Greenfield, MA – A new smartphone app will launch on World Water Day, March 22, to help paddlers navigate the Connecticut River, particularly for multi-day paddles. The Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail (CRPT) is a unique, water-based trail that includes a series of primitive campsites and river access points spanning 400+ miles of the Connecticut River through NH, VT, MA and CT. CRPT is managed by a collaborative of more than 30 nonprofit organizations and state agencies, including the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Vermont River Conservancy. Those interested in downloading the app can find it in CRC’s online store at ctriver.org/shop, or search “Guthook Guides” in your smartphone app store.  

“We chose to launch this new app on World Water Day, a day where people around the world recognize the importance of water in our lives,” says Gabriel Chevalier, CRPT Coordinator. “The Connecticut River is the longest river in New England and enriches our lives in many ways. It offers many recreational opportunities that promote healthy communities and boost local economies. This new app offers paddlers an easy-to use digital paddling guide to navigate the CRPT campgrounds, access points, rapids and other resources along the Connecticut River.” 

Proceeds from the $9.99 app and waterproof printed maps are used to fund trail stewardship projects. The app was developed in partnership with Atlas/Guthook Guides, who offer similar app-based guides for other well–known trails like the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail. The Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail map is available as an in-app purchase in the Guthook Guides app, a free download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.  

The Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail is managed by a collaborative of organizations, guided by a shared vision. Partners assist with trail planning and development, building and stewarding primitive campsites, improving access points and portage trails, and disseminating information to visitors. Campsite development, as well as ongoing stewardship, is carried out by volunteers, scout troops, and youth stewardship corps who work together to mitigate the impacts of recreation use. To learn more, visit www.connecticutriverpaddlerstrail.org  

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