New England Paddler
Connecticut River Reach 4
Colebrook, NH to Bloomfield - North Stratford
Connecticut River Reach 4
Colebrook, NH to Bloomfield - North Stratford
Last Updated: 3/2023
The access is for car top boats only and well marked.
This is a beautifully maintained park.
[9] North Stratford Access - Mile 344.3
Position: 44°44.88'N 71°37.70'W
Altitude: 884 feet
Altitude: 884 feet
Description:
Park at the gravel parking lot. Carry your car top boat over the grassy park down to the river.
Nearest Launch Address:
58 Main Street, North Stratford, NH 03590
Looking down stream at the launch site.
This covered bridge is well maintained.
There is limited parking as seen here for three vehicles.
[4] Columbia Covered Bridge Access
- Mile 354.5
Position: 44°51.19'N 71°33.12'W
Altitude: 988 feet
Altitude: 988 feet
Description:
Access is possible on both sides of the river. However, access is easier on the Vermont side, where there is an unimproved grassy area.
Nearest Launch Address:
2 Columbia Bridge Road Columbia, NH 03590
Columbia Bridge Adventure is available on the VT side.
[6] Lyman Falls Access - Mile 347.5
Position: 44°46.65'N 71°35.70'W
Altitude: 938 feet
Altitude: 938 feet
Landowner: Town of Columbia, NH
Site Steward: Columbia Conservation Commission Vermont River Conservancy
Site Steward: Columbia Conservation Commission Vermont River Conservancy
Description:
A rough gravel road through a small quarry leads to a picnic area and river access just below the breached dam at Lyman Falls in Columbia, NH
Nearest Launch Address:
- 98 U.S. Route 3, North Stratford, NH 03590
- Across the road and 100 yards south to unmarked private road from: CJEJ Farm - The Meat House
- Drive through a gravel quarry, down a steep hill, and across a set of railroad tracks. Please note that this road can be rough. A parking area has been established near a kiosk.
- Do not drive onto the beach!
Park in this gravel area for about 3 vehicles.
Carry your car top boat to the river down a trail down river of this bridge.
[1] Bridge Street Access - Mile 359.2
Position: 44°53.93'N 71°30.50'W
Altitude: 1000 feet
Altitude: 1000 feet
Description:
Park at the gravel parking lot next to the bridge. Carry your car top boat over the grassy/rocky trail down to the river.
Nearest Launch Address:
6294 River Road, Lemington, VT 05903
This quiet area, as seen here, is perfect for a launch.
STATISTICS
Skill Level: Class 1
Estimated Time: 5 hours
359.2 - 344.3 = 14.9
Reach Distance: 21.2 miles
USGS Map: Monadnock Mountain VT,
Tinkerville NH
Turn in at this sign, then turn left up the dirt access road.
Drive to the up river (north end) of the dirt access road. You may have to back out after unloading if your vehicle is medium to large.
[5] Lemington River Access - Mile 352.7
Position: 44°49.86'N 71°33.56'W
Altitude: 988 feet
Altitude: 988 feet
Description:
Turn in at the "Francis John Smith Access Area" sign. Turn up river on the dirt road to the very end, unload, and launch into generally calm water. Park back where the entry sign is. It may be possible to camp here with permission but there are no facilities.
Nearest Launch Address:
Route 102, River Road, Guildhall, VT 05905
The river is calm here most days. Launch here.
This small business in Lemington, Vermont. rents kayaks and canoes, provides shuttle service, and leads guided paddle tours.
Position: 44°51.22'N 71°33.15'W
Contact: Gina Brown
Address: 2147 VT-102 Lemington, Vermont 05903
Phone: 603-331-1174
Email: gbrown456@aol.com
Service Type: Outfitter (Rentals, Shuttle Services)
Phone: 603-331-1174
Email: gbrown456@aol.com
Service Type: Outfitter (Rentals, Shuttle Services)
Columbia Bridge Adventures - Mile 354.5
[7] Lyman Falls Campsite - Mile 347.4
Position: 44°46.55'N 71°35.73'W
Altitude: 936 feet
Altitude: 936 feet
Landowner: Vermont State
Site Steward: Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation
Site Steward: Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation
Description:
Several campsites below breached dam.
River and foot access only. Suitable for large groups.
Nearest Launch Address:
Cross the river from Lyman Falls Access and travel about a tenth of a mile down on the Vermont side.
[8] Belknap Campsite and Access - Mile 344.6
Position: 44°45.11'N 71°38.03'W
Altitude: 888 feet
Altitude: 888 feet
USGS Map: Maidstone Lake VT
Landowner: Vermont State
Site Steward: Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Site Steward: Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Description:
Small campsite, accessible by paddling or lining a boat slightly upstream on the Nulhegan River, just past the Rt 102 bridge. Foot access possible on a short trail behind a Northern Forest Canoe Trail kiosk off Route 102. Campsite situated on the river's north shore.
Nearest Launch Address:
2 River Drive, Bloomfield, VT 05905
[2] Holbrook Point Campsite - Mile 357.9
Position: 44°53.10'N 71°30.97'W
Altitude: 1000 feet
Site Steward: Vermont River Conservancy
Altitude: 1000 feet
Site Steward: Vermont River Conservancy
Description:
Holbrook Point is situated under a canopy of silver maples on the edge of a floodplain forest, at a bend in the river, about 1.3 miles south of the Colebrook Bridge.
Maximum Group Size: Room for three tents
[3] Columbia Meadows Campsite - Mile 356.1
Position: 44°52.09'N 71°32.29'W
Altitude: 990 feet
Site Steward: Columbia Conservation Commission
Altitude: 990 feet
Site Steward: Columbia Conservation Commission
Description:
Quiet campsite on edge of field. Picnic table and mouldering privy. Suitable for larger groups; please concentrate tents on the northern end of the meadow, to prevent damage to hay crops.
Maximum Group Size: Suitable for large groups
