For canoeists and kayakers, there's nothing quite like rowing past the splendid scenery that awed the first frontier explorers. The best part is you'll find that kind of scenery all over the state. New York has more than 7,800 lakes, reservoirs and ponds and over 70,000 miles of rivers and streams to explore. Your options span from famous rivers like the Hudson and St. Lawrence to the Great Lakes and other inland waters.
Hunt's Pond State Park in
Central New York is well loved by paddlers. Glaciers created the small park's 50-acre pond basin, where you'll find unblemished shorelines and lily patches.
Higley Flow State Park in the Adirondacks is another canoeing and kayaking favorite. Make your way along the Raquette River, lined by hilly forest land.
In the
Adirondacks, you can also explore routes along Saranac Lake, the St. Regis Lakes and Tupper Lake. They're sure to give you views to remember. Nearby, paddlers of all skill levels can find challenging rapids on rivers such as the Boquet and Oswegatchie.
Traversing along Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River, the Seaway Trail is one of America's most beautiful byways. You can stop by the
Seaway Trail Discovery Center to find routes that explore all kinds of navigable waters, from marshy inlets to rushing rivers. Prime spots include parts of the
Erie Canal and creeks in
Wilson-Tuscarora State Park and
Buckhorn Island State Park.
Those near
New York City can easily get their paddles wet. Head up to the Hudson Valley, and launch a canoe or kayak in the Hudson River. Explore
Mills Norrie State Park or see the
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse the way an old ship captain might have seen it. Annsville Creek at
Hudson Highland State Park is a paddler's paradise. The park also offers rentals and instruction programs.
Grafton Lakes State Park in the
Capital Saratoga region is the perfect place to get more experience in a lake setting.