Connecticut River

This boat ramp in Orford provides a 16-foot-wide launch facility offering convenient access to the Connecticut River, one of New England's major waterways. The ramp has been recently improved to provide boaters and paddlers with better facilities for entering the river. The access point is located in the upper Connecticut River valley, making it an ideal starting point for exploring this scenic and historic stretch of water.

The Connecticut River at this location is a substantial waterway with an average flow of approximately 22,800 cubic feet per second and average velocities around 5 feet per second. Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for strong current conditions and plan accordingly. The river in this region maintains a moderate gradient of 6.5 feet per mile on average, making it suitable for experienced kayakers and canoeists. This section of the Connecticut River is known for its natural beauty and historic significance, including nearby attractions like the Columbia Covered Bridge.

For those interested in fishing, the nearby Union Village Dam area (over 6 miles away) offers opportunities to fish for stocked brown and rainbow trout as well as natural brook trout populations. The Connecticut River has numerous launch points along its 409-mile length, providing paddlers with flexibility in planning multi-day trips or day excursions through this scenic New England corridor.