Safety And Etiquette Guidelines

For Your Safety

  • Carry a map of the river with you. Know the location of dams and other hazards.
  • Cell coverage is not reliable. Do not let your life depend upon a cell phone for emergency use
  • Use PFDs. PFDs save lives! Each boat must carry an approved personal life jacket for each person. State laws require children 12 years and younger to wear PFDs at all times.
  • Be prepared for cold water. Wear your life jacket, stay fueled and hydrated, avoid cotton, pack extra layers in a dry bag, and know the symptoms and treatment for hypothermia
  • Always secure your boat. Don’t simply “beach” it. River flows are affected by operations at dams, and water levels can fluctuate several feet without warning!
  • Be careful near dams. Buoys may not be present early or late in the season. Be aware of strong and changing currents.
  • Watch for poison ivy which is particularly prevalent along the river in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Utilize produces like Technu to protect yourself.
  • Don’t drink untreated river water. Bring your own water, or plan to lter or boil river water before use.
  • In an emergency, call 911.

Etiquette Guidelines

The Connecticut River is a rich ecological and recreational resource bordered by working farms and forest lands. The majority of the campsites established along the Connecticut River are made possible through the generosity of private landowners. While a variety of partners help to establish access points and campsites, the future of the Paddlers’ Trail depends on good river etiquette and campsite stewardship. Please follow these guidelines:

On The Water

  • Share the river. Give anglers a wide birth, and be efficient while loading and unloading boats at busy access points.
  • Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance, and do not disturb nesting birds or basking turtles.
  • Prevent the spread of invasive exotic species. Clean and dry your boats and gear thoroughly between each trip – sections of the Connecticut River are host to invasive aquatic species, that disrupt our natural ecosystems and can be spread by anglers and paddlers.

At the Campsites

  • Access campsites from the river only. Land based access is prohibited unless indicated otherwise.
  • Limit your stay to no more than two nights per site. Campsites are designed for downriver trips, and this helps ensure they will be room for everyone. This applies to primitive, remote campsites only, not state parks or private campgrounds, unless indicated otherwise.
  • Respect the landowner’s property by staying within the designated campsite areas.
  • Note the campsite’s capacity. Generally, the maximum group size at river campsites is twelve campers. However, many campsites are only suited for smaller groups: check the list of campsites as you plan your trip. Others are suitable for larger groups. If the campsite is full and you must find another place to camp for the night, try to request permission from the landowner.
  • Do not use metal stakes when camping near farmer’s fields as they can damage haying equipment and be dangerous to livestock.
  • Support trail stewardship. Campsites requires annual maintenance to keep them safe for paddlers and to prevent damage to the environment. Consider a donation to the trail’s stewardship fund or to the partners that maintain the campsites.
  • Be mindful of campsite closures. Most campsites are open from mid May to mid October. Others may be closed due to maintenance or due to abuse from users.
  • Leave each campsite in better shape than you found it. Carry out all trash you find at the site, including food waste, to keep the campsite clean and to avoid temptations for local wildlife.
  • Stay within the designated campsite areas; respect the landowner’s property and crops.
  • Be careful where you walk. Protect the shore vegetation and the fragile soil it depends on by traveling on existing paths and hard surfaces. The roots of shore vegetation bind soil together and prevent erosion.
  • Use a portable stove for cooking. Fires are forbidden at some sites. Where permitted, keep fires small and in control. If you choose to make a fire, please use the fire ring provided and use only downed and dead wood. Never cut live trees, or peel birch bark.
  • Dispose of human waste properly. When available, use the privies provided. If no privy is available, bury human waste in a 6-8 inch cathole at least 200 feet away from the water.
  • Sshhhh… Noise carries easily on the river. Allow others to share the solitude.