Paddle The Last Green Valley

Confluence of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers

From peaceful ponds to white-knuckle whitewater, you can find it all in The Last Green Valley! Start with Explore! for a quick overview of paddling options - view online.  See below for more detailed paddling guides.

Paddle Smart - Paddle Safe! We want you to have fun on the water and enjoy The Last Green Valley's natural beauty. But you need to recognize that paddling can be hazardous and you must be prepared.  Please see more info below.

Ready for more details about particular paddling locations? Try these resources:

The Quinebaug River National Recreation Water Trail offers 45 miles of paddling, the Willimantic River National Recreation Water Trail offers 22 miles of paddling, and the Shetucket River National Recreation Water Trail offers 20 miles of paddling all within an hour’s drive of three of New England’s largest urban regions.  Discover your  close-to-home outdoor adventures!

Paddle Guides!

Paddle Guide for the Quinebaug, Willimantic, and Shetucket River Water Trails

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Guide to the Quinebaug River Water Trail, East Brimfield Section, in Holland and Brimfield, MA

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Guide to the Quinebaug River Water Trail, Fabyan Dam to W. Thompson Lake, in Thompson, CT

More places to paddle!

Norwich Harbor - Norwich Harbor Water Trail Brochure -  suggested routes for exploring the Yantic, Shetucket, and Thames Rivers in small paddle craft.  All water trail routes are accessed using the boat launch ramp at Howard T. Brown Park, also known as Chelsea Landing. Be sure to consult the tide chart for Norwich Harbor to plan your trip to avoid paddling the Yantic and Shetucket Rivers during times of predicted low water.

French River- Greenbriar to Hodges Village Dam - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' French River Canoe Trail Brochure and Map of the French River Water Trail, Oxford Section, in Oxford, MA

Poquetanuck Cove - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Poquetanuck Cove Canoe and Kayak Trail Guide

Paddle Smart - Paddle Safe!

We want you to have fun on the water and enjoy The Last Green Valley's natural beauty. But you need to recognize that paddling can be hazardous and you must be prepared.

You are ultimately responsible for your own safety!

Before signing up for a paddle, please read the description carefully and evaluate whether you have the experience, skills, and equipment necessary to enjoy the trip safely. Most of the paddles will not include paddling instruction. All participants will be required to sign registration forms and liability waivers.

Hazards that can lead to severe injury or death include: Cold water, rocks, man-made and natural obstructions, strainers (anything that blocks passage, like a downed tree, but allows water to flow through), heavy currents, dams (including low-head dams), lightning, bad weather, bugs, other boats, and human error.

Properly fitting life jackets must be worn at all times on the water. Please discuss your equipment with the trip leader to be sure your boat is suitable for the segment. We recommend that each boat carry a spare paddle and throw line (rescue throw bag). Personal gear should include clothing suitable for the weather, a properly fitting life jacket, a whistle, sunscreen, bug repellant, drinks/snacks, and small waterproof bag to carry extras like cameras or binoculars. Additional gear such as helmets or specialized boats may be required for whitewater and coastal segments.

Some paddles require pre-registration.  If you must cancel after registering, please be courteous and let the trip leader know so that someone on the waiting list can take your place.

Websites of Interest

Paddle Killingly
Willimantic Whitewater Partnership
American Trails National Recreation Trail page
American Canoe and Kayak