Litchfield Connecticut has plenty of places for paddling canoes and kayaks

American Legion State Forest and Peoples State Forest and Campgrounds

East River Road Pleasant Valley, CT Phone: 866-287-2757

Four-season fun can be found at these adjoining forests. Activities include river canoeing and kayaking, camping, freshwater fishing, field sports, hiking on several blazed trails, picnicking, letterboxing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
The west branch of the Farmington River, designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service, is the center point of river-based recreational activities including trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking and tubing. Seasonal interpretive programs are based at the Stone Museum, a nature museum, open weekends between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. It has displays on forestry, mammals, Native American culture, and local history. Several guided hikes are offered from May through October.
Fees: Weekends and holidays, $14 for Connecticut vehicles and $20 for out of state vehicles. No charge on weekdays.

Black Rock State Park

Watertown Road (Route 6) Thomaston, CT Phone: 860-283-8088

Black Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the western highlands of Connecticut. Black Rock Campground has 96 sites in a wooded setting. The camping season is mid-April through September 30. This is a designated trout park. Activities include picnicking, field sports, swimming, and pond fishing. Facilities: bathrooms, food concessions, picnic tables.
There is a daily parking fee in season. Gates are open on weekends only from the third Saturday in April until Memorial Day, 8 a.m. to sunset. From Memorial Day to October 31st, they are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Campsite fees are charged separately.

Mount Tom State Park

Route 202 Litchfield, CT Phone: 860-567-8870

Mount Tom rises to a height of 1,325. At the top of the mountain, hikers can reach the notable stone tower. While hiking the mountain is a popular activity at the park, visitors can also enjoy swimming, stocked fishing ponds, sail and row-boating, scuba diving and ice skating. Activities include paddling, picnicking, fishing, scuba diving, hiking, Swimming, canoe and kayak rentals. Facilities: bathrooms, concession, change houses. There are separate weekend, holiday. and weekday parking fees at Mount Tom State Park.