Connecticut River New Hampshire S Longest River

The Connecticut River is one of the most recognizable in New Hampshire. It offers a variety of fun activities to enjoy throughout the year and it’s the site of quite a few family vacation memories. But, while we hear a lot about it and always see it on the map we thought we’d take some time to learn a bit more about this beautiful waterway.

Despite its name, the beautiful Connecticut River actually spends a good amount of its time in New Hampshire. The 407-mile waterway begins in the town of Pittsburg, just south of the Canadian border.

Peter Rintels / Flickr While the Connecticut River is the longest river, other long ones include the Androscoggin at 178 miles, the Saco River at 136 miles and the Merrimack River at 117 miles.

From here it journeys all the way down through New Hampshire and into Vermont before entering Massachusetts and Connecticut. From here it empties out into the Long Island Sound in the Atlantic Ocean.

Google Maps Archeologists have found evidence of human habitation around the Connecticut River dating back at least 6,000. That’s long before the Dutch explored the area in 1614.

And while it might end far away from New Hampshire, we think the most scenic portions of the river can be found right here.

kenlund / Flickr

First, it offers plenty of reasons for some of the state’s most beautiful bridges. From the large ones to the small ones.

Mobilus In Mobili / Flickr

And that includes the adorable Pittsburg–Clarksville Covered Bridge, also referred to as the Bacon Road Bridge.

dougtone / Flickr

While the river flows through plenty of small towns throughout the state, Lebanon is the largest town with access.

By Jon Platek - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

And in the summer you’ll want to be nearby. There are tons of fun activities here, including tubing. A great option for exploring the river is Great River Outfitters. You can learn more about them here!

management / TripAdvisor

Or simply grab your own kayak and explore safely on your own.

Slabcity Gang / Flickr

Whatever you choose to do on the Connecticut River, remember to appreciate its beauty and just how far it has to travel to meet the sea.

Rebecca Siegel / Flickr

What’s your favorite river in New Hampshire? If it’s the Connecticut River, can you recommend any fun activities that our readers should take advantage of? Let us all know in the comments!

Peter Rintels / Flickr

While the Connecticut River is the longest river, other long ones include the Androscoggin at 178 miles, the Saco River at 136 miles and the Merrimack River at 117 miles.

Google Maps

Archeologists have found evidence of human habitation around the Connecticut River dating back at least 6,000. That’s long before the Dutch explored the area in 1614.