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Connecticut state parks offer lots of paddling, canoeing, kayaking

Connecticut's abundant number of well-maintained state parks and forests offer plenty of places to enjoy paddling, whether by canoe or kayak.
Part of a wonderful vacation for parents and kids.

To see some Padding adventure videos, click here to visit Explore New England.

Paddling in Connecticut
Kayaking at Cockaponset State Forest - Haddam/Chester, CT
Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area

Cedar Lake Road Chester, CT, 06412 Phone: 860-424-3200

Launch your boat from the carry-in/car-top boat launch ramp at Messerschmidt Pond. - List of Park Maps
Lake McDonough Recreation Area - Barkhamsted, CT - Photo Credit CTVisit
Lake McDonough Recreation Area

Route 219 Barkhamsted, CT, 06063 Phone: 860-379-3036

Boating and paddling are done on this small, easy-to-reach lake at a day-use park. Boating and shore fishing are done late April- Labor Day. Boats are available to rent.
Stratton Brook State Park - Simsbury, CT
Stratton Brook State Park

149 Farms Village Road - CT Route 309 Simsbury, CT, 06070 Phone: 860-242-1158

This large park has opportunities for plenty for water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddling. - Park Map (PDF)
Paddling at Mount Tom State Park - Washington Depot, CT
Mount Tom State Park

Route 202 at Mount Tom Road Washington Depot, CT, 06794 Phone: 860-567-8870

Non-motorized boating, along with swimming and fishing, are done at this park, named for the mountain within its boundaries. - Park Map (PDF)
Bluff Point State Park - Groton. CT - Photo Credit CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Bluff Point Coastal Reserve

Depot Road, off US Route 1 Groton, CT, 06340 Phone: 860-444-7591

Walking in wooded peninsula and along rocky coast; seabird watching; shell fishing allowed

Canoeing and kayaking are popular pastimes off the rocky coast of this reserve. There is a boat launch with parking for car-top vessels. - Park Map (PDF) - Boat Launch
Bigelow Hollow State Park - Union, CT - Photo Credit CT DEEP
Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest

298 Bigelow Hollow Road - Route 171 Union, CT, 06076 Phone: 860-424-3200

This combined forested property just south of the Connecticut-Massachusetts border includes Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow, Breakneck, and Griggs ponds, where boating and pond fishing are done. There are boat launches at Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake.
Lake View - American Legion & Peoples State Forest - Barkhamsted, CT - Photo Credit Libertad Martinez
American Legion & Peoples State Forests

Between Center Hill Road (CT Route 181) and East River Road Barkhamsted, CT, 06063 Phone: 860-379-2469

Canoeing and Kayaking are done on the west band of the Farmington River, which runs through these state forests. - Trail Map (PDF) - Campground Map (PDF)
Squantz Pond State Park - New Fairfield, CT - Photo Credit Nemo Jones
Squantz Pond State Park

178 Short Woods Road New Fairfield, CT, 06810 Phone: 203-312-5023

Boating is done at this pretty pond, along with swimming, fishing, and other water sports. - Hiking Map (PDF)