Best Canoeing in New York

Trying to find the best canoeing in New York? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

New York, Wayne County

04 :19 hrs
9.6 mi
1.1977997 ft
I

This is a mixture of creek, lake, and coastline-like paddling all in one adventure. One will begin navigating through narrow creeks that can sometimes be quite shallow. Then once making way through the creeks, one will come upon East Bay, a small, protected bay off of Lake Ontario. Those that are experienced paddlers can then travel out along the shoreline of Ontario to reach the Chimney Bluffs, which are an interesting geological formation of tall spires that can easily be viewed from the water.

2

New York, Franklin County

04 :36 hrs
10.2 mi
3.0148315 ft
I

Hoel Pond is part of the St. Regis Canoe Area which is a series of neighboring ponds that are interconnected by either waterway or by portaging. It can make for a fun multi-day adventure (if one so chooses) by camping overnight at sites strewn about the area. This particular mapped route focuses on Hoel Pond, which also connects to Turtle and Slang Ponds. A portage is required over railroad tracks between Hoel and Turtle. Portage may also be necessary between Turtle and Slang if the water is too low in the small passage way separating the two. Note that it is not recommended to paddle Hoel Pond when windy.

3

New York, Cortland

06 :33 hrs
14.7 mi
24.034698 ft
II

The Tioughnioga River offers some great scenic views of the surrounding landscape and vegetation. The river also provides a winding and narrow adventure traveling from the town of Cortland to Marathon. One will need to paddle around several small islands that dot the waters which, on occasion, can take some maneuvering. Be alert since wood debris on this river can cause hazards such as strainers.

4

New York, Saint Lawrence County

05 :57 hrs
13.2 mi
3.4909668 ft
I

Part of a chain of interconnected reservoirs separated by dams, Blake Falls Reservoir is one of the largest, sizing at 642 acres. Launching from a more remote part of the reservoir, one will find that this water body is quite long in shape; with several branches of inlets and bays to explore. There is another launch site from a camping area further up north as well. The reservoir is surrounded by trees, wilderness, and small sections of shoreline lined with homes and cabins.

5

New York, Rensselaer County

01 :13 hrs
2.7 mi
2.5513916 ft
I

One of four neighboring lakes in the Grafton Lakes State Park area, Long Pond is the largest, covering 113 acres. It's long and skinny (hence the name), but still allowing ample paddling room. There is a large parking lot near its swimming beach with a short walk to the launch area. On the other end of the lake, there is a more secluded parking and launch area. If desired, one can also paddle the other three lakes or even camp, hike, and swim in the vicinity - earning this a four star rating. Note that the summer weekends can be busy.

6

New Jersey, Secaucus

01 :47 hrs
4 mi
- ft
I

The Hackensack River Meadowlands is the place to paddle if you are looking for a great birdwatching destination. This area of tidal marshes located off the Hackensack River is home to lots of wildlife and birdlife. The area is unique in that it much of the surrounding area consists of urban and industrial development, but the marshland areas are still very peaceful and scenic. The Hackensack River is very wide and the windy weather can stir up some rough waters so be cautious. There are some channels that lead under the major roadways with posted signs that say "Do Not Enter" so be sure to obey the signs and stay out of restricted areas.

7

New York, Hamilton County

09 :52 hrs
21.9 mi
2.5186462 ft
II

Indian Lake is located within the Adirondack wilderness where dense tree-line sweeps the surrounding banks and mountainous hillsides; helping add to the outdoor experience. It is a giant lake stretching over 4,000 acres. It sometimes may not look that large because of it's long shape. This mapped route is of the southern section that consists of a lengthy inlet and bay. One can spend multiple days exploring the entirety of the lake and rest overnight at various camping spots that dot the shoreline. It is recommended not to go out on the lake during windy conditions.

8

New York, Franklin County

03 :04 hrs
6.8 mi
1.3554993 ft
I

Follensby Clear Pond is part of a series of neighboring ponds that are interconnected by either waterway or by portaging, and can make for a fun multi-day adventure; camping overnight at sites strewn about the area. These small water bodies are also good for beginner paddlers. This particular mapped route focuses on Follensby Clear Pond, which is more like small lake than an actual pond. Note that parking is limited and be attentive to restricted parking areas.

9

New York, Rensselaer County

00 :48 hrs
1.8 mi
14.210907 ft
I

One of four neighboring lakes in the Grafton Lakes State Park area, Shaver Pond is one of the largest and most remote, covering 45 acres. There is a large parking lot near the quarter-mile trail that leads to the launch area where one will need to carry their boating vessel through thick tree cover. If desired, one can also paddle the other three lakes or even camp, hike, and swim in the vicinity - earning this a four star rating. Note that the summer weekends can be busy.

10

New York, Franklin County

08 :23 hrs
18.6 mi
6.4999084 ft
II

Lower Saranac Lake is large, stretching over two thousand acres. Access to the lake is quite convenient having a good sized parking lot and large boat ramp attached. But with that convenience comes more boat traffic, so be sure to plan ahead to claim a parking spot. The lake offers miles of shoreline and bays to explore. There are several islands throughout that also have camping areas upon them. Note that if windy, it is not recommended to paddle these waters.

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