Bordered by scenic state forests and timeworn structures, the Farmington River is celebrated for its simple beauty, abundant resources, and rich history. Conservation efforts are of great interest to the River's growing constituency. Fertile spawning grounds along rivers like the Farmington are at the heart of efforts to restore Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut River basin. Environmentalists believe that salmon will return once downstream obstacle are eliminated. Today, this flourishing freshwater habitat supports major trout and river otter populations, and is home to the state's only nesting site for bald eagles. The past comes to life along the Farmington River, with rustic mills and historic settlements gracing the riverbank. Yet, conservationists and archeologists are not the only ones who appreciate the Farmington and its and its surroundings. This picturesque area is a favorite of sports enthusiasts who fish, canoe, and kayak on the river or hike along the shoreline.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,180-mile footpath along the ridgecrests and across the major valleys of the Appalachian Mountains from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in northern Georgia. It traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, it was built by private citizens and completed in 1937. The trail traverses Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia.

The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor in northeastern Connecticut and south central MA has been called "the last green valley" in the Boston-to-Washington megalopolis. Close to Hartford, Providence, and Worcester, but far enough away to avoid urban sprawl, this 1086 square mile region remains predominately rural. It’s rivers wind through rolling hills linking region’s many small towns, farmlands, forests and mills. The Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor is a special kind of park. It embraces 35 towns, numerous villages and a total population of about 300,000.