There are great views along this route: the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and up-close paddling by the the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (keep clear of the restricted areas which are usually marked by buoys). The Upper Bay is busy with large vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, and cargo ships, so be very cautious while traveling across open water. Also, use good judgement deciding when to paddle because weather and other conditions can make the water's surface too treacherous for paddlers, Parking at the put-in site is usually available along nearby roads, but be attentive to restricted parking areas.

The Hudson River can suffer from tidal effects of the Atlantic Ocean and determine which direction to paddle. For this route, it's best to paddle during an outgoing tide. It can also be an out and back journey if one plans around the tides. The river is very wide and straight (compared to river standards), and this section is busy with large vessels such as cruise ships, ferries, and cargo ships - so be cautious. There are great views along the way: The Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. A permit is required to launch from the W. 79th St. Boat Basin (contact New York Parks Dept for details). Parking at the take-out site is usually available along nearby roads, but be attentive to restricted parking areas.

Sandy Hook is a peninsula of land that juts out from New Jersey into the Atlantic Ocean and provides an interesting paddling destination. The trip starts from the southwest side of the peninsula and follows the shoreline in Sandy Hook Bay north around the tip and back along the eastern shoreline. The first part of the trip on the west side is mostly protected but the waters become much more exposed as you travel north around the tip. The eastern side is completely exposed and can become challenging depending on the tides and the wind. The scenery along the route is impressive with views of New York skyline in the distance, miles of scenic beaches, and lots of blue open water. If paddling all the way around the hook seems too daunting, launching and paddling shorter out-and-back distances is also a good option.

Mantua Creek is a slow moving tidal tributary of the Delaware River that offers paddlers some nice wilderness scenery in an otherwise urban area. Floating the creek also provides good birdwatching opportunity. Paddling conditions are best when launching during high tide. The one-way trip ends at the Riverwinds access site which is located on the Delaware River so watch out for large boat traffic when paddling the last part of the trip on the large river channel.

The Murderkill River is very similar to the St. Jones River, each entering the Delaware Bay about a half mile apart at Bowers Beach. This route begins at Killen Pond, one of the prettiest and least developed ponds in Delaware that is well worth exploring. Approaching Frederica, the marsh completely inherits the river for good. Reed grass is most of what you will see, the section is fairly undisturbed, and opportunities for bird-watching are abundant.

The Hudson River is an interesting and scenic place to paddle for those who enjoy urban scenery and are up for an adventure. Exploring the waters of the Hudson provides paddlers with very impressive urban scenery, including the New York City skyline, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and more. This trip starts just below the George Washington Bridge at the Hazards Dock and follows the river down to the take-out at Liberty State Park located on the New Jersey side just across from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Larger boat traffic is common on the river and the tides and winds can result in some rough waters for paddling so pay attention to the conditions before setting out. Also be aware that access between the put-in and take-out is somewhat sparse so there may be stretches of river where landing may not be possible.

The Leipsic River is a tidal river very similar to the Smyrna River. Put in at the Garrison Lake Fishing Access Area. The first part of this run is very pretty, leading you first through swamps and then through a narrow marsh. Below Route 9, the river winds through the heart of a vast, beautiful marshland of which little is visible because of the tall reeds. It is still pretty though, and because it flows through Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, the lower part of this river is one of the few stretches in southern Delaware where you do not encounter duck blinds on every corner. Access to the mouth is nonexistent so you can either double all the way back to Route 9 or paddler nearly five miles down the bay to the boat ramp at Port Mahon.

Gowanus Canal is just south of Manhattan and eventually opens up into Upper Bay. The views are that of industry and other development. There are several bridges to pass under and be cautious of other boats. If water conditions allow, the ultimate goal of this route may be to reach the opening to Upper Bay and gaze out on the horizon. One may even be able to see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Be attentive to restricted parking areas at the launch site.

Nockamixon State Park is located in the rolling hills of scenic Bucks County. The 1,450-acre lake Nockamixon within the park is fed by Tohickon Creek, Three Mile Run and Haycock Run. The lake is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and a destination for boaters and anglers. Other activities at the park and lake include picnicking, visiting the pool, hiking, biking, fishing and boating.

You may experience some swift currents and high winds on this ride making some challenging waves. Osborn or Gull Island are fun places to stop if you need a break from this paddle. Use caution when going under the 9-11 Memorial Bridge on this tidal river. You may experience strong wake from the boat traffic.