Housatonic

1st time. Live near enough, but wanted bigger and more technical water back in the day , then life distractions. 800cfs this morning. Put in at Rte 7 bridge S of Falls Village. Out at the covered bridge. Nice day, Flat water, wild life, a nice enough float. Lots of wildlife. Fishermen. Later a few riffles just to remind you the water is moving. Rapids at the covered bridge just enough to splash you a bit. I can't really say what this would be at higher levels, but the river is not constricted enough to get truly entertaining other than a big wave train. I would stick with my old haunts for 3s or 4. A perfectly acceptable amount of water for a warm day float. Done in a bit over 2hrs. Took a detour to check out the swifts bridge rapid. Fun enough looking even at this flow, but you wouldn't want to include it in the trip , just by itself. I was curious. Much lower and bottoming out at places will become a headache, but then I would probably be tubing instead. I may come back for that. Was just what I expected and perfect for the group. Great intro section or just a day out for new paddlers. Working around put in, out has many options.

This is a good run for open boats and novice kayakers. Best above 1000 cfs. If the river is 700 cfs or below I recommend park and play at the covered bridge in West Cornwall or at the Swift's Bridge Rapid in Cornwall Bridge, about a mile below the usual take out at the Housatonic Meadows Picnic Area. 'Swifts' is okay at even lower levels and has a few small surfing waves. At very high flood levels look for 'Strike Three', a powerful and erratic wave that the play-boaters love. If in doubt call Clarke Outdoors at 860-672-6365

Regarding good flow levels for paddling: We are older, cautious intermediate kayakers who have been paddling from the Falls Village power plant to Housatonic Meadows campground for decades. For us, 1000 cfs at the power plant is a minimum level for good paddling. Below that (maybe as low as 750), from the power plant to the covered bridge is tedious, the covered bridge rapids is pretty tame and technical, and the rest is pretty scrapey (boney, as some say). Below 750, don't even try. A plug: We always go to Clarke Outdoors for shuttles and good information. They seem to be the heart of the paddling community around there. Enjoy!

Delete the 2001 posting on the Housatonic River. We lost. The license was issued in 2002 and the Falls Village plant is now required to operate run-of-river. No more releases for paddlers. Betty Lou Bailey, Adirondack Mountain Club, another intervenor.