Tubing on the Farmington River

Editor's Note: This is part of an ongoing series about summer daytrips throughout Connecticut.

Looking for a fun way to cool off during these hot, hazy days of summer? Maybe a tubing trip down the Farmington River is just what you need!

 Of course, you can always make a go of it with your own tube or kayak, but for safety and convenience, head to Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area, on Route 44 in New Hartford.

Upon arrival, you park your car in their dirt parking lot, put on your old sneakers or water shoes and head over to a small trailer. After you sign a waiver form and pay the fee, an attendant will give you a specially designed river tube and life jacket. And away you go!

With your feet pointed downstream, you float some three miles down the scenic Farmington River — from New Hartford to Canton. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. On crowded days, you can wave to and chat with fellow “tubers” or kayakers as you enjoy the natural wooded setting.

For most of the trip, the river is fairly calm, but there are three exciting spots. Hold on for a bumpy and thrilling ride through three sets of white water rapids — you’ll definitely get soaked. (Be prepared: the water this time of year is cold — and it only warms up to a high of 65 degrees during the summer, says Jeremy Harraden, Satan's Kingdom manager.)

At the end of the ride, which typically takes about an hour and a half, there’s a turn-off spot marked  by a big, blue inner tube hanging from a tree. There, a shuttle bus will be waiting there to take you back to the starting point.

Many riders are dressed in two-piece bathing suits, but it seems safer to wear a one-piece or a shirt and shorts. It’s not recommended to go barefoot. Instead, you should wear old sneakers, Tevas or water shoes. There are port-o-potties for restroom facilities. Bring towels and a change of clothes.

Harraden also suggests leaving any unnecessary items at home, such as jewelry, favorite sunglasses, hats and wristwatches — in case they fall off into the river.  Attendants will safeguard your car keys, so you don’t have to carry them on your ride.

You may want to bring a cooler filled with drinks and snack food — you’ll be thirsty and hungry when you come off the river. Another option is to go across the street where you’ll find restaurants and a grocery store.

Harraden warns this activity is not like an amusement park.

“When you’re in the water you are on your own,” he says, explaining that the river is unattended except for an attendant at the second rapid who is there for emergencies. Visitors to the park must know how to swim and be able to withstand a possibly strong impact with rocks. Harraden says the activity is recommended for ages 10 and older.

But, for most people, the experience is pleasant, easy and lots of fun. As Harraden says, “It’s cool, relaxing … a good time!”

Satan’s Kingdom State Recreation Area is located at 9  Main Street, New Hartford. Phone number is 860-693-6465. For detailed information, visit www.farmingtonrivertubing.com

 If you go:

• Always CALL AHEAD. Hours of operation often change due to weather or river conditions.

• Rentals are CASH ONLY. They do not take checks or credit cards. The cost is $18/per person on weekdays; $20 on weekends and holidays. The cost includes a tube, life jacket and shuttle bus ride from the ending point back to the starting point. You can tube again on the same day for an additional $10.
• Open Memorial Day-Labor Day. Hours are typically 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, and visitors must be off the river by 7 p.m.
• Minimum weight is 50 pounds; maximum weight is 300 pounds.
• Wear bathing suits or shorts and it’s recommended to have footwear such as old sneakers, Tevas, water shoes. It’s not recommended to go barefoot.