Farmington River, Avon South

Meet at 9:30 a.m. to paddle by 9:50 a.m. from Fisher Meadows Recreation Area, 800 Old Farms Rd., Avon. This 7.3 mile moderately-paced paddle heads south against the current turning around north of the rapids by Miss Porter’s School, formed by the removal of the former Winchell-Smith Dam in 2025. Enjoy an easier return with the current. We will stop for lunch at the boat launch by Rt. 4. Our speed and effort are highly dependent on water levels and the flow of the current.
Paddlers must provide their own kayak/canoe and other equipment, and should bring lunch, water and snacks. Per club policy, a life jacket must be worn for the trip duration. Rain cancels. If the weather is uncertain, contact the leader by 7 a.m. the morning of the trip to determine if he plans to paddle.
GPS track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56717107
Dam removal info: https://princetonhydro.com/restoring-the-farmington-river-winchell-smith-dam-removal-is-underway/
Directions: I-84, Exit 39 to Route 4, then right on Route 4 East for 1.4 miles. Left on Talcott Notch Rd. for 2.4 miles. Right on Rt. 10 North for 3.2 miles. Left on Old Farms Rd. for 0.3 miles. Left into boat ramp access road.
Google Maps shortcut: Q5FH+2F Avon, Connecticut (This is the code for the bridge over the river. Continue past this point to the launch access road on the left after the bridge.)