Canoeing in Litchfield Hills |
Blessed
with two major recreational rivers, the Housatonic and the Farmington, and over
9,000 surface acres of lakes and spring-fed ponds, the Litchfield Hills of
Northwest Connecticut are overflowing with spring fun on the water.
Melting snow that makes rivers run high means prime time for whitewater
challenge and sunny spring days are just right for a peaceful paddle on a
sun-dappled river.
The
Housatonic Valley Association has just published a free Connecticut Paddling
Guide of nine navigable sections of the Housatonic River with 29 access sites
starting from Ashley Falls, Mass. and going to Stratford, Connecticut.
The Guide
provides detailed maps and easy to read directions. Descriptions of each
section of the river include distance, the type of water flow, landmarks, and
tributaries entering the section and warnings where necessary. Other sections
of the guide have information on the river’s history, its health, and plant and
wildlife species found along the river. The guide also includes tips on boating
safety and guarding against spreading invasive aquatic species.
Notes
on specific wildlife, recreational areas, historic sites, other pertinent
information as well as photos and illustrations are sprinkled throughout the
sections. It is printed on water-resistant paper in two colors with a full
color cover and some full color spread throughout the pages.
The
guides are available at HVA in Cornwall Bridge; Connecticut Outdoors, LLC,
Oakville; Clarke Outdoors, West Cornwall; Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks, New
Hartford and The Trading Post, New Milford. This guide may be downloaded at www.hvatoday.org.
For a free paddle guide and the Unwind brochure call 860-567-4506 or visit www.litchfieldhills.com