The Housatonic River is one of the great assets in the New England area. The river shaped the growth of Connecticut during the industrial revolution by providing waterpower for mill towns like Shelton & Derby that sprang up along its banks. While problems do exist in defined stretches, overall the river is characterized by high water quality. The river's flows are sufficient to support Class I, II, III and IV whitewater rafting rapids.

With more than 100,000 acres of public recreation land throughout the watershed, opportunities for swimming, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, sculling, boating, hiking, camping and cross-country skiing abound. The Appalachian Trail runs along the river for five miles between Kent and Cornwall Bridge, the longest stretch of river walk between Georgia and Maine. Farther north the trail again parallels the river for about one-mile in Sheffield, MA.

Since it is a mild river, boating is typically limited to canoes and floating-type trips. Many launch ramps are located along the river. But Massachusetts Rafting is still offered by commercial rafting companies.

Written by  Ryan Hutchings.

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