CT: Litchfield County- Barkhamsted (Summer Kayaking)

Awesome paddle and bike adventure on Farmington River. Since the river is long and diverse, it’s important to do some research for your skill level both in relation to the current and how far you would like to go. My jaunt was relatively flat with a few little areas of navigation.

We started in Riverton by grabbing a bite at the Riverton General store. Great sandwiches and inviting patio.

Down the road is Riverton park where we chose to begin the paddle.

Directions: In Riverton you will find a parking lot on Rt.20 across from the Old Hitchcock Chair Factory Store, which is now called Riverton Self Storage.

Flat and Class 1 waters that were a bit intimidating at first for this old lady but it’s shallow waters. Great time!

We paddled downstream to Pleasant Valley. It was about five miles.

Due to the current I didn’t take many pictures but it was a lovely ride with loads of anglers and other kayakers. Lots of herons about that appeared to be cheering us along.

American Legion and Peoples State Forests are located on opposite sides of the Farmington River’s West branch in Barkhamsted. It was fun to then pick up the bikes and ride the five mile return up the road of People’s forest. We then picked up the car and went back to get the kayak down the American Legion side.

It was a great paddle and hike adventure. This was not a paddle that I could have done back upstream. Had to be one way and this was a fun way of doing it!