Outdoor Recreation: Kayaking
NOTE: The NYSDEC has developed several accessible recreation facilities in the Catskills for individuals with disabilities. For a complete list go to the DEC’s Accessible Recreation Destinations page and search their lists for Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster Counties. For more information about NY state parks and other facilities visit Accessible Outdoor Recreation Destinations in and around the Catskills.
Northern Catskills Park
Flatwater Canoeing/Kayaking
Colgate Lake – Enjoy scenic views of the Blackhead Range while paddling lazily on this pretty out-of-the-way lake. This lake supports trout. NY/NJ TC Catskills Trail Map #41.
River Canoeing/Kayaking
Schoharie Creek from Lexington to Prattsville. Nine miles of flatwater and Class I-III rapids flowing through a beautiful valley. See if you can spot a bald eagle looking for trout.
Southern Catskills Park
Flatwater Canoeing/Kayaking
Mongaup Pond – A 120 acre lake, the largest in the Catskills other than the NYC reservoirs, complete with a campground, swimming and boat rentals for paddling.
River Canoeing/Kayaking
The Esopus Creek has several good places to put in/take out. Conditions can be easy to difficult depending on water depth, with releases from a NYC water supply tunnel at Allaben common for the summer weekends. Class II-III rapids.
Western Catskills Park
Flatwater Canoeing/Kayaking
Big Pond – A real find for those who have never traveled down Barkaboom Road. The beautiful mountain setting of this medium-sized, deep lake will keep you coming back, as will the bald eagles and great fishing. Open for trout fishing year-round, which makes Big Pond a Catskills hot-spot for ice-fishing in winter. Pitch your tent at one of four designated campsites.
Alder Lake – A medium sized pond that is perfect for casual paddling. The launch is a short distance from the parking area. There have been regular bald eagle sightings as well as other water fowl. A good place for a swim, too.
Pepacton Reservoir — newly opened by the NYC DEP, the Pepacton, along with the Schoharie, Neversink and Cannonsville reservoirs, are great places to do flat water paddling. Serenity and wildlife abound on these reservoirs. Boat rentals are available locally or, if you have your own boat it must be steam cleaned before bringing it to the launch site. Read more about the reservoir boating program here, and the Pepacton specifically here, including information on rentals and steam cleaning vendors. Get or renew your DEP Access Permit here.
River Canoeing/Kayaking
East Branch Delaware River
Above the Pepaction reservoir you can paddle the slow moving East Branch into or out of Lake Wawaka in Halcottsville for a quiet scenic tour. Boat rentals available at Susan’s Pleasant Pheasant Farm.
Below the Pepacton Reservoir, water releases from the keep this river flowing steady even during dry summer months. Release water is very cold, which helps the healthy population of wild trout, but can make for painful swimming or wading in bare skin, at least in the upper stretches. A classic 5-mile float trip is from Rt. 206/30 bridge just above Downsville to the bridge in Shinhopple. Canoe/kayak rental available in Downsville.
Northeastern Catskill Region
Flatwater Canoeing/Kayaking
Blenheim-Gilboa Reservoirs – The lower reservoir, accessed from Mine Kill State Park is less restrictive to use than the upper reservoir. Y
Pepacton Reservoir — newly opened by the NYC DEP, the Pepacton, along with the Schoharie, Neversink and Cannonsville reservoirs, are great places to do flat water paddling. Serenity and wildlife abound on these reservoirs. Boat rentals are available locally or, if you have your own boat it must be steam cleaned before bringing it to the launch site. Read more about the reservoir boating program here.
River Canoeing/Kayaking
East Branch of the Delaware River – The trip Halcottsville to Margaretville is about 5 miles. Below Margaretville you will enter the regulated waters of the NYC DEP, permit required. (See our page on DEP regulations.) Boat rentals are available in Halcottsville and in Arkville as well as farther upstream in Roxbury. Check for stream conditions. Class I-II rapids.
Northwestern Catskill Region
Flatwater Canoeing/Kayaking
Schoharie Reservoir – One of the four NYC reservoirs open for recreational boating is a great places to do flat water paddling. Serenity and wildlife abound on these reservoirs. Boat rentals are available locally or, if you have your own boat it must be steam cleaned before bringing it to the launch site. Read more about the reservoir boating program here, including information on rentals and steam cleaning vendors.
Susquehanna River – between Oneonta and Cooperstown, the Susquehanna is a wide lazy river, perfect for a relaxing day in your canoe, kayak or maybe even a stand up paddleboard. Boat rentals and other info available in Portlandville.
River Canoeing/Kayaking
West Branch Delaware River – Spring rains and snow-melt make for a fun run on this meandering river through the beautiful rolling hills of Delaware County. Hold on tight to your paddle through the quick bends, and share the long flats with kingfishers, mergansers, herons, osprey, and bald eagles. A classic trip is from Bloomville or Delhi to Hamden. Put in at public bridges. River can be too low to float during drought months. Canoe rental available in Walton and the 18 mile trip from Delhi has Class I-II rapids. Oh, and don’t forget to buy some local maple syrup!
Southeastern Catskill Region
Flatwater Canoeing/Kayaking
Bashakill Wetland – A very unique and important wetland, the Bashakill is a part of a large protected area and tributary of the Nevesink River. The wetland is nestled between the Shawangunk Ridge and the Neversink Highlands, and offers a beautiful meandering paddling opportunity. Check with the non-profit Bashakill Area Association for guided outings led by professional botanists and other nature enthusiasts.
Neversink Reservoir — newly opened by the NYC DEP, the Neversink , along with the Schoharie, Pepacton and Cannonsville reservoirs, are great places to do flat water paddling. Serenity and wildlife abound on these reservoirs. Boat rentals are available locally or, if you have your own boat it must be steam cleaned before bringing it to the launch site. Read more about the reservoir boating program here, including information on rentals and steam cleaning vendors.
River Canoeing/Kayaking
Wallkill River – Gentle north flowing river. Gardiner north to New Paltz and on to Sturgeon Pool near Rosendale and just south of the confluence with the Rondout Creek.
Southwestern Catskill Region
Flatwater Canoeing/Kayaking
Crystal Lake in the Crystal Lake Wild Forest – A 32 acre lake with a boat launch and a hiking trail.
Cannonsville Reservoir — the first reservoir opened to recreational boating by the NYC DEP, the Cannonsville , along with the Schoharie, Pepacton and Neverskink reservoirs, are great places to do flat water paddling. Electric trolling motors are also allowed on only this reservoir. Serenity and wildlife abound on these reservoirs. Boat rentals are available locally or, if you have your own boat it must be steam cleaned before bringing it to the launch site. Read more about the reservoir boating program here, including information on rentals and steam cleaning vendors.
River Canoeing/Kayaking
Delaware River – Designated a National Scenic and Recreational River, the Delaware is a classic float trip. Start in Hancock or any number of other public access points and flat as little as one or two miles, or as many as 10, 20, 50, or even 100 or more. The main-stem Delaware is the largest un-dammed river in the east, and boasts a healthy population of bald eagles and many game-fish species. Private outfitters rent canoes and kayaks, and run campgrounds and guided trips. Keep your eyes out for bald eagles! Hancock to Port Jervis has some Class I-II rapids.