Connecticut River Watershed: New England's Largest Drainage Basin

The Connecticut River watershed is the largest in New England, covering over 11,000 square miles across four states.

Key Features

• States: New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut
• Main Stem Length: 400+ miles – longest river in New England
• Landscape Diversity: Mountains, forests, farms, urban areas
• Natural Resources: Water, timber, minerals
• Cultural History: Native American heritage, colonial settlement, industrial development
• Economic Activities: Agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, tourism
• Environmental Challenges: Pollution, climate change, development pressure

The watershed’s health is vital to the region’s ecology and economy.