Canoe and Kayak Guide to the Willimantic River - Lower River

Coventry, Mansfield

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 - Lower River

River Features

  1. At upper end on Eagleville Lake, watch for large tree and turn into RIGHT channel.
  2. Danger: 15-foot dam. Take out at launch site on RIGHT (west) side above dam and portage to launch site on Mansfield side downstream of bridge.
  3. Stay RIGHT above narrow channel. Do not hold onto the large downed tree on RIGHT bank.
  4. Stay RIGHT on first bend south of Route 31 bridge to avoid gravel bar on LEFT. Pull off on RIGHT bank and scout ahead.
  5. Island by first UConn well (brick building)
  6. Go LEFT of island just after fourth UConn well
  7. Warning: Sharp RIGHT bend. Do not go straight (dead end). Make hard RIGHT turn. Watch for blowdowns and scout beyond turn.
  8. Island. Go LEFT.
  9. At upper end on Eagleville Lake, watch for large tree and turn into RIGHT channel.

Launches

L9 Eagleville Dam in Coventry

Location: North side of Route 275, .3 miles west of Route 32; Distance from Start:15.1 miles; Vehicle Parking: Excellent; River Access: Good, but rocky; Comments: West side of river. Put in for Eagleville Lake and upstream paddle, or, for downstream trip, take out before 15 foot dam

L10 Eagleville Dam in Mansfield

Location: S. side of Rt. 275, .2m W of Rt. 32; Distance from Start: 15.1 miles; Vehicle Parking: Excellent; River Access: Good; Comments: Park in lot. Carry 150 feet across Route 275 to put-in on downstream side of bridge.

L11 Depot Road in Coventry

Location: South side of Depot Road, .1 mile west of Route 32; Distance from Start: 16.9 miles; Vehicle Parking: Fair/Good; River Access: Good. Short carry; Comments: Roadside parking both sides of bridge. Best put in/take out on west side of river

L12 Cider Mill Rd. in Coventry

Location: North or south side of Cider Mill Road, west of river; Distance from Start: 18.9 miles; Vehicle Parking: Good/limited; River Access: Excellent; Comments: Limited roadside parking, short carry to put in/take out, on west side of river

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.