Paddling on the Willimantic River

Almost the entire river (24 miles) is navigable by small boats, except for the dammed section in the city of Willimantic, which has been proposed as a future whitewater park. The Willimantic River Yacht Club hosts an annual Upper Willimantic River Race on the second Saturday in April.

Water levels can make or break a canoe/kayak trip on the river. Before heading out, check one of the water level gauges at right.

NOTE: Because river conditions and access points may change over time, use of information in this web site is at the sole risk of the user.

River Guide

Map #1 - Headwaters Map #2 - Midriver Map #3 - Lower River Map #4 - Windham/Willimantic Canoe & Kayak Boat Launch and River Features Key Map

Select a section of the river for information on boat launches and river features.

Headwaters and Midriver

Above Eagleville Lake

This section extends from Stafford Springs to Plains Road bridge between Coventry and Mansfield.

The river is shallow and rocky, and the best conditions are in spring or after rainfall. This part of the river has riffles and small rapids and is rated as quickwater by AMC.

  • Map 1 - Headwaters (Stafford Springs, Ellington, Willington, Tolland)
  • Map 2 - Midriver (Tolland, Willington, Coventry, Mansfield)

Lower River and Windham/Willimantic

Eagleville Lake

This section extends from Plains Road bridge between Coventry and Mansfield to Eagleville Dam.

This flatwater section is recommended for those not familiar with river techniques. It offers easy paddling because of a slow current and year-round water levels. Car-top/carry-in motor boats may launch at the dam (8 mph limit).

Below Eagleville Lake

This section extends from below the Eagleville dam to Willimantic.

There is usually enough water to paddle year-round, but note that high water conditions also make it dangerous for paddling in this section of the river. This section is rated as flatwater by AMC, but there are tricky currents appropriate for experienced paddlers only.

Below the Route 66 bridge, there is currently no public place to take out before the dams. The Willimantic Whitewater Partnership has proposed a whitewater park for the dammed section of the river in the city of Willimantic. Follow the progress of this project at www.willimanticwhitewater.org

Willimantic River Gauges

Before taking a canoe/kayak trip on the river, check the river's water level.

On-line Gauge

Check the USGS' Willimantic River real-time stream gauge.

If the water level is at 4.2 feet, the river above Eagleville dam is deep enough for boats. The water below Eagleville dam is usually passable, but the ride can be rocky if the water level is below 4.2 feet on the gauge.

Merrow Bridge Gauge

You can also check the water level on the Merrow Road bridge between Mansfield and Coventry (pictured above). A level of 2.1 on this gauge equals 4.2 on the on-line gauge.