-maintained state parks and forests offer plenty of places to enjoy paddling, whether by canoe or kayak.
Part of a wonderful vacation for parents and kids.
To see some Padding adventure videos, click here to visit Explore New England.
8 listings
Union, CT
Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest
298 Bigelow Hollow Road - Route 171 860-424-3200This combined forested property just south of the Connecticut-Massachusetts border includes Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow, Breakneck, and Griggs ponds, where boating and pond fishing are done. There are boat launches at Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake.
Washington Depot, CT
Mount Tom State Park
Route 202 at Mount Tom Road 860-567-8870Non-motorized boating, along with swimming and fishing, are done at this park, named for the mountain within its boundaries. - Park Map (PDF)
Chester, CT
Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area
Cedar Lake Road 860-424-3200Launch your boat from the carry-in/car-top boat launch ramp at Messerschmidt Pond. - List of Park Maps
Groton, CT
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve
Depot Road, off US Route 1 860-444-7591Walking in wooded peninsula and along rocky coast; seabird watching; shell fishing allowed
Canoeing and kayaking are popular pastimes off the rocky coast of this reserve. There is a boat launch with parking for car-top vessels. - Park Map (PDF) - Boat Launch
Barkhamsted, CT
American Legion & Peoples State Forests
Between Center Hill Road (CT Route 181) and East River Road 860-379-2469Canoeing and Kayaking are done on the west band of the Farmington River, which runs through these state forests. - Trail Map (PDF) - Campground Map (PDF)
Barkhamsted, CT
Lake McDonough Recreation Area
Route 219 860-379-3036Boating and paddling are done on this small, easy-to-reach lake at a day-use park. Boating and shore fishing are done late April- Labor Day. Boats are available to rent.
New Fairfield, CT
Squantz Pond State Park
178 Short Woods Road 203-312-5023Boating is done at this pretty pond, along with swimming, fishing, and other water sports. - Hiking Map (PDF)
Simsbury, CT
Stratton Brook State Park
149 Farms Village Road - CT Route 309 860-242-1158This large park has opportunities for plenty for water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddling. - Park Map (PDF)