
TheHockanum River is a river inConnecticut, United States. Hockanum is derived from the Native AmericanPodunk peopleAlgonquin language word meaning "hook-shaped", so named because of the course of the river.[1] TheHockanum neighborhood inEast Hartford is named after it.
It rises at the outlet ofShenipsit Lake inRockville, then flows throughVernon,Ellington,Manchester, and East Hartford. Its mouth on theConnecticut River is immediately north of theCharter Oak Bridge and south of and across from the mouth of thePark River.
The Hockanum River runs for about 22.6 miles (36.4 km)[2] until it spills into the Connecticut River. There is a popular paddling route that follows the river for 13 miles (21 km). It begins at the bridge at Pleasant View Drive, one mile west of Vernon Center, and continues to the Connecticut River. This river run is mostly quickwater with one Class IIwhitewater area that eventually fades to flatwater and tidal water at its mouth at the Connecticut River.
Historically used for industry, the river has in recent years had hiking trails and linear parks developed along its banks. The banks of the river are slowly being cleaned up after years of pollution and dumping.
41°50′55″N72°29′32″W / 41.84857°N 72.49225°W /41.84857; -72.49225