Thames River Tour De Coves, Uncasville (Montville)

Meet at 9:30 a.m. for a 9:45 a.m. start from the Montville boat launch, 55 Dock Road, Uncasville (Montville). This moderately paced out and back 9 or 11-mile paddle on the Thames River south of Montville will explore the various coves along both sides of the river, including Mill Cove, Long Cove, Smith Cove, and Mamacoke Coves (north and south). Option to shorten the trip to 9 miles by skipping Smith Cove. Lunch on the shores of Mamacoke Cove South. There may be no porta-potty at the launch, so use a highway rest area before arriving. We will take advantage of the 12:18 p.m. low tide to get a tidal boost in both directions.
Paddlers must provide their own kayak/canoe and other equipment, and should bring lunch, water and snacks. Per group policy, a life jacket must be worn for the trip duration.
Rain cancels and weather-related decisions will be made Saturday by 7 a.m. If the weather is uncertain, the leader will post an update at that time.
The launch site information has the outdated exit number for the launch, but does include a map of a portion of the river where we will be paddling.
GPS track (showing this trip done in reverse): https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/16974702675
Launch site information:
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/gis/coastalaccessmaps/CoastalAccessSite97.pdf?la=en
Mamacoke Conservation area: https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1042&context=arbbulletins
Directions:
From the West: I-95 North, Exit 76 to I-395 North. From I-395 North, Exit 6, left on Rt. 163 for 0.8 miles. Right on Lathrop Rd. for 0.1 miles. Next left on Dock Road and follow to the end for the boat launch.
From the East: I-95 South, Exit 84E to Rt. 32. North for 4.6 miles. Bear right on Lathrop Rd. for 0.8 miles. Right on Dock Road and follow to the end for the boat launch.