Charlestown Picnic Area

**Access & Facilities**
Charlestown Picnic Area offers a single-lane concrete ramp with paved approach and docking facilities for launching. The site provides free trailer parking available 24 hours, along with restrooms and handicap-accessible facilities including dock and picnic area access. This launch point is part of the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail, a network of access points, campsites, and portage trails along the river.

**River Conditions**
The Connecticut River at this location in Sullivan County is a major waterway with significant flow averaging over 22,000 cubic feet per second and a moderate gradient of approximately 6.5 feet per mile. Paddlers should be prepared for a river with notable current and velocity, typical of this major stream order (8) system. As this access point is relatively close to the river's headwaters in the Appalachian Mountains, water conditions and flows can vary seasonally. The large drainage area (over 11,000 square miles) means the river can be substantially affected by upstream weather and water management from dams.

**Before You Launch**
Check current water levels and flow conditions before paddling, as this stretch of the Connecticut River experiences considerable current. The Connecticut River Paddlers Trail website provides detailed information about water conditions, campsites, and other access points to help plan your paddle.