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.

Montauk Point is a true coastal paddling adventure. Traveling along the far eastern coastline of Long Island, one will be able to see into the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. The state park lines much of the northern shore, offering views of nature rather than development. In spring or winter, one may have a chance to see wildlife such as seals on the banks. Once reaching Oyster Pond, the return trip begins back to view the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Be cautious around this area and steer clear of the shore below the lighthouse as the water can get very rough and it's best to be at a safe distance. If one desires, and the water is calm enough, paddling along the southern coastline is possible before turning around to head back to the launch site. There is almost a half mile carry to the water from parking. Permit may also be required to launch kayaks here (contact New York Parks Dept for more info).

Upper Saranac Lake is the biggest in a tight cluster of (somewhat) interconnected bodies of water near the St. Regis and Fish Creek Pond areas. One may want to consider finding nightly accommodations if planning on exploring the entirety of this lake. There are several islands, inlets, bays, and coves to paddle among. The launch site is indicated at Indian Carry on the south end of the lake - which is more remote. One can also launch from the north end at the Saranac Inn location. Though large, this lake is well separated into unique spaces, allowing new experiences literally around every corner. Note that windy weather can create unsafe water conditions for paddlers.

Georgica Pond is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by only a small strip of beach that sometimes opens a channel (depending on water level, tides, etc) and allows paddling access to the ocean - where sea kayaks should really only venture. Nevertheless, one can easily land on the beach to take in the view. The pond is fairly protected from most of the common hazards of paddling such as large boats and open waters. It can definitely feel like a lake paddling adventure with a few coves and creeks to explore as well. Some of the most interesting views are the large homes that line the banks.

Orient Beach State Park is located on the eastern tip of the north fork of Long Island and offers miles of scenic coastline for paddlers to explore. This paddling trip follows the shoreline from the launch site all the way around the point past a scenic lighthouse and back to an access site directly on the other side of the state park. This route is exposed with the possibility of strong currents and should only be attempted by experienced paddlers.

Home to over 300 species of bird, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is definitely large enough to accommodate such a large amount of wildlife - more than 9,000 acres to be exact. One could get lost navigating the many islands that dot the area. Note that the islands are not to be beached. It is recommended to get a compass and map of the area, and/or find an experienced guide. High winds can also cause the water to be choppy and produce significant waves. The mapped route travels along the perimeter of the refuge, but one can certainly create their own route to shorten the duration spent on the water. It's recommended to paddle this area four hours before/after high tide. Be cautious of other boat traffic.

The East River can suffer from tidal effects of the Atlantic Ocean, so be sure to plan around the tides so not to paddle against it. Beginning in Flushing Bay, one will pass by the airport and prison before traveling along the east side of Manhattan. Note that the water around Hell Gate Bridge can reach a class II difficulty rating at times of peak flow. The river is big and can be busy with large vessels such as ferries and cargo ships - so be cautious. One will pass under several major bridges: The Brooklyn, The Manhattan, Hell Gate, and The Queensboro...to name a few. Other scenery consists of the Manhattan skyline and distant views of the Statue of Liberty. Parking at the take-out site is usually available along nearby roads, but be attentive to restricted parking areas at both take-out and put-in locations.

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.

This bay, located on the southern edge of Long Island, is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by just a small strip of land. This body of water has a variety of connected waterways ranging from bays, creeks, coves, and ponds (Mecox Bay being the largest and center of them all). One is likely to find a particular section of this paddling adventure that suits them. Parking and bay access is actually to the north within Hayground Cove.