Planning for Spring Camping - Connecticut River - Wilder Dam to Bellows Falls

Its time to start thinking about our spring camping trip. If we continue down the Connecticut River, the next section is Wilder Dam to Bellows Falls  - looks like a nice 3-night trip.

Put-in - Wilder Dam – mile 218

First Night - Burnaps Island Campsite – mile 212 - located on NH side about 3 miles below the mouth of the Mascoma River and the I-89 bridge at West Lebanon, and just above the mouth of the Ottauquechee River. Access is from the west side of the island, on the main channel.

Portage - Sumner Falls – mile 206 - take out on river right on rocky ledge (look for sign). Follow trail up to dirt road that leads down to a sandy put-in. Length: 285 yards

Intermediate Campsite - Burnham Meadow Campsite – mile 205 - located on the Vermont side four miles below Sumner Falls, 1 mile below Hart Island, and 3 miles above the Windsor-Cornish covered bridge. On an elevated bench just south of Bashan Brook, where the river bends to the east. Take out is about 50 yards south of Bashan Brook.

Second Night - Wilgus State Park Campground – mile 196 – on the VT side just past the mouth of the Sugar River (NH) Beautiful and popular campsite

Intermediate Campsite - SCA Campsite – mile189 – on the NH side two miles below Hubbard Island. Access to the site is up a short, but somewhat steep trail with box/check steps. The site sits in an area with hemlocks overlooking the river and adjacent to a field. It includes three tent platforms, a composting toilet, and a small network of trails. Fires are not permitted - stoves only.

Third Night - Lower Meadow Campsite – mile 178 – on NH side with two tent platforms and space for another 2-3 tents on the ground. A nice fire-ring, and a composting privy. Easy access from river, and good swimming.

Take out - Bellows Falls – mile 176

Three night trip is 42 miles with one portage and a couple of long days - 16 miles and a portage on day 2, 18 miles on day 3.

Link:

Connecticut River Paddlers Trail