The river flows out of Gay City State Park ( in Hebron. It continues south where it joins the Jeremy River to form the Salmon River.

The Blackledge is mostly made up of quickwater with several easy to paddle rapids.

When the water is high enough it can be run from West Road in Hebron. Several bridges downstream allow for different put-ins and take-outs once again depending on the water level.

At medium levels ( gauge readings of 4.4 – 4.8 ) you have a long Class II paddle from Connecticut Route 66 down to the Leesville Dam – about 12 miles.

Cautions: Fallen trees, rocks, and footbridges.

West Road, Hebron – Connecticut Route 66

USGS Quadrangle: Marlborough

Type of Water: Quickwater, Class I & II

Paddle Length: 2.75 miles

Portage: Dam – 1.5 miles in – 20 yards

Put-In: West Road, Hebron

Google Map

Longitude: 72.471187 ºW Latitude: 41.664592 ºN

Take Out: Connecticut Route 66

Google Map

Longitude: 72.46045700000001 ºW Latitude: 41.630583 ºN

On The Water:

Start north of Marlborough center at the bridge on West Road, just east of the intersection with Jones Hollow Road. The river here flows through a marsh. The section of the river which heads down to Parker Road is swampy and full of beavers.

After 50 yards the river travels through a gravel pit for a ¼ of a mile. Quickwater then enters as you move beyond the gravel pit and the river narrows.

There are some Class II rapids and an S turn right before a small pond where you’ll encounter a dam you’ll need to portage. The dam is in a private backyard so be courteous.

Right below the dam is Parker Road bridge, this can be an alternate put in. Below the dam – at 1.5 miles – the river moves along with very few obstructions. There are Class I & II rapids for the next 1.25 miles to the Connecticut Route 66 bridge at 2.75 miles.

Cautions: Fallen trees, rocks,  and footbridges.

Connecticut Route 66 - Salmon River

USGS Quadrangle: Marlborough and Moodus

Type of Water: Quickwater, Class I & II

Paddle Length: 6 miles

Portage:

Put-In: Connecticut Route 66

Google Map

Longitude: 72.46045700000001 ºW Latitude: 41.630583 ºN

Take Out: River Road

Google Map

Longitude:  ºW Latitude:  ºN

On The Water:

Below Route 66 the river flows through Class I & II rapids for the next 3 miles to Old Hartford Road ( a common put in for a Blackledge River – Salmon River run). The river is very narrow and requires high water levels. There are rocks which need medium level water to navigate around – while high water brings a danger of branches and low footbridges.

The put in can be reached by taking Exit 13 off of Route 2. After several miles a bridge is reached with parking on the left. You need to put in on the upstream side of the bridge. Class II rapids start under the bridge and continue for a mile. The mile which follows is much calmer as the river widens. Keep your eye out for several low footbridges. Class I & II rapids pick up again for the next mile as you head for the Old Route 2 bridge.  Just before the bridge Lyman Brook flows into the river increasing the current. Beneath the bridge the rive flows to the left and through a series of small drops. This is followed by several easy rapids. Take care as you head into each turn – watch for fallen trees. The river eventually straightens out as it merges with Fawn Brook. You’ll see a large parking lot on the left here – which is a great put in point if the river is low or you want a shorter trip.

The river is much wider after this and after several hundred yards the river runs under the highway. Here the water is mostly quickwater. Your next bridge is on River Road – where you can take out. Below the bridge the river flows another ½ mile to join the Jeremy River and form the Salmon River.

Cautions: Fallen trees and footbridges.

The information here is based upon the best available information presently available.

If you find and error or have a written description of a water trail we have not included - please contact us

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