This section of the Willimantic River is the site of the future Willimantic Whitewater Park. Prior to construction of the whitewater park the first ¼ mile is runnable. This section contains one rapid, a breached dam for an adventurous huck, then several un-runnable dams farther downstream.
From Bridge Street, park at a former gas station which is now owned by the Willimantic Whitewater Partnership. Carry across the road, to the upstream side of the diner. At the start of the wooded Railroad Museum property, head down to the river for the put-in.
The first rapid, which offers some play, ends in a retentive hole and is best avoided in higher water.
After the “Bridge Street” bridge, a breached dam is run on river left. Several runs of this dam are normally done since there are no runnable features below this dam.
CAUTION: The far left side of the dam has a sluiceway, which flows under the viewing platform.
DO NOT EDDY OUT NEAR THE VIEWING PLATFORM.
Eddy out on river left upstream of the tree and scout from the platform.
The take-out is at the end of a stonewall on river left. Carry back to the parking.
More information on the Willimantic Whitewater Partnership may be found at:
www.willimanticwhitewater.org.