NW CT Flatwater Day Trip, Sunday 8/31/25

[Glenn MacGrady]

I will be paddling this Sunday, August 31, on a 9.5 mile round trip out of the Lake Lillinonah Pond Brook boat launch, which is at 158 Hanover Road, Newtown, Connecticut. I know there is water there, all flat water, and the weather is supposed to be good. The trip goes down Pond Brook Stream, across and down Lake Lillinonah (the Housatonic River), up the Shepaug River to Roxbury Falls for lunch, and then back.

Launch time is 10 am.



HERE is a link to the map page above.

Here is a the webpage for the Pond Brook Boat Launch with pictures of and directions to the launch:

Lake Lillinonah Pond Brook Boat Launch

portal.ct.gov

Anyone is welcome to join me, and I will be DMing the members who responded to the NW CT, S MA, MHV NY Roll Call thread. I'll also put a link to this thread in that thread.

 

[lowangle al]

Even though it’s a three hour drive for me I would have considered going if I was in town. One question I would have is how long could I expect the trip to take. This would give me an idea of what kind of pace I could expect and how much and what kind food and drink to bring.

9.5 miles is a substantial trip in my book. It could be done in four hours with only a short break or two. Five hours would leave time for a longer break and the slower pace you can have when paddling in a group. At six hours you would have time for a couple breaks, some exploring or comparing gear or techniques.

Knowing the anticipated time frame would help me be better prepared and also be good to know for those with a long drive home.

I hope everyone has a good time, maybe I can join in next time.

 

[stevet]

Have fun and post pics!

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

One question I would have is how long could I expect the trip to take.

9.5 miles is a substantial trip in my book. It could be done in four hours with only a short break or two. Five hours would leave time for a longer break and the slower pace you can have when paddling in a group. At six hours you would have time for a couple breaks, some exploring or comparing gear or techniques.

Al, this trip takes about 45 minutes with a bent shaft paddle.

Otherwise, it takes as long as the slowest geezer paddles, which could be me. Probably five hours at a leisurely pace with a 30-40 minute lunch break at Roxbury Falls, which is the turnaround point.

 

[lowangle al]

Al, this trip takes about 45 minutes with a bent shaft paddle.

I just ordered one, 12 degree with a Maine Guide blade and Northwoods grip. I hope you're not messin with me.

I figured five hours to be about right. Any longer we'll have to take a nap.