Customer Reviews

The Connecticut River Boating Guide, 3rd: Source to Sea (Paddling Series)

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This is a detailed mile by mile guide to the Connecticut River, breaking the river up into a series of 28 reaches (1 reach per chapter). There are maps for each reach with sufficient lat/lon indicators to enable interpolation for GPS waypoints.

River conditions from flatwater to Class IV whitewater are covered in detail as are campsites, sightseeing/sidetrip opportunities and major landmarks along the river, plus a bit of history.

As a 'boating' guide, it is probably most useful to paddlers in canoes or kayaks, or perhaps rafts/inflatables. Access points, particularly formal and informal access points for cartop boats, are covered in text and on the maps.

The thick, coated cover of the book is excellent quality, will handle some spray, and the page edges are rounded to avoid fraying/splaying -- making this guide suitable for on-river use.

The guide contains clear, accurately detailed descriptions of launch points often known only to local folks. The only item canoeists need to research is the amount of relief (vertical drop) at "car-top-craft" launch sites. Often sites that lack "ramp" designation present difficult entry conditions. I don't fault the guide as these conditions change with season and from year to year.

I found the description of geography and social, agricultural, and industrial history interesting; well beyond the chamber-of-commerce level. The geological history of the Connecticut Valley is the best I have ever read. It is accurate, inclusive, and understandable and will add to the enjoyment of your cruise or expedition. You'll get more than launch sites from this excellent guide.

This is a good guide for those with a yen to paddle the Connecticut. However, some of the descriptions are either outdated, or just plain inaccurate. For example, at Mile 272, you will come to Dodge Falls/Ryegate Paper Company Dam. The book states: "Caution: Do not run these falls unless you aren experienced paddler and have scouted the stretch." This really should read: "Caution: Do not run these falls unless you are 1) suicidal or 2) interested in violating several federal laws." There is a concrete drop of about 20 feet off this Dam. The portage does look like it has been altered to route through the campground, so it is now longer than the book states. The water beyond Dodge Falls is also not swift. This may simply be a matter of discrepancy in the time of year. In the spring, it certainly could be swift. In August, it's a nice long, slow paddle.

The key advice it to scout any area you are unsure of. Very solid advice.

In general, however, this guide is unrivaled in detail, history, and good mileage descriptions.

If you are interested in the primitive camps along the river, check out the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail website.

Happy paddling!

All the Ct. River info you need in one book.All the reaches are broken down by distance, portages etc. Already planning this years trips.