Things to Do in Cromwell, CT - Cromwell Attractions
Things to Do in Cromwell
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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- ARoseCharlotte, NC925 contributionsGreat hiking trails, unfortunately this is not a good time of year to be in the park. The bugs making hiking very difficult, even if you are covered in bug spray. The best time to go hiking is in the spring and fall. There are some wider trails for easy hiking and some narrow ones that are a little more hilly. There are some good lookout points over the river. Trails are well marked.
The parking lot is small and if you arent looking out for it, youll miss it. Its a small parking lot, but ive never seen more than 2 cars in it. There is a map in the parking lot that outlines the trails.Written August 22, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - John LConnecticut860 contributionsMy review, is focused on the actual River Trail. Not to be confused with a popular foot path that follows the banks of the Mattabassett River.
My time has been on the River itself in a kayak, either solo or with my wife or a friend. The portion of the I frequent is from the launch behind the Dunkin Donuts on Shunpike Road (Rte 3) in Cromwell and leading downstream to the Mouth at the Connecticut River. A round trip from "Donut to Mouth" can be roughly 8 miles.
So please heed my warning, this is a long journey and is not one for a Novice Sunday Paddler.
If you do, have the experience paddling greater distances than this will surely please. The water level is affected by the tide and I recommend a putting in at or just past the peak of low tide, head downstream, and on the way back you will likely catch a nice ride back upstream.
From the DD Launch the river is fairly narrow and trees shadow the banks. Keep your eyes pealed for Bird Life and the Occasional Fury Creature along the bank. Speaking of Fury Creatures, you will likely see a fisher man or two. With my luck, please don't ask what lies below.
The narrows eventually open up a few times to side bogs where spring catfish will flip & splash, okay, I did know this much. The spots are quiet, sun bathed, and serene. Just drift a bit and take it in.
From the narrow and the bogs, the entire a third world and the best feature of them all. The Meadow. The river opens and if you have time, just take in ALL THE SIGHTS. Geese, swan, duck, migratory birds, crane, shy sun bathing turtle, swallow tail, seagull, and eagle. The are even nesting roosts for the Osprey. The Meadow varies greatly by the season.
My favorite time is early spring, the Meadow will flood and become a vast lake. Warning, this also isn't for everyone without experience and planning. There are usually unseen obstacles during the flood season that can prove to be dangerous and force a capsize. Summer and fall season are saver and just as nice and each offer an entirely new experience.
Past the Meadow, lies the Route 9 underpass and the railroad trestle then the CT River. There is a calm section off the main river channel where you can rest, refuel your shoulders before heading back upstream.
My Public Service Announcements: 1) ALWAYS WEAR a Personal Floatation Device (PFD)! 2) Please JUST OBSERVE all sights mentioned and please do not be a menace. 3) If you carry anything in, make sure you carry it out!Written November 29, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - 3432Sandy57Middletown73 contributionsWe stop by a couple times a year. During the winter it's a lovely quiet destination, in the summer twice we decided not to get out of the car because the deer flies looked ravenous.Written August 14, 2013This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cromwell
- The top attractions to visit in Cromwell are:
- River Highlands State Park
- Mattabassett River
- Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area
- Stranded at the Spa
- Cromwell Landing
- The best outdoor activities in Cromwell according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Cromwell on Tripadvisor