Reflections From a River Steward: Connecticut River Paddlers Trail

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been working my way south along the Connecticut River Paddler’s Trail, visiting campsites and portages along the Paddlers’ Trail. The goal is to make sure each site is usable, safe, and in decent condition for paddlers traveling through this summer.

I started up north in Beecher Falls, near the border and have been working downstream, stopping at each site to keep them in good condition for paddlers. Some are in good shape and only need minor trimming or sign checks. Others require more time, trimming overgrown access trails, picking up trash, adding signage, cleaning privies, or noting erosion issues.

One of the more satisfying parts of this work is trimming overgrown vegetation at a more forgotten site and seeing it ready to go for the next paddlers. Before-and-after photos help show that shift clearly. Trimming grasses back from a campsite picnic table can make a huge difference.

Picnic table before trimming.

Picnic table after trimming.

As for trash, the most common item I find is, by far, is Twisted Tea cans. They show up at a lot of campsites, usually left in or around fire rings. It’s a small thing, but it adds up. If you’re out on the river, please pack out what you bring in.

Litter at Paddlers Trails Campsites.

I’ll be continuing south in the coming weeks, doing the same checks at each site: trails, signage, erosion, trash, fire rings, general upkeep. If you’re paddling the Connecticut this season, enjoy the sites, and do your part to keep them in good shape for the next person.

River access sites are important spaces where people, especially children, can experience healthy natural ecosystems firsthand. Early exposure to rivers, forests, and wildlife helps build a sense of appreciation and responsibility for these areas. These experiences often become the foundation for lifelong environmental stewardship. Protecting and maintaining these public river access sites is about more than convenience, it is about sustaining the connection between people and the land, ensuring the next generation can understand and protect Vermont’s rivers.

Rock fire pit at campsite.