Connecticut is home to numerous rivers, with the Connecticut River being the longest at 406 miles, flowing from Canada to Long Island Sound and covering 410 square miles of watershed in the state. The Housatonic River, spanning 149 miles, supports hydroelectric power and recreation, while the Thames River, a 15-mile tidal river, connects Norwich to Long Island Sound, playing a vital role in Connecticut's economy and ecology.
Explore the map of Connecticut with rivers, lakes, and geographical / physical features which is clearly marked on the map.
List of Rivers in Connecticut
River Name
Length (Miles)
Source
Outflow
Key Features
Connecticut River
406
Fourth Connecticut Lake, New Hampshire
Long Island Sound
Longest river in New England; major watershed supporting ecosystems, agriculture, and recreation.
Housatonic River
149
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Long Island Sound
Known for hydroelectric dams, fishing, and recreational activities.
Thames River
15
Confluence of the Yantic and Shetucket Rivers, Norwich, Connecticut
Long Island Sound
Tidal river; significant for navigation, commerce, and local industries.
Farmington River
46
Becket, Massachusetts
Connecticut River
Popular for trout fishing and designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
Naugatuck River
40
Thomaston, Connecticut
Housatonic River
Historically significant for industrial development; currently undergoing ecological restoration.
Quinebaug River
69
Brimfield, Massachusetts
Shetucket River
Part of the Thames River watershed; features historic mills and recreational paths.
Shetucket River
20
Willimantic River and Quinebaug River confluence
Thames River
Important tributary to the Thames River; known for scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
Yantic River
14
Lebanon, Connecticut
Shetucket River
Forms the Thames River when it merges with the Shetucket River; features Yantic Falls.
Willimantic River
25
Stafford Springs, Connecticut
Shetucket River
Flows through northeastern Connecticut; supports local wildlife and recreational use.
Rivers of Connecticut
Connecticut is known for its diverse and vital river systems that contribute significantly to its geography, ecology, and economy. The state is named after the Connecticut River, which is the longest river in New England. These rivers serve as key waterways for transportation, sources of water for agriculture, and hubs of recreation, while also playing an essential role in supporting wildlife habitats.
Connecticut River
The Connecticut River is the most prominent river in the state, stretching 406 miles from its source in the Fourth Connecticut Lake in New Hampshire to its mouth at Long Island Sound. It flows through four states—New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut—and has a watershed covering 11,250 square miles. In Connecticut, the river supports agriculture, provides drinking water, and serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, including migratory fish like Atlantic salmon and shad.
Housatonic River
The Housatonic River spans 149 miles from the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts to Long Island Sound. In Connecticut, it is known for its hydroelectric power stations and recreational activities, including fishing and boating. The river also supports a variety of wildlife and has several designated recreational areas along its course.
Thames River
The Thames River is a tidal river that stretches approximately 15 miles from Norwich to Long Island Sound. Formed by the confluence of the Yantic and Shetucket Rivers, the Thames is significant for commerce and navigation, with ports such as New London playing a key role in maritime activities.
Farmington River
The Farmington River is a 46-mile-long tributary of the Connecticut River, originating in Massachusetts. It is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River due to its ecological importance and recreational value, including activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
Naugatuck River
The Naugatuck River runs for 40 miles through western Connecticut, eventually joining the Housatonic River. Historically, it was a center for industrial development, but today it is undergoing significant ecological restoration to improve water quality and habitats.
Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers
The Quinebaug River, at 69 miles long, and the Shetucket River, at 20 miles long, are part of the Thames River watershed. These rivers are known for their scenic beauty and historical significance, with several old mills located along their banks.
Other Notable Rivers
- Willimantic River: A 25-mile tributary of the Shetucket River, supporting local ecosystems and recreation.
- Yantic River: A 14-mile river that merges with the Shetucket River to form the Thames River, featuring picturesque Yantic Falls.
- Eightmile River: A 13-mile-long tributary of the Connecticut River, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.