Guided Kayaking: Floodplain Forest - All Equipment Included

Begin your day with a guided kayak tour along the tranquil waters of the Mattabesset River, where rich floodplain forests, quiet backwaters, and expansive freshwater marshes provide a haven for wildlife. This tributary of the Connecticut River winds through a protected landscape in Cromwell, offering paddlers a peaceful and scenic route with minimal current—perfect for observation and reflection. As we paddle along the Mattabesset, you’ll discover how this river supports a thriving ecosystem shaped by seasonal flooding and natural meanders. 

This stretch of the Mattabesset is a favorite among birders and naturalists. From your kayak, watch for great blue herons, wood ducks, and belted kingfishers, or catch a glimpse of beavers and painted turtles along the banks. In spring and summer, listen for the vibrant calls of red-winged blackbirds and marsh wrens echoing through the cattails. Overhead, swallows skim the water's surface, and bald eagles may soar silently above the tree line. With each paddle stroke, we’ll explore the river’s quiet beauty and learn about the dynamic natural systems that make this section of the Mattabesset a key link in Connecticut’s network of conserved waterways. 

$100/ person $20 Deposit, $80 Due Time of Event 

Difficulty: Intermediate: Should be able to paddle for 20 minutes at a time. See website for basic physical requirements.

Photo by Don Henise