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 places to visit
Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest
298 Bigelow Hollow Road - Route 171 Union, CT 06076 860-424-3200 This 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.
Mount Tom State Park
Route 202 at Mount Tom Road Washington Depot, CT 06794 860-567-8870 Non-motorized boating, along with swimming and fishing, are done at this park, named for the mountain within its boundaries. - Park Map (PDF)
Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area
Cedar Lake Road Chester, CT 06412 860-424-3200 Launch your boat from the carry-in/car-top boat launch ramp at Messerschmidt Pond. - List of Park Maps
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve
Walking in wooded peninsula and along rocky coast; seabird watching; shell fishing allowed
Depot Road, off US Route 1 Groton, CT 06340 860-444-7591 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
American Legion & Peoples State Forests
Between Center Hill Road (CT Route 181) and East River Road Barkhamsted, CT 06063 860-379-2469 Canoeing and Kayaking are done on the west band of the Farmington River, which runs through these state forests. - Trail Map (PDF) - Campground Map (PDF)
Lake McDonough Recreation Area
Route 219 Barkhamsted, CT 06063 860-379-3036 Boating 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.
Squantz Pond State Park
178 Short Woods Road New Fairfield, CT 06810 203-312-5023 Boating is done at this pretty pond, along with swimming, fishing, and other water sports. - Hiking Map (PDF)
Stratton Brook State Park
149 Farms Village Road - CT Route 309 Simsbury, CT 06070 860-242-1158 This large park has opportunities for plenty for water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddling. - Park Map (PDF)