Connecticut Coastal Access Guide

Swimming
There certainly is an abundance of "swimming holes" to splash into in the Berkshire region.  Here is some basic information if you want to go for a dip after a long hike.  Call ahead to make sure a particular place is open the day you want to visit.

Lakes
Candlewood Lake (Brookfield, Danbury, New Milford, New Fairfield, Sherman...buy day passes at any town beach)

Lake Lillinonah (New Milford, Bridgewater, Southbury, Roxbury...buy day passes at any town beach)

Lake Waramaug (New Preston)

Lake Zoar (Newtown, Sandy Hook, Stevenson, Southbury...buy day passes at any town beach)

Ocean/Long Island Sound
Hammonasset State Park (Madison, CT)

Sherwood Island State Park (Westport, CT)

Silver Sands State Park (Milford, CT)


"Swimmng Holes"
Black Rock State Park (Watertown, CT)

Burr Pond (Torrington, CT state park)

Indian Well State Park (Shelton, CT)

Kettleton State Park (Southbury, CT)

Mt. Tom State Park (Litchfield/Bantaam, CT)

Squantz Pond State Park (New Fairfield, CT)  (Unbelievably crowded weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day)

(Please email me if you want your organization or business listed here.)

Nature provided an abundance of watersheds as the glaciers receded ages ago.  In New England that means rivers, lakes, and ponds are peppered throughout the landscape.  A byproduct of this is any type of water activity imaginable.  Humankind has made some "adjustments" to these natural waters.  Some probably would have preferred if they just left well-enough alone.  But if you love to kayak, canoe, shoot the rapids, water ski, then the Berkshires presents an affordable, safe means to get on the waters and enjoy the day!

Kayaks/Canoes
(click on names to visit their websites)

Conn Yak  (Connecticut Sea Kayakers.)

Housatonic Valley Paddle Club  (Join in for some relaxing adventures with a group of friendly people.)

Atlantic Kayak Tours  (845) 246-2187
(Peekskill, NY -- Sea kayaking on the Hudson River as well as dozens of other destinations. Beginner to Advanced.)

Clarke Outdoors  (860) 672-6365
(West Cornwall -- Housatonic River white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing.)

Kayak Adventures  (203) 852-7294 or
toll-free: (888) 454-0300  (Norwalk -- Private or small groups lessons...or tours of Long Island Sound)

Main Stream Kayaks & Canoes  (860) 639-6791  (New Hartford -- Farmington River white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing.)

Manhattan Kayak Company  (212) 924-1788 (New York City from a totally different perspective. All skill levels welcome and dozens of trips/tours.)

New York City Downtown Boathouse
(860) 672-6365 (New York City boating organization offering free programs for kayakers...beginners to experts. Great place!!)



Sailing
Schooner Sound Learning  203-865-1737  (New Haven -- Set sail on the 91 ft. Quinnipiac schooner and learn about the ocean by actively participating.)

SoundWaters  203-323-1978
(Stamford -- Take a 2 hour ecology tour on the sailing ship SoundWaters across the Long Island Sound. 80 ft. replica)

Long Island Sound Ferry Rides
Sheffield Island Ferry  203.854.4656
(South Norwalk -- Take a ride out to Sheffield Island Lighthouse.)

Norwalk Seaport Association  203-838-9444
(Norwalk -- Orginazation that is designed to educate and promote Long Island Sound region. Click "Sheffield Island" link for info about ferry ride.)

Boat Rides
Echo Bay Marina  (203) 775-7077
(Brookfield -- Candlewood Lake ski boats and pontoon rentals)

Gerard's Waters Edge Marina
(860) 350-2628
(New Milford -- Candlewood Lake ski boats and pontoon rentals)