Paddlers have a new place where they can launch their kayaks and canoes onto the Connecticut River.
The town of Portland, Connecticut—roughly 15 miles south of Hartford—recently completed construction of a new kayak and canoe launch site along the river.
Town officials said it is the town’s first public access point along the river in roughly 100 years.
The stretch of the Connecticut River near Portland includes scenic shores and hidden coves, and includes two beautiful islands that paddlers can explore: Wilcox Island and Gildersleeve Island.
The new launch features a parking area for roughly 10 cars.
The launch is located off of Airline Avenue South in Portland.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Saturday, June 6 to mark the opening of the river access point.
