The Farmington River Watershed Association was founded in 1953 to protect the Farmington River and…read moreits coastline. It covers an impressive area of 600+ square miles in CT and MA that includes 33 towns and seven recreational areas. All those square miles can accumulate quite a bit of unwanted trash, so once a year the Association holds an Annual River Clean-Up for volunteers to clean up what our thoughtless neighbors have tossed aside. Today, we were part of a massive 250 person swarm of those volunteers from across the Farmington Valley. We signed in at the Association office and were offered breakfast; fresh bagels and cream cheese (courtesy of Brookside Bagels) and coffee (courtesy of Starbucks). We chatted with some of the other volunteers and noticed a group of 8 kids who were there for a birthday party. The birthday girl was 9 years old today. How cool is that? We received our work gloves and trash bags and set off for our destination. Some of the places that were targeted for clean-up were the Tariffville Gorge, Curtis Park, and Iron Horse Rails to Trails. We headed over to Curtis Park, and walked the soccer fields, brush and shoreline. Scraps of paper, cigarette boxes, soda and beer bottles and cans, Dunkin Donuts cups and bags all found a home in our trash bags. One thing that didn't make its way into our bag (hell, we couldn't even lift it!) was a humongous truck tire and rim that some considerate litterer dumped near the shoreline so nature lovers wouldn't back into it while parking their vehicles. Curtis Park wasn't too bad for litter, so we headed over to the Tariffville Gorge where we found a more generous bounty of trash. While the litterers at Curtis Park mostly seemed to be beer drinkers, the litterers at the Gorge seemed to prefer hard liquor because we found a bonanza of nip bottles and pint bottles. We also found an old rusted fender and a hunk of a car muffler. Some of the other things we found were drink boxes, a plastic quart of motor oil, and quite a few supplies for the do-it yourself smoker. We filled our bags and headed back to the Association office for a very nice lunch donated by Simsbury businesses, Little City pizza donated ten pizzas, Antonio's Restaurant chipped in with fifty grinders, and Fitzgerald's Supermarket provided a huge amount of cookies for dessert. What a great day we had. We chatted with dozens of civic minded community service minded folks, we met two very dedicated leaders of the Association, we observed great support by the business community, we saw some spectacular scenery, and we picked up a lot of nasty trash that will never find its way into the river to harm the fishes and pollute the watershed. That's a pretty good day in my book.

This is a family run business , and the family is very friendly ! The dad , Jack is awesome ! We…read morehave been going the last few years , and it's been a pleasure getting to know them. He is very informative and personable . You park in back of BARTS , and get a ride up the river . Cannot beat the price ! You pay one price and get a kayak for the entire day ! We went today and what a treat ! We were able to see SEVERAL bald eagles , and two guarding a nest ! This is a good river for first timers , the water is never too deep to feel unsafe . It takes about 3-4 hours to get back down the river to BARTS depending on your level of kayaking . There are several little water ways you can turn into and explore ! We've seen all kinds of wild life . The bird sounds and sightings are incredible . Highly Recommend for a relaxing day on the river and supporting a small family business !

Honestly these guys are great. We've booked with them several times. Reasonable price and so very…read morenice. They recently saved my Sunday with my boyfriend. Thank you guys! We had a great day out there. Appreciate you!

The name Satan's Kingdom was given to this area in the 1870s by railroad construction workers,…read morebecause it was difficult to accomplish. This small one-acre park is located in New Hartford on route 44. There is a huge parking lot and a couple of spots to unload your tube, kayak, or canoe. The park is open 8 am until sunset. There is no swimming and alcohol allowed. There are trails connected to Nepaug State Forest and Tunxis Trail. The trails are near the bridge. The vendor, Farmington River Tubing, rents out tubes as well as provides transportation. They will pick people up from the end point and bring people back to the starting point. There are three sets of rapids on the 2.5 mile trip. You can also bring your own tube for free but make sure to have a ride to bring you back. Overall, a cool spot to access the river and I can't wait to go tubing and canoeing on it.

There are trails, and kayak rentals . Fun spot. I've been there a few times. Nature is always…read moremy go-to

Bought a new Pyranha Scorch small kayak! Order went well with delivery within a few weeks. Jim…read moreanswered all questions and was very knowledgeable about kayaking was buying! Transaction went smoothly! This was a 2nd kayak after 45 years with same brand!

Steve was our guide for white water rafting and he was awesome. Truly an expert on the route and…read moregave perfect instructions. All staff were very friendly. They even accommodated our dietary restrictions. 10/10 recommend!

After renting kayaks and having so much fun, we decided to buy our own and come back! $5 to launch…read moretour own boat/paddle pad..BUT We came with family who RENTED kayak, but we were treated disrespectfully by a staff/kids working the ramp. Since this was our first time using our own boats at this location we attempted to use the self launch dock, however we were uneasy with it and were unsure as our first time (walking down stairs and a free floating dock you put your boat next to) We went to the other launch dock where there were others who rented boats waiting their turn to get out. We were waiting our turns as well as family going with us, to launch but one of the kids who was working was snobby saying "you can't be over here during busy times like this" and rolled his eyes when we explained we we uneasy at the other dock. As paying customers, I was appalled at how we were treated by some young man as we told him we didn't feel safe using the other dock as OUR FIRST TIME We were fully aware there was a free boat launch down the road however we were with family and wanted to all stay together since they had to rent theirs. Next time I will save myself the hassle and disrespect from some child staff who can't properly communicate

We love this spot to rent kayaks on the Farmington river. They rent by the hour so get there early…read moreas they are slammed in the summer months. Easy check in and send off. Floating on the river is so relaxing and a great workout for the arms They also have bike rentals and kayak sales

And we're rolling, rolling, rolling on the river Listen to…read morethe story Sooo yeah.. About that... Another yelp event which didn't include just eating but burning off the calories from other events. Service from the phone call to when we left was A++++ They set my son, ferret and myself up with two paddle board or SUP boards.. They also have canoes, and kayaks as well. Amazing rental price of 20 an hour and 10.00 for each extra hour..which is very reasonably priced. They also include a life jacket and if you would like a waterproof case for your phone at no additional charges. The staff were warm and friendly. And they just adored my ferret named Francis. We all headed out and ready to tackle the mighty CT river. Which I feel with all the wacky weather and rain that we've had the currents are a little stronger than normal. Due to my own personal health issues I gave up before the hour my son stayed out a little bit longer than I did but closer to the area where we started off. And Francis was over it too and took an swim. We did actually have Sunshine for once!! Overall we had an amazing experience. When I do go back I would most likely try a canoe or kayak. I do love supporting family owned and run small businesses here in Connecticut this is one of those hidden gems that you definitely have to try out before the summer ends!!!!

So cool. Fun summer place to catch some awesome family experiences! I would highly recommendread more