With hundreds of access points and over 50 primitive river campsites, the Connecticut River Paddler’s Trail provides a unique opportunity to kayak or canoe through the heart of New England, including four states, along the region’s longest river. The Trail comprises a series of primitive campsites and river access points from its headwaters in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods south to Long Island Sound—a distance of 410 miles. A variety of organizations assist with trail planning and development.

The best place to start planning a trip is the Paddler’s Trail website. The site has a campsite registry, and an interactive map showing the locations of put-in spots, portage trails, and primitive campsites. It also provides links for outfitters that can help plan your trip or even provide a guide. A waterproof map of the trail showing campsite locations and other key features and points of interest can be purchased through the outfitters.