Kayak Parks near Portland, CT

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Portland is located in Middlesex County, Connecticut. Ideally situated across the vast Connecticut River, access to water activities such as boating and kayaking are convenient. The area is well known for the historic Brownstone Quarries, another area suitable for recreation kayaking. With its eight marinas and numerous boat launches, many kayaking parks abound in Portland for exploration.

Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park

Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park offers 29 acres for kayaking and canoeing. Paddlers can bring their own equipment or rent from the park. A half hour kayaking lesson is available for guests 6 years or older; kayak rental for half a day is included. Kayakers can explore the historic Portland Brownstone Quarries on their own or with a small group. Other activities include scuba diving, hiking, zip lining, swimming, camping, cliff diving and mountain climbing and biking.

Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
290 Brownstone Avenue
Portland, CT 06480
866-860-0208
brownstonepark.com

Indian River Marina

Indian River Marina is located just a quarter mile from Indian River. Kayakers can explore the area's water trails including the three rivers that converge from Clinton Harbor including Hammonasset, Indian and Hammock. Wildlife sightings of swans along the marina, egrets in the wetlands and ospreys are popular. Launch ramp fees are applicable and a variety of rafters including tandem, day-touring, recreational and fishing kayaks can be rented at the marina. This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy kayak fishing. Historic downtown Clinton is also just a five minute walk from Indian River Marina.

Indian River Marina
58 Commerce Street
Clinton, CT 06413
860-664-3704‎
indrivmar.com

Connecticut River

The Connecticut River is the largest river in New England; kayakers can explore this river for miles and miles. It flows south from New England to the Connecticut Lakes and central Connecticut into Long Island Sound. Kayakers can enjoy its vastness and varied conditions including calm quiet waters, flat water or more challenging rapids. Kayak fishing is available for species including brook, rainbow and brown trout, shad, smallmouth bass, striped bass ad catfish.

Many access points are located at either North Cove and South Cove in Old Saybrook, about half an hour from Portland. The Baldwin Bridge State Boat Launch at Ferry Road has an access pier, kayak boat access and boat launch ramp without any parking fees. The Old Saybrook Town Dock, located at Sheffield Street offers car-top boat access with no fees. Another option is the South Cove Boat Launch in Knollwood Avenue.

Connecticut River
603-826-4800
crjc.org/recreation.htm

Article Written By Rona Aquino

Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.

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