Canoe and Kayak Guide to the Willimantic River - Headwaters

Stafford Springs, Ellington, Willington, Tolland

Map numbers refer to the notes on river features and launch sites below. Because river conditions and access points may change over time, use of the information in this guide is at the sole risk of the user.

Map of Boat Launches and River Features in the Willimantic River Headwaters

River Features

  1. Narrow channel, good only in high water.
  2. Warning: Two-foot drop over dam (.9m). Scout before putting in. Can portage.
  3. Large boulder and "Rock Garden"
  4. Large boulder midstream
  5. Large boulder and "Rock Garden"
  6. Warning: At Interstate 84, go through RIGHT culvert (LEFT culvert is dead-end)
  7. Warning: Sharp bend. Do not go straight. Turn hard RIGHT, then use caution in fast, narrow channel.

Launches

L1 Stafford Springs Commuter Lot

Location: East side of Route 32, at commuter lot; Distance from Start: 0 miles; Vehicle Parking: Large area, excellent; River Access: Excellent; Comments: Narrow section, good only with high water. 2 foot drop about .5 miles downstream.

L2 Plains Rd in Tolland

Location: Plains Road, .2 miles south of Route 32; Distance from Start: 1.4 miles; Vehicle Parking: Good; River Access: Good; Comments: Bony below. Good with high water.

L3 Nye Holman State Forest in Tolland

Location: North side of Route 74, .3 miles west of Route 32 (Nye-Holman State Forest entrance); Distance from Start: 5.9 miles; Vehicle Parking: Good; River Access: Fair/Good; Comments: Best access is .1 miles north of Route 74; brush and steep bank.

L4 South River Road in Tolland

Location: South River Rd, 50 feet south of Route 74, .3 miles west of Route 32; Distance from Start: 6.0 miles; Vehicle Parking: Poor, narrow access, steep, limited; River Access: Excellent; Comments: Launch #3 is a better choice for vehicle access.

L5 Heron Cove Park in Tolland

Location: South River Road, .5 miles south of Route 74.; Distance from Start: 6.5 miles; Vehicle Parking: Excellent; River Access: Excellent; Comments: Park at end of lot and carry 200 feet on gravel road to launch site.

Maps created by Denise Burchsted from data provided by CT DEP through UConn's Map and Geographic Information Center (MAGIC). Data accessed on March 2005. Additional information provided by the Willimantic River Alliance.