Shetucket River NRT – Occum Dam or Red McKeon Park to Taftville Dam: Parking at dam is available adjacent to the dam, Monday – Saturday, across from the Versailles United Methodist Church (please do not park here Sundays from 10am-noon, as it is used for church services.) Launch above the dam to paddle up to Sprague River Park, or launch below the dam to paddle down as far as Howard T. Brown Park (7 miles with 2 portages.) Parking also at Red McKeon Park, a newer and easier launch just 0.5 further south on Rte. 97 with a 300 feet carry down paved path to launch. Just over 1.5 mile mostly flatwater paddle is easy with just a slight current. Pass houses and woods, travel under Rte. 395 and past a large trash incinerator plant. The views of the Ponemah Mill complex and its beautiful towers is something special. This is a popular stretch for fishing. Paddlers must portage at the Taftville Dam, a large and imposing structure 500 feet across the river and one of the most difficult on the Shetucket. DO NOT PADDLE OVER TAFTVILLE DAM! Take out on eastern shore (river left) above the dam. This landing is closed to vehicle access from November 1 to April 1. No fee.
Categories
- Paddling
Location
23 Church St
Baltic/Sprague, CT 06330