Wander Our Watershed
The Eightmile River Wild & Scenic Watershed is a National Treasure. It was the twelfth river in the United States to be officially designated by Congress as a National Wild & Scenic Partnership River. Located in the Lower Connecticut River Valley, it is comprised of land from the towns of East Haddam, Salem, Lyme, Colchester, and East Lyme.
There has been a concerted effort by the five watershed towns and the adjacent town of Old Lyme to preserve local streams, woodlands, and farmland, meaning the region, with the Eightmile River Watershed at the heart, is an outdoor recreation enthusiast’s paradise.
- Nature lover? Immerse yourself in thousands of acres of woodlands and miles of pristine streams.
- Fishing or kayaking enthusiast? Find your new favorite spot using our map.
- Are you a birder? Bring your binoculars! Most of the Eightmile River Watershed and some of the surrounding areas have been designated by Audubon Connecticut as Important Bird Areas, with sightings including the Cerulean Warbler.
- Ready to ride? Tune up that bike. Many of our local preserves also allow mountain biking.
To make your visit complete, we've also highlighted local places to stay, where to grab a bite to eat, and local cultural and historical sites. Please explore the map and Wander Our Watershed.
