Scantic River facts for kids
The Scantic River (pronounced SKAN-tik) is a river that flows through Massachusetts and Connecticut. It eventually joins the larger Connecticut River.
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Where the Scantic River Flows
The Scantic River starts from smaller streams called tributaries. These streams begin in towns like Hampden, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, and Monson in Massachusetts. They also start in Stafford and Somers, Connecticut.
The main river forms in Hampden, Massachusetts, southeast of Springfield. It flows southwest for about 40.6 miles (65.3 kilometers).
Towns Along the River
The Scantic River passes through many towns. These include Hampden, Massachusetts; Somers, Somersville, Scitico, Hazardville, Enfield, East Windsor, Broad Brook, Scantic, and South Windsor in Connecticut.
Finally, the Scantic River joins the Connecticut River near the East Windsor Hill community. This area is part of South Windsor.
Places Named After the River
Two areas are named after the Scantic River. One is a small community that is part of East Windsor, Connecticut. The other is a section in the southeast part of Hampden, Massachusetts. This area is near the corner of Scantic Road and Rock-A-Dundee Road.
Many other things are also named after the river. These include several roads, the Scantic River Valley YMCA, and the Scantic River Artists. There is also the Scantic River Watershed Association.
Protecting the Scantic River: State Parks
The state of Connecticut is working to create a state park around the Scantic River. This park would be located in the towns of Somers, Enfield, East Windsor, and South Windsor.
Proposed Park Areas
Two specific areas are planned to become public park spaces. One is the Scantic River State Park at Powder Hollow in Enfield. The other is the Scantic River State Park at Trolley Crossing. This spot is just south of Broad Brook. It is where the planned route of the Connecticut Trolley Museum's main line crosses the river.
