Public Access in the Gateway Conservation Zone

Although up to half of the river frontage in the Gateway Conservation Zone is land owned in conservation by entities such as the Gateway Commission, the Connecticut DEP, The Nature Conservancy and various local land trusts and municipal Conservation Commissions, there aren't many points of public access that allow for easy access to this wonderful public resource. This particular site, located in the Gateway member town of Chester, is one which has several parking spaces that allow those with canoes and kayaks to drop their boats at the edge of the water and then park. The benches provide a spot to sit and appreciate the beautiful view of the shores of Lyme across the river and the Goodspeed Bridge between Gateway member towns Haddam and East Haddam further north. All of the tree covered hillsides adjacent to the river seen in this photograph are located within the Gateway Conservation Zone .