Exploring the Rivers and Lakes of Connecticut

There are a lot of scenic spots in Connecticut to explore from the water, whether you enjoy using a motorboat or the more leisurely pace of a kayak or canoe.

And autumn officially here, the state's waterways can provide breathtaking views of the glorious golds, regal reds and calming orange hues.

Although there are boat launches north of East Hartford onto the Connecticut River, experienced boaters recommend not putting in above there. The river can be shallow with sandbars and have tricky spots, said Gil Valfer, from the sales department at A&S Boats in South Windsor.

“From Hartford to Old Saybrook, there is 60 miles of river for great boating,” he said. He recommends putting in at Great River Park in East Hartford, a boat launch maintained by the town of East Hartford. The boat launch is free to residents; there is $15 daily charge or $40 season pass for other boaters.

Mike Sedor, owner of CT Boat in South Windsor, said Gildersleeve Island is a popular spot for Connecticut boaters. The 80-acre island on the Connecticut River is midway between the towns of Cromwell and Portland. Sedor said people like hanging out at the sandbars and have picnics there.

“Most boating in this part of the state is centralized to the river,” Sedor said. “A lot of the lakes in the region are smaller and have private homes and boating restrictions.”

Sedor said safety is important to remember while having fun.

“The number one rule is if you see a stranded boat, you need to help them out and bring them back to their launch site,” Sedor said. “It is important to get them back to safety and treat them as you would want to be treated.”

The other most important rule is no drinking while boating. “There are no seatbelts, no brakes, no headlights and limited reverse,” Sedor said. “There have been a lot of accidents in the last few years because people have been drinking and have lost control. It ruins it for everyone. You need to be in control and careful while driving a boat.”

He said the Farmington River is popular for kayakers and canoes, with less motorboat access. He said it is important for motorboats and kayakers or canoeists to respect each other as well.

Alexis Lichatz, who has been kayaking for 15 years, agreed that it is important for everyone on the water to be respectful and follow safety precautions. She is a kayak instructor for L.L. Bean, in South Windsor, and takes groups out on Union Pond in Manchester for excursions through the store.

“It is good for beginners and you can go up the Hockanum River a little bit and see the old mills from the river,” she said. (The town of Manchester maintains the launch.)

Another spot Lichatz recommends is Mashapaug Lake in Bigelow Hollow State Park. “It is a gorgeous, huge lake and you can swim, have a picnic and walk to trails,” she said. She also said it is easy to find off Route 84, whereas some boat launches can be harder to find. (A note, the access road to the lake is underconstruction and might be closed. There is a smaller pond in the park that is easily accessible and nice for peaceful kayak and canoe paddles.)

“I often ask locals where to go as well, at a gas station or store and people are very helpful,” she said.

She said the Lower Bolton Lake boat launch, off Route 44, also is a good spot for beginners. The Rainbow Reservoir boat launch in Windsor leads into a portion of the Farmington River and also is a pretty spot, Lichatz said.