The Portland, Connecticut, area offers a wealth of kayaking parks and options because of the proximity of Long Island Sound as well as numerous rivers. Kayaking parks in Portland, as well as those less than 30 miles away, provide kayakers with the opportunity to experience river, whitewater, and sea kayaking.
Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park
The Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park, located in Portland, Connecticut, is an old brownstone quarry turned into a water sports and outdoor recreation park. For kayakers, the sheer rock faces make for scenic backdrops for long or short trips. Because of the large size of the park, groups of kayakers can easily explore the park together. The park is ideal for beginner and advanced kayakers alike, presenting a comfortable environment in which to learn the basics as well as a relaxed environment in which to enjoy the scenery and water.
Visitors can bring their own kayaks or rent them from Brownstone.
Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park
161 Brownstone Avenue
Portland, CT 06480
866-860-0208
brownstonepark.com
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest public beach park in Connecticut. Located just 27 miles from Portland, the park has special beach areas for kayak launching. While water conditions vary depending on the time of day and year, kayakers can tour the coastline and even explore some of the inland rivers. Because of the variability of the water conditions, the park is recommended for intermediate to expert kayakers.
Pre-sunset tours of the shoreline are among the preferred activities for kayakers familiar with the area. However, the park closes at sunset and all kayakers must complete their tours by that time.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT 06443
203-245-2785
ct.gov
Indian River Marina
At the Indian River Marina, about 24 miles from Portland, novice and advanced kayakers can take advantage of the calm waters of the Indian River. With both recreational kayaks, for shorter and slower trips, and touring kayaks, for faster and longer trips, available, kayakers can explore the rivers and the shoreline. The area along the Indian River is considered tidal wetlands and is home to many bird and fish species. Fishing kayaks are available for rental at the marina.
Indian River Marina
58 Commerce Street
Clinton, CT 06413
860-664-3704
indrivmar.com
Hockanum River Linear Park
The Hockanum River Linear Park, located in East Hartford, Connecticut, approximately 20 miles from Portland, is a popular destination for kayakers and canoers, The river is smooth and calm as it passes through the park and its characteristics vary little from season to season. Much of the Hockanum River is smooth but quick, with a brief section of whitewater before the river joins up with the Connecticut River.
The Hockanum River Linear Park Commission hosts an annual kayak and canoe race on the East Hartford section of the river.
Hockanum River Linear Park
740 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
860-291-7100
hockanumriverwa.org
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 14.5 Ocean Sea Touring Kayak-Blue
Complete Sea Kayak Touring
Advanced Elements Compact Touring Kayak Paddle (4 part)
Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park
The Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park, located in Portland, Connecticut, is an old brownstone quarry turned into a water sports and outdoor recreation park. For kayakers, the sheer rock faces make for scenic backdrops for long or short trips. Because of the large size of the park, groups of kayakers can easily explore the park together. The park is ideal for beginner and advanced kayakers alike, presenting a comfortable environment in which to learn the basics as well as a relaxed environment in which to enjoy the scenery and water.
Visitors can bring their own kayaks or rent them from Brownstone.
Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park
161 Brownstone Avenue
Portland, CT 06480
866-860-0208
brownstonepark.com
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest public beach park in Connecticut. Located just 27 miles from Portland, the park has special beach areas for kayak launching. While water conditions vary depending on the time of day and year, kayakers can tour the coastline and even explore some of the inland rivers. Because of the variability of the water conditions, the park is recommended for intermediate to expert kayakers.
Pre-sunset tours of the shoreline are among the preferred activities for kayakers familiar with the area. However, the park closes at sunset and all kayakers must complete their tours by that time.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT 06443
203-245-2785
ct.gov
Indian River Marina
At the Indian River Marina, about 24 miles from Portland, novice and advanced kayakers can take advantage of the calm waters of the Indian River. With both recreational kayaks, for shorter and slower trips, and touring kayaks, for faster and longer trips, available, kayakers can explore the rivers and the shoreline. The area along the Indian River is considered tidal wetlands and is home to many bird and fish species. Fishing kayaks are available for rental at the marina.
Indian River Marina
58 Commerce Street
Clinton, CT 06413
860-664-3704
indrivmar.com
Hockanum River Linear Park
The Hockanum River Linear Park, located in East Hartford, Connecticut, approximately 20 miles from Portland, is a popular destination for kayakers and canoers, The river is smooth and calm as it passes through the park and its characteristics vary little from season to season. Much of the Hockanum River is smooth but quick, with a brief section of whitewater before the river joins up with the Connecticut River.
The Hockanum River Linear Park Commission hosts an annual kayak and canoe race on the East Hartford section of the river.
Hockanum River Linear Park
740 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
860-291-7100
hockanumriverwa.org
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 14.5 Ocean Sea Touring Kayak-Blue
Complete Sea Kayak Touring
Advanced Elements Compact Touring Kayak Paddle (4 part)
