Paddle, Connecticut River, Wethersfield Cove to Hartford

Meet at 9:30 a.m. for an expected launch by 9:50 a.m. from the boat launch at Wethersfield Cove, 533 Main St., Wethersfield. Park on the left by the old barn that is actually an old warehouse. This start time will allow us to make best advantage of the 10:40 a.m. high tide. This 10-mile moderate-paced paddle will explore the Connecticut River from Wethersfield Cove to Riverside Park in Hartford. This trip provides great views of the state capital with forested banks south of the city. If water levels allow, we will paddle a short distance up and back along the Hockanum River in East Hartford. If we go the full mile each way in the Hockanum River, we will balance the trip distance by eating lunch at Great River Park in East Hartford. Those desiring an extra mile of paddling can loop around the cove at the end. Paddlers must provide their own kayak/canoe and other equipment. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Per club policy, a life jacket must be worn for the trip duration.
Any weather-related changes will be published via email by 7 a.m. the morning of the trip: don’t let advance forecasts scare you away — they are frequently wrong.
GPS track: (with a short Hockanum River section): https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/5321079713
Directions: I-91 North to Exit 26 to the exit for Old Wethersfield. Left on Great Meadow Rd. for 0.5 miles: go under Rt. 3 and then left again under I-91. Left on Marsh St. and follow the loop north for 0.5 miles. Right on Main St. for 0.7 miles and follow it to Wethersfield Cove.
I-91 South to Exit 26. Right off the exit, then immediate left on Marsh St. and follow the loop north for 0.5 miles. Right on Main St. for 0.7 miles and follow it to Wethersfield Cove.
Be aware that Wethersfield Police use radar on Main Street, which has a speed limit of 30 mph that drops to 20 mph near the cove.