Massachusetts whitewater, Connecticut River Hampden county, Holyoke section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.     The Holyoke Dam is between the put-in and take-out.  The dam is roughly halfway between the two bridges and it cannot be paddled. Says Dan If you're coming from Springfield it's not a long drive at all to the starting location, please print out a copy of the road map further down the page so you won’t get lost. This stretch is short so it's not like you're gonna spend hours on the river in one stretch. There are a few other sections in     this river system that can be paddled as well. The sections for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in Massachusetts are often more forgiving than in other states, so better not forget that rivers in this state are less demanding. For all you camping people there are campgrounds nearby. No shortage of good hotels, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. The scenic beauty of Hampden County and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream make the trip here worthwhile. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, this area has a large number of paddling spots. Briefly about the general area:   Chicopee MMemorial State Park is a tremendous place to go to; South Hadley Falls is always fun to check out. Holyoke Heritage State Park is a wonderful spot any time of year, and since you're here you will meet lots of people from close by Holyoke. This is such a fun river. Beaches are good; and Babbs Beach close to Connecticut River is no exception. Summertime brings highs in the 80's to Connecticut River. Through the dark hours of summer temperatures plunge down into the 50's. High temperatures all through the winter are normally in the 30's; overnight lows at Connecticut River through the wintertime commonly fall into the 0's. Connecticut River, Holyoke road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Connecticut River.   Whitewater Near Connecticut River: Connecticut River, Hampden County, 1 miles away       Class -blank- - 2 miles long (Holyoke) Farmington River, Hartford County, 18 miles away       Class II-III - 1.5 miles long (Route 18 to Highway 187) Little River, Hampden County, 18 miles away       Class III-IV - 3.2 miles long (Dam below Cobble Mountain Reservoir to Northwest Road) Westfield River - North Branch, Hampshire/ Hampden County, 19 miles away       Class I-III - 5.2 miles long (Knightsville Dam to Huntington) Westfield River, Hampden County, 19 miles away       Class I-II - 4 miles long (Huntington to Russell) Millers River - Lower, Franklin County, 21 miles away       Class II-III - 6.5 miles long (Erving to Millers Falls) Swift River, Benzie County, 21 miles away       Class IV-V - 1 miles long (Along Route 9 to North Branch Westfield River) Deerfield River, Franklin County, 21 miles away       Class I-II - 7 miles long (Wilcox Hollow to Stillwater Bridge) Westfield River - North Branch, Hampshire/Hampden County, 21 miles away       Class I-III - 9.2 miles long (Chesterfield Gorge to Knightsville Dam) Whitewater Outfitter - Crab Apple Whitewater, Franklin County, 22 miles away       Whitewater outfitter   Ski Areas Near Connecticut River: Blandford, Massachusetts , 22 miles away, 465 foot drop, 5 lifts, 26 runs Berkshire East, Massachusetts , 28 miles away, 1180 foot drop, 5 lifts, 45 runs Ski Sundown, Connecticut , 29 miles away, 625 foot drop, 5 lifts, 15 runs Living Memorial Park, Vermont , 32 miles away, 204 foot drop, 1 lifts, 1 runs Otis Ridge, Massachusetts , 34 miles away, 400 foot drop, 5 lifts, 11 runs Pine Ridge, Massachusetts , 36 miles away, 200 foot drop, 1 lifts, 8 runs Powder Ridge, Connecticut , 38 miles away, 500 foot drop, 5 lifts, 19 runs Mount Southington, Connecticut , 39 miles away, 425 foot drop, 8 lifts, 14 runs Haystack, Vermont , 42 miles away, 1160 foot drop, 23 lifts, 145 runs Mount Snow, Vermont , 44 miles away, 1700 foot drop, 20 lifts, 80 runs   Marinas Near Connecticut River: Four Mile River Marina, West Springfield , 5 miles away   Beaches Near Connecticut River: Babbs Beach, Hartford , 14 miles away   Hotels Near Connecticut River: Americas Best Value Inn, Holyoke , 1 miles away Hampton Inn Chicopee-Springfield MA, Chicopee , 3 miles away Residence Inn Springfield Chicopee, Chicopee , 3 miles away Quality Inn Chicopee-Springfield, Chicopee , 3 miles away D Hotel And Suites, Holyoke , 3 miles away   Campgrounds Near Connecticut River: Westover ARB, Chicopee, 3 miles away Windy Acres Campground, Easthampton, 7 miles away Rainbow Motel, South Deerfield, 11 miles away   Trails Near Connecticut River: Link Trail, Hampden , 17 miles away Spring Trail, Hampden , 17 miles away Richard Trail, Hampden , 17 miles away County Road Trail, Hampden , 18 miles away   Public Lands Near Connecticut River: Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor, Putnam - CT , 53 miles away Holyoke Heritage State Park, Massachusetts , 1 miles away Chicopee MMemorial State Park, Massachusetts , 4 miles away Chicopee Memorial State Park, Massachusetts , 4 miles away   Golf Courses Near Connecticut River: Olde Salem Green, Salem , 2 miles away Orchards Golf Course Superintendant, Holyoke , 2 miles away Chicopee Country Club, Chicopee , 6 miles away   Lakes Near Connecticut River Whiting Street Reservoir, Hampden , 3 miles away Nashawannuck Pond, Hampshire , 5 miles away Pickerel Pong, Hampden , 8 miles away