About
Housatonic River, Connecticut — 1691 Derby Company, Eric Sloane. Bull's Bridge Gorge delivers the Housatonic's signature Class III whitewater through Litchfield County, where the river cuts a technical line beneath the Appalachian Trail corridor. At 2,200 CFS average with an optimal range of 400–2,000, the Housatonic runs big water compared to most New England rivers. Clarke Outdoors operates from the gorge, putting rafts and kayakers into drops that define Connecticut whitewater. The 139-mile river carries Connecticut Scenic River designation through multiple sections, though the gorge remains the draw for paddlers seeking gradient. USGS gauge 01199000 tracks the flows that make or break a gorge run — above 2,000 CFS, the hydraulics turn pushy and unforgiving.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.