Aspinook Pond in Connecticut

Trip Overview

What a pleasant surprise I was in for today. Upon finding the right way to the launch site (which has no facilities), I launched and set the GPS so I could measure my trip. I paddled right this time and took advantage of all the nooks and crannies along the way. The only other boats I saw were 1 canoe and 1 kayak that the guy was just putting in before it started to sprinkle, and both near the end of my paddle.

Obviously this is a quiet place during the week, no idea how busy it gets on the weekends. It had a very remote feel to the whole paddle and though there are some homes or cottages in areas they are more prominent down near the city and the dam. I went up as far as the bridge but realized I could have kept going further up the river that feeds the pond.

Osprey, herons, bitterns, swallows and I'm sure if I were there earlier in the day I may have seen some muskrats or other wildlife on the shore. Turtles of course, and in some areas huge carp could be seen. Saw a couple large fish jump, but too far to tell what they were.

Large campground on right side nearer to the city area yet far enough away to not be bothered. Tents camp right next to the pond from what one of the patrons said if you are interested it's in Lisbon. Otherwise lots of permanent sites for larger campers and plenty of spread out trailers. Again this was during the week so no clue of the weekend.

I paddled 9 miles in about 4 1/2 hours with no real current or wind to speak of to battle with. I took lots of pics and just kind of kept paddling with no hurry to my strokes. If you don't want to do the whole pond (300+ acres) at least go right out of the cove and paddle northwards as far as the 2 bridges or your arms will take you.

Accommodations:

Absolutely none, but town is close enough for before and after

Fees:

none

Directions:

I took route 2 E out of Hartford to 395 north which was exit 28 (I believe). Once on 395 N I took exit 84 for Jewett City Route 12 and went N again. you will see a small pond (Clays Pond) on the right and just after Lily Pond Rd on the right look for Quinebaug Camp Rd on your left. follow this a short ways it turns into Riverview or Side Rd and then take a left on Arbor for a very short distance. Not well marked drive straight down to the launch. park on side & leave room for boat trailers to get in and out.

Resources:

I used the Connecticut gazeteer and the DEP Lakes and Ponds of Connecticut