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Tariffville Gorge

The heart of the 535-acre Tariffville Gorge properties in Bloomfield and East Granby is a scenic gorge bisected by the Farmington River.

Tariffville Gorge

Strong rapids are frequently visible in this area. The property also has wooded portions managed for wildlife habitat and forest health. Some of this forestland stretches to Talcott Mountain, and connects with several Town open space properties.

Extensive fishing, hiking, and canoeing/kayaking opportunities abound in the Tariffville Gorge area. The gorge and adjacent lands are crossed by an electric transmission line corridor. The Spoonville Dam once produced hydroelectric power, but was destroyed by extreme flooding in 1955, and is now being fully dismantled.

In addition to Tariffville Gorge, other nearby open space properties includes a portion of Talcott Mountain State Park, Penwood State Park and Wilcox Park (Town of Bloomfield). Cowles Park (Town of East Granby) borders the northern portion of Eversource’s property.

Together, this large protected area provides extensive natural and cultural resources and varied recreational opportunities.

The Connecticut DEEP Fisheries Division annually stocks the Farmington River with trout and Atlantic salmon. Eversource sustainably manages the forestland portion of the Tariffville Gorge property to promote forest health and wildlife habitat. Timber harvests have occurred as recently as 2008. Eversource conducts a permit-only hunting program on portions of its property in Bloomfield.

Facts

  • Access: Parking areas along Tunxis Avenue in East Granby; canoe and kayak portage at end of Tunxis Avenue
  • Location: East Granby, CT
  • Size: 535 acres
  • Recreation: Kayaking and canoeing; bow hunting deer (permit only - only areas in Bloomfield); hiking and bicycling; Fishing; Metacomet blue-blazed trail nearby; No swimming or motorized vehicles.
  • Features: River rapids; Deep river-formed gorge; Forest and early successional habitat; Deer bow hunting (Bloomfield only); Spoonville Dam (breached)
  • Wildlife: Atlantic salmon; trout; hawks; turkey vultures

How To Get There

Take Route 187 (South Main Street) to Spoonville Road. Take first right to continue on Spoonville Road. After going under Rt. 187, Spoonville Road becomes Tunxis Avenue. Continue past Wyoming Hills Road. Pull-offs will be on the left and at the end of the road.