Mattabesset River - Floodplain Forest

This stretch of the Mattabesset is a favorite among birders and naturalists. From your kayak, watch for great blue herons, wood ducks, and belted kingfishers, or catch a glimpse of beavers and painted turtles along the banks. In spring and summer, listen for the vibrant calls of red-winged blackbirds and marsh wrens echoing through the cattails. Overhead, swallows skim the water's surface, and bald eagles may soar silently above the tree line. With each paddle stroke, we’ll explore the river’s quiet beauty and learn about the dynamic natural systems that make this section of the Mattabesset a key link in Connecticut’s network of conserved waterways. This tributary of the Connecticut River winds through a protected landscape in Cromwell, offering paddlers a peaceful and scenic route with minimal current—perfect for observation and reflection.

The river current is slow, making this is a good trip for beginners who fulfill the basic physical…