Connecticut River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Connecticut

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Connecticut River Map showing major rivers in Connecticut, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Connecticut State

Rivers and Waterways in Connecticut

Connecticut’s river system is shaped by its compact size and varied landscape, with rivers flowing from upland areas in the north toward Long Island Sound. Most waterways drain south into the Atlantic Ocean, while western portions connect to the Hudson River system. The state features a mix of steady rivers and smaller streams, along with several reservoirs that provide drinking water and support local communities. Despite its size, Connecticut’s rivers play an important role in regional ecology, recreation, and water supply.

Major Rivers in Connecticut

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Connecticut River410 miCentralLong Island Sound
Housatonic River149 miWestLong Island Sound
Thames River15 miEastLong Island Sound
Farmington River47 miCentralConnecticut River
Naugatuck River40 miWestHousatonic River
Quinebaug River69 miEastShetucket River
Shetucket River15 miEastThames River
Salmon River36 miCentralConnecticut River
Eightmile River26 miSouthLong Island Sound
Mattabesset River16 miCentralConnecticut River
Mill River20 miSouthLong Island Sound
Pequonnock River16 miSouthLong Island Sound
Mianus River20 miSouthwestLong Island Sound
Norwalk River21 miSouthwestLong Island Sound
Saugatuck River23 miSouthwestLong Island Sound
Hammonasset River19 miSouthLong Island Sound
Yantic River27 miEastShetucket River
Still River25 miWestHousatonic River

Major Lakes in Connecticut

LakeTypeRegion
Candlewood LakeReservoirWest
Lake LillinonahReservoirWest
Lake ZoarReservoirWest
Lake WaramaugNatural lakeNorthwest
Bantam LakeNatural lakeNorthwest
Highland LakeNatural lakeNorth
Lake CompounceNatural lakeCentral
Shenipsit LakeReservoirNorth
Lake SaltonstallReservoirSouth
Gardner LakeNatural lakeEast

Major River Basins in Connecticut

Connecticut’s river basins are relatively small but important, with most draining directly into Long Island Sound. These basins support local ecosystems, provide drinking water, and play a role in flood control and recreation throughout the state.

  • Connecticut River Basin
  • Housatonic River Basin
  • Thames River Basin
  • Farmington River Basin
  • Naugatuck River Basin
  • Quinebaug River Basin
  • Shetucket River Basin
  • Norwalk River Basin
  • Saugatuck River Basin

Connecticut Rivers Facts

StateConnecticut
Total Rivers & Streams8,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversConnecticut, Housatonic, Thames
Total Waterway Length8,500+ miles
Main DrainageLong Island Sound
Longest RiverConnecticut River
Shortest RiverThames River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletAtlantic Ocean
Key UsesWater supply, recreation, hydropower
Longest River Within StateConnecticut River
Number of River Basins6–9 Basins
Major ReservoirsCandlewood Lake, Lake Zoar, Shenipsit Lake
Primary Water SourceReservoirs and river systems