Housatonic River

Connecticut

The Housatonic River Basin lies principally in western Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts, with small sections extending into southeastern New York. This area is well known for its charming rural character, historical heritage, and natural beauty, which is remarkable considering its proximity to large urban centers in the northeast. The Housatonic River supports outstanding scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, historic value, and wildlife/vegetation.  

Scenic
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Designated Reach

December 29, 2022. From the Massachusetts-Connecticut boundary to the Boardman Bridge in New Milford.

Outstandingly Remarkable Values

Ecology

The Housatonic Valley is a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of plants and animals, some not found in other parts of the state. Much of this is owed to the diverse habitats of the area's agricultural lands, woodlands, wetlands, and overgrown abandoned fields. The ecological resources of ...Show More

History

The Housatonic River Valley was first occupied by paleo-Indians in approximately 10,000 BC, and since that time has been occupied by three distinctive Native American cultures before the first Europeans explored the area. The Schaghticokes still have a reservation along the river in Kent.

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Recreation

This segment of the Housatonic River is a frequently visited area due to its many recreational offerings in a picturesque setting. The Housatonic supports a wide range of river-oriented activities and is a well-known destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fly fishing. State park and forest lands...Show More

Scenery

The bucolic scenery of the Housatonic River Valley is highly diverse as the river flows through areas of steep forested mountains with prominent bedrock outcroppings near their summits, to areas of gently rolling hills and broad floodplains covered with agricultural fields and dotted with small v...Show More

Managing Partners And Contacts

Classification/Mileage

Recreational Scenic
Recreational — 16.3 miles; Scenic — 24 miles; Total — 40.3 miles.
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