Connecticut

River in New England, USA, draining an area of 28,500 sq km/11,000 sq mi; length 555 km/345 mi. It rises in the Connecticut Lakes of Coos County, New Hampshire, and forms the boundary of Vermont and New Hampshire, crossing into Massachusetts and then into Connecticut, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme. Flood control and hydroelectric projects were started after disastrous floods in 1936.

Tributaries on its upper course include Indian Stream and the Nulhegan, Upper Ammonoosuc, Moose, Ammonoosuc, and White rivers. For approximately 435 km/270 mi of its upper course the river banks are wooded. The lower valley is a rich agricultural region, known for its onions and as the Tobacco Valley. In Connecticut, important tributaries include the Scantic, Farmington, and Salmon rivers.