The Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail brings New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut communities, conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, businesses, volunteers, and visitors together to protect, steward, enjoy, and benefit from a series of primitive campsites and river access points spanning from the river’s headwaters south to Long Island Sound. We recognize the region’s rich ecology and productive working landscape and seek to facilitate recreational use compatible with the river valley’s natural, social, and historic character.

A collaborative of loosely connected organizations assists with trail planning and development, builds and stewards primitive campsites, improves access points and portage trails, and disseminates information to visitors. When appropriate, collaborating organizations form partnerships to carry out specific projects and initiatives. Annual meetings provide opportunities for planning, reflection on trail successes, and discussions on new challenges.

Campsite and river access development follows a shared management protocol designed to maintain the integrity of the river experience, ensure proper etiquette and standard expectations by trail users, encourage adequate stewardship, and to maintain good relationships with landowners. Campsite development, as well as ongoing stewardship, is carried out by volunteers, scout troops, and youth stewardship corps who will work together to mitigate the impacts of recreation use.

Trail promotion is coordinated and carefully managed, recognizing that overuse could both degrade campsites and the scenic experience visitors seek. At a website, jointly maintained and updated by collaborators, visitors are able to obtain trail and campsite updates, explore maps, post trip experiences, and connect to and support partnering organizations. Unified way-finding signage assists visitors in finding access points. Visitors have access to waterproof maps, sold by area outfitters.

Collaborating partners host river events that showcase area paddling opportunities. The purchase of maps and contributions from area paddlers and businesses help raise funds for ongoing site stewardship efforts. Outreach to paddlers creates an engaged user group that not only recreates in a manner that is compatible with the natural and historic resources of the river valley, but who, working with area partners, assists with resource protection and river enhancement projects.