CT paddle - Canoeing / Kayaking

Table of Contents

CT paddle - seb9 - Jul-09-12 10:28 AM
- Hi Sue - daggermat - Jul-11-12 8:30 PM
  - Suggestions in NW CT? - bex007 - Jul-13-12 12:06 PM
    - upper Bantam River - daggermat - Jul-14-12 7:50 AM
      - Thanks!! - bex007 - Jul-14-12 10:22 AM
        
        you're quite welcome :-) - daggermat - Jul-14-12 3:59 PM
      - Lake mcdonough - mixwithh2o - Jul-15-12 7:10 AM
        
        I'll check that one out - bex007 - Jul-15-12 5:41 PM
- I'm also in northwest CT - Glenn_MacGrady - Jul-15-12 1:05 AM
- Connecticut Paddling - naturelove - Oct-21-12 11:00 AM
  - BURR Pond CT - naturelove - Oct-21-12 11:11 AM
    - All over CT - shiraz627 - Oct-22-12 6:38 PM
      - Crystal rapids in 45 minutes - daggermat - Nov-10-12 11:46 AM
        
        sat. nov 17th - daggermat - Nov-14-12 9:18 AM
- interested - solstice18 - Feb-10-13 2:41 PM
  - hoping on this weekend - daggermat - Feb-13-13 5:12 AM
    - snow melt weekend - daggermat - Feb-28-13 1:04 PM
- CT waterways - DianaKayak - Apr-03-13 1:38 PM
  - CT Paddle - bluewaterman - Apr-03-13 11:17 PM
    - Bantam/Shepaug 4-13 - daggermat - Apr-04-13 12:21 PM
- Hi Sue - faithcampbell - Apr-07-13 8:04 PM

Messages in this Topic

  Hi Sue
  Posted by: daggermat on Jul-11-12 8:30 PM (EST)

I'm up in Litchfield county, more WW paddler/poler, primarily the Farmington, Shepaug, Housatonic stuff, but do get out on the upper Bantam and other flatter areas from time to time. I have a few FB friends in the area who are into what you do; Shirazz something or other does a lot around Guilford, and a couple women I know do a lot of lake paddling. You can e-mail if you want. I'd like to get out on the CT. river in my canoe again after the powerboat season slows down.

  Suggestions in NW CT?
  Posted by: bex007 on Jul-13-12 12:06 PM (EST)

I made the journey from WMass down to Collinsville/Canton a few weeks ago to buy a kayak.

What beautiful country and a real easy drive from where I live. I was totally surprised.

I would love to hear some suggestions of quiet water (low shore development) paddling in that area.

I've paddled the Housatonic (around Lenox and Sheffield, MA) - but not in CT.

  upper Bantam River
  Posted by: daggermat on Jul-14-12 7:50 AM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Jul-14-12 8:29 AM EST --

google maps Whites Wood rd, Litchfield Ct. Main put in at intersection with Whitehall rd., which is a fire road and is closed.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/583057831UsqLkp
Part of the White Memorial, which is simply an awesome place with 30 plus miles of trails, a nature center, museum, etc...Paddle, then explore this gem.
http://www.whitememorialcc.org/
Say hello to the re-habbing owls and hawks; they're really cute.

Lake Winchester
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2686&Q=384360
Haven't been there in 12 years, I remember a lot of tree stumps in the lake. It was pretty fun in my flatwater days. Couple cottages iirc, otherwise empty.

Burr Pond. I've hiked this area, think I paddled it once. It's quiet.
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2686&Q=383788

West Hill Pond. I went to a hunting/conservation camp here as a youth. Water was so clear.
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2686&Q=384352

Lake McDonaugh, aka Barhamstead Compensating reservoir.
http://www.themdc.com/lake_mcDonough.shtml
Beaches generally crowded on weekends, but it's a long lake, and serenity is possible. Clean, rocky/sandy bottom. Heavily patrolled, no swimming except in designated area....I used to snorkel all over this place as a kid.

That CCK is quite a place. I know John, Trish and Melissa; Trish really well; we paddled together a lot, and I have been clearing her property off and on.

  Thanks!!
  Posted by: bex007 on Jul-14-12 10:22 AM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Jul-14-12 10:27 AM EST --

Thanks so much for the paddling tips. I am looking forward to exploring NE CT. The drive there was so pleasant (once we made it thru the hell that is downtown Westfield MA).

The pix of the Upper Bantam are great. Totally my kind of paddling!

Loved my experience at CCK and Collinsville has a lot of charm (and locally made soda = total plus).

Maybe this year I'll even make it to the Litchfield Jazz Fest.

  you're quite welcome :-)
  Posted by: daggermat on Jul-14-12 3:59 PM (EST)

appreciate the acknowledgement. I live about 20 minutes from the Bantam, CCK etc...if you want to get together just send an e-mail.

  Lake mcdonough
  Posted by: mixwithh2o on Jul-15-12 7:10 AM (EST)

there are charges to park your car and then they charge you for each boat you put in - beautiful area but there are too many free places to paddle that why would you want to pay to paddle!!!!

  I'll check that one out
  Posted by: bex007 on Jul-15-12 5:41 PM (EST)

when I need to 'fill my dance card'.

That's one of the things I love about kayaking (and cross country skiing) - once you have the equipment there are so many free options out there.

A few of the places that daggermat listed are also listed in my Quiet Water book. For some reason, I never realized just how close NW CT is to me (probably because I stupidly assumed I'd have to travel down I91 to Hartford or Windsor Locks and then go West).

Glad I was proven incorrect and looking forward to new paddling places.

  I'm also in northwest CT
  Posted by: Glenn_MacGrady on Jul-15-12 1:05 AM (EST)

The Housatonic River is my local paddle and it is runnable from Massachusetts to the ocean.

There a several clubs in CT. Connyak is a big seakayak club. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has both whitewater and flatwater groups that run trips. There is a kayak club in Stamford called the Stamford Kayak Group, and there is the Housatonic Valley Paddle Club. You can find them all via Google.

The Great Swamp in Patterson, NY, is my favorite fairly local paddling spot.

I usually paddle three or four times a week, and anyone is free to contact me at any time for any reason. I'll be up in the Adirondacks a couple of times this summer.

  Connecticut Paddling
  Posted by: naturelove on Oct-21-12 11:00 AM (EST)

Hello Sue, wonder if you found some fellow CT paddlers? I have been hiking, fishing camping and paddling this summer - well wherre di it go??? I'm now doing some local fall paddling and it is beautiful out there!! Meet some really great people and creatures - are you still out there?

  BURR Pond CT
  Posted by: naturelove on Oct-21-12 11:11 AM (EST)

I have been doing some local Fall paddling - beautiful! BURR Pond is still beautiful especailly now! Nice people up there, very relaxing, water is really clear and great views, birds and creatures. Sawa light colored hawk a few weeks ago flew right over us. Not too hard to get to either! Rangers who are covering that facility are very nice, helpful. A couple things for everyone who loves the outdoors and the water -PLEASE don't leave your debris /garbage behind -I think most of us yakkers are more appreciative than that- all our PARKS, Water places and trails are GIFTS and privledges that many have fought for -please respect them! I also fish BUt never leave my line or debris behind -Please Help pick it up, throw it away - recycle it! Local Animals For Life Shelter in Middlebury will take cans and bottles just drop it off. I am a frequent camper visitor to Black ROck ST Park and some times there is so much garbage just tossed, dropped and left behnd I CRY! (WHile I am helping pick it up!) Recycling is CRITICAL re0use of materials is CRITICAL - we are consuming so much and there are so many of us on this poor, ravaged planet! Listen to John Denver's WHose Garden Was this on U tube..his earthly passing anniversary=October 12-1997

  All over CT
  Posted by: shiraz627 on Oct-22-12 6:38 PM (EST)

I paddle most places from Twin Lakes down to the Sound but no white water. Lot's of good places to paddle in CT.

  Crystal rapids in 45 minutes
  Posted by: daggermat on Nov-10-12 11:46 AM (EST)

farmington river. Levels low but fluid. Do this run a lot...class 2 primarily with some pools.
Next saturday we have a group of polers/paddlers doing the riverton run. Hoping to see eckilson, TommyC1, Riverstrider, RavensJester amongst others...
Again, class 2,15 miles, any interest give a shout.

  sat. nov 17th
  Posted by: daggermat on Nov-14-12 9:18 AM (EST)

meeting at satans Kingdom parking lot 9:30 a.m..
Strider, Eck, tommy, jester, scott and a host of others. Lots of poling, yaks, paddlers welcome. Full day, bring lunch, clothing, and ability.

  interested
  Posted by: solstice18 on Feb-10-13 2:41 PM (EST)

Interested in paddling, just have to wait for the ice to melt, and temp to rise some.

  hoping on this weekend
  Posted by: daggermat on Feb-13-13 5:12 AM (EST)

been working too much, but the snow melt has to be doing a lot of good to moving water.

  snow melt weekend
  Posted by: daggermat on Feb-28-13 1:04 PM (EST)

taking both days off this weekend for a change. Want to get out saturday; figure cl.2ish...figuring on Crystal rapids section of Farmington, maybe the Salmon if level holds, and if we get lucky, hit the Shepaug (cl3). Any interest give a shout.

  CT waterways
  Posted by: DianaKayak on Apr-03-13 1:38 PM (EST)

I'm interested! Have done most of the Housatonic and some protected coastal areas as well as some other "Quiet Waters" spots....

  CT Paddle
  Posted by: bluewaterman on Apr-03-13 11:17 PM (EST)

Looking for singlesfor a get together for some quiet water paddling. I have paddle a few good places in Ct and would like to share these with someone..Maybe a small cookout after the paddle. Have extra kayaks if you are interested. Let me know.

  Bantam/Shepaug 4-13
  Posted by: daggermat on Apr-04-13 12:21 PM (EST)

actually 2 groups showing. My buddy Bob R. will be bringing some of FatElmos clubmates up from Joisey to paddle, and we also have a polers gathering. If anybody is interested, post, and I'll get back with details. This is a cl.2 run at the fastest spots.Fairly small river, very very pretty, especially through the steep rock preserve. Good group of folks; we'll most likely all run down the river sort of together after the polers do some attainments beforehand.I anticipate a mix of ww kayaks, rec. kayaks, and OC1 and poling canoes.

  Hi Sue
  Posted by: faithcampbell on Apr-07-13 8:04 PM (EST)

I'm in Central CT and am always up for a paddle. I prefer flat water and slow moving rivers. I began kayaking in earnest last summer, so I would consider myself a beginner still.

Two places I really like to paddle are Crystal Lake in Torrington, CT and Winchester Lake in Winchester, CT

Both are relatively undeveloped and quiet.

	Hi Sue Posted by: daggermat on Jul-11-12 8:30 PM (EST)
	I'm up in Litchfield county, more WW paddler/poler, primarily the Farmington, Shepaug, Housatonic stuff, but do get out on the upper Bantam and other flatter areas from time to time. I have a few FB friends in the area who are into what you do; Shirazz something or other does a lot around Guilford, and a couple women I know do a lot of lake paddling. You can e-mail if you want. I'd like to get out on the CT. river in my canoe again after the powerboat season slows down.

	Suggestions in NW CT? Posted by: bex007 on Jul-13-12 12:06 PM (EST)
	I made the journey from WMass down to Collinsville/Canton a few weeks ago to buy a kayak. What beautiful country and a real easy drive from where I live. I was totally surprised. I would love to hear some suggestions of quiet water (low shore development) paddling in that area. I've paddled the Housatonic (around Lenox and Sheffield, MA) - but not in CT.

	upper Bantam River Posted by: daggermat on Jul-14-12 7:50 AM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Jul-14-12 8:29 AM EST -- google maps Whites Wood rd, Litchfield Ct. Main put in at intersection with Whitehall rd., which is a fire road and is closed. http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/583057831UsqLkp Part of the White Memorial, which is simply an awesome place with 30 plus miles of trails, a nature center, museum, etc...Paddle, then explore this gem. http://www.whitememorialcc.org/ Say hello to the re-habbing owls and hawks; they're really cute. Lake Winchester http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2686&Q=384360 Haven't been there in 12 years, I remember a lot of tree stumps in the lake. It was pretty fun in my flatwater days. Couple cottages iirc, otherwise empty. Burr Pond. I've hiked this area, think I paddled it once. It's quiet. http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2686&Q=383788 West Hill Pond. I went to a hunting/conservation camp here as a youth. Water was so clear. http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2686&Q=384352 Lake McDonaugh, aka Barhamstead Compensating reservoir. http://www.themdc.com/lake_mcDonough.shtml Beaches generally crowded on weekends, but it's a long lake, and serenity is possible. Clean, rocky/sandy bottom. Heavily patrolled, no swimming except in designated area....I used to snorkel all over this place as a kid. That CCK is quite a place. I know John, Trish and Melissa; Trish really well; we paddled together a lot, and I have been clearing her property off and on.

	Thanks!! Posted by: bex007 on Jul-14-12 10:22 AM (EST)
	-- Last Updated: Jul-14-12 10:27 AM EST -- Thanks so much for the paddling tips. I am looking forward to exploring NE CT. The drive there was so pleasant (once we made it thru the hell that is downtown Westfield MA). The pix of the Upper Bantam are great. Totally my kind of paddling! Loved my experience at CCK and Collinsville has a lot of charm (and locally made soda = total plus). Maybe this year I'll even make it to the Litchfield Jazz Fest.

	you're quite welcome :-) Posted by: daggermat on Jul-14-12 3:59 PM (EST)
	appreciate the acknowledgement. I live about 20 minutes from the Bantam, CCK etc...if you want to get together just send an e-mail.

	Lake mcdonough Posted by: mixwithh2o on Jul-15-12 7:10 AM (EST)
	there are charges to park your car and then they charge you for each boat you put in - beautiful area but there are too many free places to paddle that why would you want to pay to paddle!!!!

	I'll check that one out Posted by: bex007 on Jul-15-12 5:41 PM (EST)
	when I need to 'fill my dance card'. That's one of the things I love about kayaking (and cross country skiing) - once you have the equipment there are so many free options out there. A few of the places that daggermat listed are also listed in my Quiet Water book. For some reason, I never realized just how close NW CT is to me (probably because I stupidly assumed I'd have to travel down I91 to Hartford or Windsor Locks and then go West). Glad I was proven incorrect and looking forward to new paddling places.

	I'm also in northwest CT Posted by: Glenn_MacGrady on Jul-15-12 1:05 AM (EST)
	The Housatonic River is my local paddle and it is runnable from Massachusetts to the ocean. There a several clubs in CT. Connyak is a big seakayak club. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has both whitewater and flatwater groups that run trips. There is a kayak club in Stamford called the Stamford Kayak Group, and there is the Housatonic Valley Paddle Club. You can find them all via Google. The Great Swamp in Patterson, NY, is my favorite fairly local paddling spot. I usually paddle three or four times a week, and anyone is free to contact me at any time for any reason. I'll be up in the Adirondacks a couple of times this summer.

	Connecticut Paddling Posted by: naturelove on Oct-21-12 11:00 AM (EST)
	Hello Sue, wonder if you found some fellow CT paddlers? I have been hiking, fishing camping and paddling this summer - well wherre di it go??? I'm now doing some local fall paddling and it is beautiful out there!! Meet some really great people and creatures - are you still out there?

	BURR Pond CT Posted by: naturelove on Oct-21-12 11:11 AM (EST)
	I have been doing some local Fall paddling - beautiful! BURR Pond is still beautiful especailly now! Nice people up there, very relaxing, water is really clear and great views, birds and creatures. Sawa light colored hawk a few weeks ago flew right over us. Not too hard to get to either! Rangers who are covering that facility are very nice, helpful. A couple things for everyone who loves the outdoors and the water -PLEASE don't leave your debris /garbage behind -I think most of us yakkers are more appreciative than that- all our PARKS, Water places and trails are GIFTS and privledges that many have fought for -please respect them! I also fish BUt never leave my line or debris behind -Please Help pick it up, throw it away - recycle it! Local Animals For Life Shelter in Middlebury will take cans and bottles just drop it off. I am a frequent camper visitor to Black ROck ST Park and some times there is so much garbage just tossed, dropped and left behnd I CRY! (WHile I am helping pick it up!) Recycling is CRITICAL re0use of materials is CRITICAL - we are consuming so much and there are so many of us on this poor, ravaged planet! Listen to John Denver's WHose Garden Was this on U tube..his earthly passing anniversary=October 12-1997

	All over CT Posted by: shiraz627 on Oct-22-12 6:38 PM (EST)
	I paddle most places from Twin Lakes down to the Sound but no white water. Lot's of good places to paddle in CT.

	Crystal rapids in 45 minutes Posted by: daggermat on Nov-10-12 11:46 AM (EST)
	farmington river. Levels low but fluid. Do this run a lot...class 2 primarily with some pools. Next saturday we have a group of polers/paddlers doing the riverton run. Hoping to see eckilson, TommyC1, Riverstrider, RavensJester amongst others... Again, class 2,15 miles, any interest give a shout.

	sat. nov 17th Posted by: daggermat on Nov-14-12 9:18 AM (EST)
	meeting at satans Kingdom parking lot 9:30 a.m.. Strider, Eck, tommy, jester, scott and a host of others. Lots of poling, yaks, paddlers welcome. Full day, bring lunch, clothing, and ability.

	interested Posted by: solstice18 on Feb-10-13 2:41 PM (EST)
	Interested in paddling, just have to wait for the ice to melt, and temp to rise some.

	hoping on this weekend Posted by: daggermat on Feb-13-13 5:12 AM (EST)
	been working too much, but the snow melt has to be doing a lot of good to moving water.

	snow melt weekend Posted by: daggermat on Feb-28-13 1:04 PM (EST)
	taking both days off this weekend for a change. Want to get out saturday; figure cl.2ish...figuring on Crystal rapids section of Farmington, maybe the Salmon if level holds, and if we get lucky, hit the Shepaug (cl3). Any interest give a shout.

	CT waterways Posted by: DianaKayak on Apr-03-13 1:38 PM (EST)
	I'm interested! Have done most of the Housatonic and some protected coastal areas as well as some other "Quiet Waters" spots....

	CT Paddle Posted by: bluewaterman on Apr-03-13 11:17 PM (EST)
	Looking for singlesfor a get together for some quiet water paddling. I have paddle a few good places in Ct and would like to share these with someone..Maybe a small cookout after the paddle. Have extra kayaks if you are interested. Let me know.

	Bantam/Shepaug 4-13 Posted by: daggermat on Apr-04-13 12:21 PM (EST)
	actually 2 groups showing. My buddy Bob R. will be bringing some of FatElmos clubmates up from Joisey to paddle, and we also have a polers gathering. If anybody is interested, post, and I'll get back with details. This is a cl.2 run at the fastest spots.Fairly small river, very very pretty, especially through the steep rock preserve. Good group of folks; we'll most likely all run down the river sort of together after the polers do some attainments beforehand.I anticipate a mix of ww kayaks, rec. kayaks, and OC1 and poling canoes.

	Hi Sue Posted by: faithcampbell on Apr-07-13 8:04 PM (EST)
	I'm in Central CT and am always up for a paddle. I prefer flat water and slow moving rivers. I began kayaking in earnest last summer, so I would consider myself a beginner still. Two places I really like to paddle are Crystal Lake in Torrington, CT and Winchester Lake in Winchester, CT Both are relatively undeveloped and quiet.