Connecticut River
Hartford / Middlesex Co. · 410 mi · Class I–II
22,500CFS/ 10.05 ft
Optimal↓Falling (-200 cfs/hr)· -1,200 cfs in 3h
Water temp: 44°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 5000–25000 CFS · USGS #01184000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Connecticut River National Blueway · Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge
The longest river in New England at 410 miles, flowing from the Canadian border to Long Island Sound. The Connecticut River defines the state that bears its name, offering broad Class I–II paddling through tidelands, riverside farms, and historic river towns from Hartford to the sea.
Trip sections
Hartford to Middletown — Class I, tidal freshwater
Middletown to Old Saybrook — Class I, tidelands to Long Island Sound
Outfitters
Hurd State Park Canoe/Kayak
Connecticut River access and camping, East Hampton
Connecticut River Expeditions
Guided paddle tours, Essex
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.