Great River Hydro provides conservation and recreation resources to the public in return for its use of public waterways.

GRH owns nearly 30,000 acres of land in New England, mostly protected and open to the public in perpetuity under conservation easements. Learn more about conservation easements at Great River Hydro properties here. GRH hosts dozens of picnic areas, 20 boat launches, miles of recreational trails at its properties and reservoirs providing the public a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Whether your interests are boating (motor, sail, flatwater and whitewater paddling), hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or picnicking, or if you just appreciate the beauty and serenity that New England landscapes provide, Great River Hydro’s recreation facilities offer something for everyone. Some state regulations require landowner permission for certain types of recreation. Contact permits@greatriverhydro.com for more information.

Great River Hydro's recreation facilities are open to all members of the public without discrimination.  Most are open for your enjoyment on a day-use only basis. Some facilities are limited to use from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

For more information about the Deerfield River Project Recreation, click here.

Whitewater releases at Deerfield No. 5 Dam pictured right.

Be constantly alert to changing conditions

The reservoirs and rivers around Great River Hydro facilities are operated for the production of electricity. As a result, river flow levels vary throughout the day, and reservoir levels may fluctuate daily, weekly, or seasonally. Current water levels and flow forecasts around Great River Hydro facilities can be found at Waterline.

Recreation area rules

  1.  No overnight camping is allowed. Vehicles left after closing will be towed at the owner’s expense.
  2.  Watercraft shall obey all warning signs and devices.
  3.  All recreational activities to comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
  4.  Please carry out what you carry in. Please keep trash off the property and out of the water.
  5.  Fires are allowed only in fireplaces or grills. All fires shall be extinguished after use.
  6.  All uses of the facilities are at your own risk.
  7.  Recreation areas may be closed to additional cars or people if the areas or facilities are full.

The above rules are subject to revision from time to time or may be revoked as required by proper authority.

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Flyfishing in the Trophy Stretch below First Connecticut Lake dam

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Kilowatt Park South recreation area at Wilder