Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor

The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley in northeastern Connecticut has been called "the last green valley" in the Boston-to-Washington megalopolis. Close to Hartford, Providence, and Worcester but far enough away to avoid urban sprawl, this 850 square mile region remains predominately rural. Roadways winding through rolling hills link the region(e2)(80)(997320)many small towns, villages, farmlands and forests. Old mills dot the lowlands along the Quinebaug and Shetucket rivers and their tributaries.

In the past 50 years, many changes have come to this area. Farms and factories have been put to new uses, such as housing, antique and craft shops, recreation, and high-tech industry. Amid these economic changes, this region has retained its fundamental attributes of lush woodlands, and clean waterways; authentic sites representing distinct periods of American history; and opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy a rural, small-town lifestyle.


Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor is a special kind of park. It embraces 25 towns, numerous villages and a total population of about 250,000. The federal government does not own or manage any of the land as it does in traditional national parks. Instead, citizens, businesses, nonprofit cultural and environmental organizations, local and state governments, and the National Park Service are working together to preserve the region's cultural history and to perpetuate its natural heritage.

Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor, Inc.
107 Providence Street
Putnam, CT 06260
860-963-7226 - Visitor Information

By Car
Major access roads are I-84 from Hartford and I-395 from the New London area and Worcester. Within the heritage corridor, a 32-mile section of Conn. Route 169 is a National Scenic Byway and 19.5-mile section of Conn. Route 49 is a State Scenic Byway.

New England weather is notable for rapid change. Temperature during the summer is 70-80s F., winter 20-40s F. and spring/fall 50-70s F. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for outdoor activities based on the season.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching

Recommended Activities
There are many ways to experience the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy(e2)(80)(946174) a leisurely pace(e2)(80)(947468)e region's historic sites, museums, natural areas, country fairs, festivals and other activities. In addition to the areas highlighted below, you will find many delightful sites that are open periodically. Inquire locally about them and about restaurants, lodging facilities, campgrounds, and antique and craft shops.

During the Walking Weekend each year, more than 50 guided walks are offered at historic, natural, and cultural areas throughout the 25 towns in the valley. These special events are usually held during the Columbus holiday weekend. In August and September, agricultural fairs are staged in various communities. An Antiquing Weekend is held the first weekend in November. Each year Norwich holds a Rose Arts Festival in June and an Oktoberfest.