Yak The Hudson Valley (or) Kayaking In The Catskills
Posted by Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty on Thursday, November 18th, 2021 at 2:49pm
Experts in Real Estate, Experts in Landscape
We live in one of the most magnificent regions of the world. On the rare occasions when we have the opportunity to see the Hudson Valley from the air, it's impossible not to be impressed with the big picture; the majestic river that built our towns and commerce, the surrounding valley, and the hills and mountains around it. We live in the midst of a seventh grade geography lesson. Get far enough off the ground on a crystal clear day and you'll begin to see the incredible system of beautiful waterways that feed the Hudson. Wonderful. And when we're earth-bound again we’re blessed with daily chances to not just be near the rivers, lakes and streams that have carved out our landscape, but to be on them!
Just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean you can’t get out on some water and appreciate the peace and beauty it offers. Get the right gear so you'll be safe and toasty, grab your paddles and put in. You might be the only one out there! Off you'll go, paddling along wide-open waterways or moving through estuaries full of flora and fauna! It'll be you and the ducks and beavers. Can you think of anything better? There's an embarrassment of riches in the Hudson Valley when it comes to sites for small craft, you can take advantage of the dozens of sites for dropping a canoe or kayak into the water. Here's our guide to sites in Columbia County, Dutchess County, Greene County, Orange County, Sullivan County and Ulster County (including motor boats), we've done the hours and days worth of research to help you find spots that will suit your fancy.
Places To Kayak and Canoe In The Hudson Valley
The Hudson River Greenway Water Trail is a great place to start and a resource for old-hat kayakers. It has designated launch and take-out points every 10 miles along the east and west sides of the Hudson River, campsites every 15 miles and as many attractions as possible; wildlife marshes, islands and swamps, historic sites, downtowns and hiking trails are all there.
Here are some of the kayaking/canoeing sites we like best!
Columbia County Kayak and Canoe Launches
Photo Courtesy Of @__drucifer__ / Instagram
We love Queechy Lake in Canaan because it’s somewhat secluded and very pretty! No motorboats are allowed, so it’s quiet, and you won't be rocked by a large wake. The water is pristine, so you’ll see lots of fish. There are even beavers hanging out here! We know... this is the kind of place you’ll want to own a home with lakefront! Call one of our Hudson Valley Real Estate agents for that. Come early on the weekend, because there isn’t a lot of room to park.
More Places To Launch Kayaks In Columbia County:
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Dutchess County Boating
Photo Courtesy Of @ciscothewonderdog / Instagram
In Dutchess County, we love Tivoli Bays—protected wetlands in the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve—is rightly famous for its mudflats, freshwater intertidal marsh, and tidal swamp. It’s also a designated NY State Important Bird Area and NY State Bird Conservation Area, so put down the paddle and hold up the binoculars while cruising around! Your canoe will give you access to Magdalene island, where there are Native American rock shelters. If you need to stretch your legs when you’ve finished your paddle, there are trails here, too!
More Places To Launch Kayaks In Dutchess County:
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Greene County Canoe and Kayak
Photo Courtesy Of @connecticutphoto / Instagram
This is a getaway for you and yours. The 235-acre Hudson River Islands State Park is only accessible by boat: no cars, no camping, just a day trip of peaceful solitude! There are three put-in points for kayaks—Gay’s Point North, Gay’s Point South and Stockport Middle Ground—and you’ll find the island an ecosystem worth exploring!
More Places To Launch Kayaks In Greene County:
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Orange County Boating Spots
Photo Courtesy Of @pidalaphoto / Instagram
If you’ve never seen the Hudson Highlands from the water, make it a priority! In the Orange County Town of Highlands you can launch your canoe on the Hudson River at Scenic Hudson’s Mine Dock Park and be at the foot of the gorgeous Hudson Highlands peaks - not to mention have a fabulous view of the Bear Mountain Bridge! This is one of those wonderful places on the west side of the Hudson where the east side isn’t developed for miles together. Just be careful with the currents!
More Places To Launch Kayaks In Orange County:
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Kayak and Canoe Sullivan County
Photo Courtesy Of @fereshta.ramsey / Instagram
Mavens say the beauty of the area, consistent currents, and proximity to the city make the Upper Delaware River one of the great boating areas of the Northeast! Not only the slowly flowing Delaware River but the famous trout streams—the Beaverkill and Willowemoc—are ideal for putting in a canoe, and there are many rental sites to choose from if you don't own your own boat. Beyond that, directly across from the Bashakill Vineyards in Wurtsboro is the put-in for the Basha Kill Marsh, a supremely peaceful piece of water where you’ll see many native birds: it’s a “unique biotic community.”
More Places To Launch Kayaks In Sullivan County:
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Ulster County Boating
Photo Courtesy Of @dave_the_crave / Instagram
In Saugerties, you’ll find the Tina Chorvas Memorial Park - so pretty you may want to plan a picnic for before or after your boating excursion! Pop the kayak into the Esopus Creek, where it’s pretty mellow (this is the Lower Esopus, as compared with the Upper Esopus, which is a white-water paddle) and head to where the creek meets the Hudson. If it’s a windy day, the mouth of the Esopus may get choppy - so be alert! Then you’ll face the beautiful and historic Saugerties Lighthouse! If it’s low tide, you can pull the canoe up on the beach and hang out on the porch for a while before your adventure in the wind and river currents begins again.
More Places To Launch Kayaks In Ulster County:
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Wherever you go, please do it safely (life vests are for cool people). If we missed your favorite spot let us know!
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