Hartford | The Long Tidal River

FOUNDERS BRIDGE, ROUTE 2

Sometimes the Connecticut River simply flows. Sometimes it splits itself into icy slabs that tumble along with the tide. Sometimes it breaks free from the boundaries we have imposed on it and rises up in protest. Sometimes it freezes solid.

One of my favorite places to observe the constant shifts of the Connecticut is at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and Riverside Park in Hartford, and the connected Great River Park in East Hartford. The paved path that stretches out along the water here is part walking trail, part art gallery, and part tour of the city's infrastructure.

When it's time for one of the several annual festivals held here, the area fills with vibrant crowds. But on other days, depending on the time and weather, this place where wild nature meets concrete can be nearly empty. On the cold, windy morning when I took these pictures, I had the walk - and the river - almost all to myself.

In other places, this riverfront would be heavily marketed and developed for the purpose of drawing tourists (as much as possible on a river that floods regularly; that's at least one reason why Hartford is not San Antonio.) But in Hartford, and Connecticut, we don't publicize our assets. I'd bet that most people who cross the river on the Bulkeley Bridge (aka I-84), or follow its path on I-91, give little thought to what's below them. The next time you're traveling on the highway and you pass the river that lent its name to our state, take an hour to stop and see it, walk beside it, and check whether it's moving or standing still.

"LINCOLN MEETS STOWE"

FOUNDERS BRIDGE, ROUTE 2

BULKELEY BRIDGE, I-84

"TOWARD UNION LINES"

THE BLUE SIGNS TO THE LEFT MARK HISTORIC FLOOD LEVELS

CONNECTICUT SOUTHERN RAILROAD BRIDGE

"JACK"

Riverfront.org has directions and parking information as well as details about special events.