Here at Only In Your State, we absolutely love trails in Connecticut. We regularly feature wooded hikes through the Nutmeg State’s forests, and paved trails through our wonderful parks. But if you’re looking for the ultimate warm weather adventure, does it get any better than following a water trail? If you think about it, that’s basically what a river is… and when it comes to rivers in Connecticut, the mighty Connecticut River is king. This 406-mile body of water that shares our state’s name is the longest river in New England. While you may not be quite up for paddling the entirety of the river, picking a small portion and doing a loop in a kayak or canoe is an absolute blast and a great way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise at the same time.

The Connecticut River covers parts of five U.S. states, plus one Canadian province through its 148 tributaries.
pedrik/Flickr
The Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail is a series of access points and primitive camping sites. The trail follows the river from the New Hampshire headwaters all the way down to the Long Island Sound.
Connecticut River Conservancy
This might be a very lengthy river, but it's got very few rapids or particularly difficult areas, making it a great option for even novice paddlers or kayakers.
Connecticut River Conservancy/Facebook

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The multitude of campsites along the riverbanks make a tempting option for experienced paddlers looking to experience a multi-day "water hike."
Michael Levine-Clark/Flickr
But don't worry, there are enough access points that you can easily opt for a much shorter excursion if you choose.
John Franzis/Flickr
This is a unique way to get away from it all and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the Connecticut River.
rich/Flickr

If you’d like to find out more about the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail, check out the group’s website. There are maps showing the various access points and campsites.

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