Swimming/Boating

Ready for a swim? Looking to get out on the water to water ski or maybe paddle your favorite stretch of quiet water? Want to take a canoe trip for an afternoon or a couple of days?

Recent Bacteria Data

Look for recent E. coli data at your favorite swimming or boating site by clicking here. Unfortunately, the river is not always clean enough for swimming and/or boating due to elevated E. coli bacteria levels associated with stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). As a general rule, we recommend staying out of the water for 24 to 48 hours after a storm event to reduce your risk of contracting a water-borne illness. 

Boat Ramps and River Access Points 

Search for a boat ramp or access point by clicking here . This website provides a growing interactive map of recreational facilities and access points along the main stem of the Connecticut River from source to sea. The project has been undertaken through a bi-state partnership of Regional Planning Agencies serving communities along the main stem of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts and Connecticut for the purposes of collaborating more effectively to improve the environment, water quality, recreation and public access on the Connecticut River. Partnering organizations include the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, the Capitol Region Council of Governments, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, and the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency. Funding for this bi-state partnership has been provided through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmoshperic Administration (NOAA).

Other Recreation Planning Resources

Plan a paddling trip at www.connecticutriverpaddlerstrail.org or www.millerswatershed.org/blue-trails/

Connecticut River Watershed Mobile Tours

Connecticut River Watershed Virtual Tours