23 Kayaking In NEW YORK (Calm, Aesthetic, & Adventurous)
Playing with water is the most appealing activity for human beings.
Whether you love to have an adventure in the water or want to avoid it, you will always love to paddle in the water.
Kayaking will be the best choice if you want to enjoy the water in your free time.
This activity will let you remove fear from your mind and be relaxed even when moving over the river water.
It will make your experience adventurous and full of fun if you are a lover of this kind of adventure.
Do you live in New York?
You are really lucky who is living in such a beautiful state of the country with multiple waterways passing through it.
Do you know what it means?
It means you will find multiple beautiful and thrilling points to kayak and enjoy with your friends.
Don’t worry if you don’t know where to go and have this experience.
This blog will help you explore the best places for kayaking in New York.
Just get your chair and read it till the end to find the best spot for your experience.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Beaches in New York.
Kayaking in New York State
1. Seneca Lake
Love to have an adventure over lake water?
Don’t you feel fearful while traveling over the water?
You should choose Seneca Lake if you have both of the above qualities.
This specific lake belongs to Finger Lakes, a group of 11 lakes spreading throughout the country.
Seneca Lake is the best Lake in New York State for kayaking because of its calm water, beautiful surroundings, and multiple picking points.
Unlike other kayaking lakes, you will not get a single launch point over this lake.
It spreads around 38 miles in NY and has multiple launch points throughout this length.
In simple words, you can move towards this lake from any direction, and you will find a kayaking point there to start your paddling.
Alongside, its calm but deep water will add a lot to your experience and give you an adventurous tour.
Because of its connection with a larger group of lakes, you will find it suitable for fishing on your trip.
All in all, you can get multiple experiences while kayaking over this lake in NY.
Address: Ny-414, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, US.
2. Kunjamuk River
Not everyone loves to have an adventure over the river water.
Some people feel fearful while kayaking or riding a boat over river water.
Do you belong to that group?
Are you still looking for a suitable spot to kayak in New York?
You should go for a trip over the Kunjamuk River water.
This river isn’t aggressive like other state rivers and has slow-moving water.
Undoubtedly, river water can be dangerous if you enter it at the wrong time.
But Kunjamuk’s water, up to a few miles long, won’t get dangerous for you because of its calmness.
So, if you don’t want to have an incredible experience on your trip, you should go kayaking in that part of the river.
You will find multiple guides along with kayaking rental service providers to get guidance on your trip.
You should always keep one of those guides with you while going for a trip in the river.
The best thing about this river’s kayaking is the viewpoints you will get.
This part of the river is surrounded by forest, which makes the outlook more beautiful.
The full view will become more appealing at sunset for the kayaking rides.
Address: Route 8 Beach Launch, Speculator, NY 12164, US.
3. Fulton Chain Lakes
Do you want to kayak throughout the day?
If yes, you should choose the Fulton Chain Lakes because of their larger widespread for having the whole-day experience.
This chain of lakes is spread over 3000 acres which will help you have a long-time trip over the water.
The kayaking route of this lake is considered safe because of the calm water.
Due to its long span and calm water, it is famous among kayakers and motorboat drivers.
You can easily enjoy paddling because of its smooth and non-disturbing water.
While kayaking on these lakes, you will feel like passing through large vessels with different beautiful points to spend time with your friends.
Along with this, you can complete your trip with minimal effort because you don’t have to paddle a lot to cross the lake and reach your destination.
Address: 84 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, US.
4. Glimmerglass State Park
Kayaking doesn’t only mean enjoying paddling over the lake or river water.
You can also add other activities to have a better experience and enjoy your trip.
Glimmerglass State Park is the best place to visit that is available just beside Otsego Lake.
This park will provide a safe launch point for kayaking on the lake’s water.
You will also find multiple outdoor activities opportunities like enjoying with your friends beside the lake’s water.
While visiting this park, you will feel like you have come to the beach where you can sunbathe, picnic, or swim.
To get the kayak experience, you will also find multiple kayaking rentals in this park.
You can get kayaking on rent or ask a guide to come with you if you are a beginner and looking for your first experience.
Its beautiful viewpoints will make your trip memorable even if you haven’t kayaked for a long and just spent time there with your friends.
Address: 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY 13326, US.
5. Adirondack Adventures
If you love to have adventurous kayaking trips in New York State, you should come to Adirondack Adventures.
It is one of the best choices to have a kayaking experience over the North River in NY.
Being a kayaking lover, you must have an idea that the water of this river is not calm and can add a lot of experiences to your trip.
That’s why it is only suitable for experienced kayakers, not for beginners.
Additionally, you should need professional guides to get guidance from time to time on your trip.
While kayaking through Adirondack, you will enjoy your trip because it will be full of adventure and information.
During your kayak, you will not only experience water hitting your body.
But the guide will share comprehensive details about the river’s history and place.
Isn’t it beneficial to have information about the place where you are going to kayak?
Obviously, it is.
It will also help you understand the behavior of the river water to estimate whether you can kayak over it alone or not.
Address: 4569 Rte 28, North River, NY 12856, US.
Also see our article on Tubing in New York.
Kayaking in Western New York
1. Mutual Riverfront Park
Kayak is not always used for having a boat ride over the river.
Sometimes, people love to kayak to have beautiful viewpoints to make their trips memorable.
Do you want to kayak in Western New York to get iconic views?
You should choose the Mutual Riverfront Park.
This park is situated beside the Buffalo River and spreads alongside multiple industrial buildings.
It has the best kayaking launch points over this river and has a smooth ride over its water.
During your ride, you will not get bored for a single minute.
Do you know why?
It is because you will see forest surrounding the water and industrial buildings ahead of the river water.
This combination of natural scenery and buildings will make good viewpoints to capture your pictures.
Because of the calm water of the river, you can click as many pictures as you want.
Also, you can have fun with your friends by playing with the river’s water.
Address: 41 Hamburg St, Buffalo, NY 14204, US.
2. Lower Niagara River
Are you an admirer of nature?
Do you love to kayak over the river water that passes between the mountains?
You should choose Lower Niagara River for your experience.
This spot is only good for experienced kayaks because of the heavy water flow.
If you are just a beginner, you should avoid this spot and pick an easy one from the above list.
Abide by this; you will find this point full of kayaking experience.
The river water passing between the mountains will leave a relaxing effect on your nerves.
Undoubtedly, this route doesn’t meet with dangerous waterfalls.
But you should be careful and have a guide to face any problem.
It spreads over 5 miles, and you can complete your kayak trip on this route smoothly.
At the endpoints, you will also get multiple picnic points where you can stop to have your meal and enjoy yourself with your friends.
Address: Lower Niagara River, Lewiston, New York, US.
3. Downtown Buffalo River
Kayaking doesn’t demand you to be in the city to have a safe launch point.
Do you want to start your kayak even when you are away from Buffalo City?
You should go to Downtown Buffalo, and you will have many launch points.
Because of its beautiful surroundings, every kayaking lover wants a smooth experience over the Buffalo River.
This river has multiple kayak launch points inside and outside the city to let everyone enjoy a trip.
Most of the part of the river is perfect for beginners because of its calm water.
If you are just looking to get your first kayak experience, you should choose the Downtown launch point.
It will help you have a smooth experience and practice properly without fear.
Address: 44 Prime St, Buffalo, NY 14202, US.
4. Canalside
Choosing a route for kayaking is the most important task.
It is because the route will decide whether you will have to ride over calm water.
Similarly, it will tell you what type of viewpoints you will have during your trip.
Do you want to have beautiful viewpoints?
Are you looking for a safe kayaking experience on the Buffalo River?
You should start your kayak from Canalside, just a few meters away from the Downtown launch point.
This point is considered the best for every kayaker because of the smooth water flow and beautiful locations.
The kayak route expands from this point and spreads to Silo City.
You will not find even a point with disturbing waterways throughout this route.
In turn, you will remain safe and enjoy your trip.
In addition to a safe ride, you will get multiple beautiful viewpoints where you can click pictures.
The most aesthetic look is when you are passing between the city and trees on your kayak.
It will fill your heart with the beauty of nature and give you an extraordinary kayaking experience.
Address: Buffalo Harbor Kayak, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202, US.
Also see our article on Snow Tubing in New York.
Kayaking in Upstate, New York
1. Beaver Lake Nature Center
Passing over the still water with beautiful natural scenes in the surrounding is always a memorable experience.
But finding such a spot to kayak is the most difficult task.
Beaver Lake is famous for its trails normally, but it can also be a good choice if you are looking to kayak over the still water.
This lake has multiple kayak launch points, from which the nature center launch point is the safest.
It is the perfect spot to start your kayak, especially as a beginner.
You can come with your vessels or get the one on a rental basis.
But the problem is that you can get your vessel only on weekdays, not weekends.
Abide by this; you will find this spot the most beautiful on this lake.
The reason is natural objects like trees surround this point.
It will add a lot of beauty, giving you a relaxing feel.
Address: 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13207, US.
2. South Sandy Creek
Don’t you want to make an effort in your kayak?
Want to be relaxed while passing over the water in your vessel?
You should choose South Sandy Creek Point for your kayak launch.
It is situated in Jefferson County, just beside the Lake Ontario shore.
This kayak launch point still has lake water that will enable you to move anywhere easily.
You don’t have to paddle a lot to reach your destination.
With a few paddles, you can move miles on the water without fear.
The best part of the kayak from this point is that it will support you fully to capture the pictures of the beautiful views.
It is because you don’t have to paddle a lot and can capture the images without disturbance.
For your safety, you should take precautionary measures because the lake’s water is very deep.
Address: State Route 3, 10 Miles South of Henderson Harbor, NY 13650, US.
3. Lake George
One of the most famous lakes in the United States is Lake George.
This lake is famous because of its larger dimensions and beautiful surroundings.
A prominent number of boaters come to this lake during their vacations.
Do you also love this lake?
Are you looking to kayak over its water?
You must come to this lake and start your kayak from any point.
Yes, you have heard it right.
You can start your kayak from any point of this lake because it has multiple routes with still and relaxing waterways.
Along with this, the lake is surrounded by beautiful views throughout its length.
So, you can’t say that any of its parts are more beautiful than the others.
The best part of your trip will be passing by small islands that cover this lake at different points.
Such beautiful points will enable you to admire nature and have relaxing feelings.
Address: 5034 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, US.
4. Fish Creek
Getting a kayak experience full of adventures is a challenging task.
You may find it a fearful experience because water can show unexpected behavior.
Do you love to have adventures during your kayak rides?
Are you an experienced kayaker who can handle adventurous trips?
You should go fishing on Creek to have an exceptional and challenging ride.
This route spreads over 13 miles in length with wide and narrow waterways.
During your kayak, you will pass by slow-moving and faster water.
It will add adventure to your kayak and let you understand how to manage your paddles in different situations.
Isn’t it exciting to challenge the water flow and have a memorable kayak trip?
Yes, it will be if you love to have an adventure on your trips.
This route opens to a small dam that you can reach with just a few paddles.
But you have to be careful because the water flow at that point is much faster than the entire route.
Address: 251 CR-67, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, US.
5. Hudson River
Don’t you want water to control your movement on a kayak trip?
You can enjoy such a kayak trip over the Hudson River.
It is a 351 miles kayak route that spreads from New York to the Atlantic Ocean.
The water throughout this route is still and slow-moving, which makes it easier for a paddler to move easily in any direction.
You can easily turn your kayak in any direction to access a point.
As it is a long trail, you can enjoy kayaking on this for the whole day or extend your vacations to have a complete trail tour.
During your trip, you will find multiple spots to have a break, get some meals, and have fun with your friends.
Additionally, you can check in to different points of the trail to explore the beautiful locations in the surroundings of this river.
Get yourself ready for a long kayak over the Hudson River.
Address: Waterford Boat Launch, Front and First Street, Waterford, NY 12188, US.
Also see our article on Ziplining in New York.
Kayaking in Central, New York
1. Lebanon Reservoir Campground
Thinking of a kayak trip?
Keep yourself ready for other things besides kayaking on the still water.
Sometimes, you may have to spend days on this trip to complete your route or have planned to spend a lot of time with your friends.
Do you have your mind to exploring the Lebanon Reservoir and kayaking there?
You should go to Lebanon Reservoir Campground to have a memorable experience.
This place has different facilities like rental kayaks, cabins, and others.
From this point, you will not only get a safe kayak launch point.
But you will also get other necessary facilities to improve your camping experience.
Almost all necessary resources are available at this point to spend days or even weeks.
If you are worried about the beauty of the place, you should extract this confusion from your mind.
This kayak launch point is the most beautiful point to explore the reservoir.
You can capture different but appealing views from this launch point and during your kayak ride.
Address: 6277 Reservoir Rd, Hamilton, NY 13346, US.
2. Old Erie Canal State Park
It is not good to kayak in large water reservoirs like lakes, especially when you are a beginner.
Doing so can be dangerous for your life because a minor mistake can lead you to a danger zone.
If you are a beginner and looking for opportunities to learn about kayaking, you should start with Old Erie Canal State Park.
This park has a route of 36 miles from the Old Erie Canal.
The water in this route is still and moves slowly, which may not harm your kayak.
Additionally, this trail is much shorter in width, keeping you safe even when you don’t know how to manage your kayak.
With a few paddles, you can reach from one side of the canal trail to the other.
To learn kayaking in this park, you don’t need a guide to support your trip.
You can easily start paddling your kayak and manage it on your own.
Undoubtedly, a guide will remain in the water to save you if something happens.
But it is rare to have such an experience because of the slow-moving nature of the water.
Address: 122 Canal St, Canastota, NY 13032, US.
3. Stony Pond State Forest
Have you planned to move to Nelson during your vacations?
Will kayaking be part of your activities?
You should consider Stony Pond State Forest to get started on your kayaking experience in this town.
It is a large launch point from where you can start your kayak trip easily.
The surroundings of this trail mainly consist of a thick forest having hundreds of green trees.
This natural scenic view will enable you to have the most beautiful views while kayaking on the slow-moving and still water of the river.
The kayak trail is neither too wide nor too small, which makes this launch point suitable for everyone.
Its still water will let you have a smooth experience in your kayak ride and reach your desired point with a few paddles.
You won’t have to get tired because of extra paddling as you may have to do while kayaking in wider river waterways.
Due to this, it is the best place for kayaking in Nelson town for everyone, regardless of the experience.
Address: Stoney Pond Rd, Erieville, NY 13061, US.
Also see our article on Ice Skating in New York.
Kayaking in Ithaca, New York
1. Owasco River
Not every water trail is for beginners when it comes to kayaking or boat riding.
You should be proficient when kayaking over a trail like the Owasco River.
The kayak trail over this river spreads around 3 miles in length.
But this short length can be challenging for you to cover even in hours.
The reason is water flowing through this route is neither slow-moving nor still.
So, you must be active in paddling and controlling your kayak to stabilize your position or move in your concerned direction.
It is because the water waves will come from both sides of your movement, making it hard for you to enjoy a smooth ride.
Looking for some adventurous kayaking experience?
You should visit this river and take a kayak there.
Undoubtedly, the surroundings of this kayak trail are just wonderful.
But the fear of water will make your experience adventurous instead of admiring that beauty.
If you want to explore the beauty, complete your kayak trip and move to the sides of the river to have different appealing views.
Address: Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, US.
2. Canisteo River
One of the most beautiful and silent kayaking tracks in the Western part of New York is the Canisteo River.
This river water is silent and moving slowly in one direction.
Over this river, you can have a smooth kayaking experience even if you don’t know how to handle your vessel.
The reason behind such a comfortable ride is the water is smooth and slow-moving.
It will not restrict your movement or force you to move in a particular direction.
You can have a kayak trip over it like you drive your bike on an empty road.
While using this trail, you won’t have to push paddles a lot.
You can easily cover a prominent distance with a few paddles.
Unlike other waterways, this kayak trail is surrounded by beautiful green trees throughout the length.
If you want to explore the natural beauty of NY, you should get your vessel ready and start your kayak here.
Address: Allegany County, New York, US.
Also see our article on Swimming Pools in New York.
Kayaking in Rochester, New York
1. Ellison Park
Living in Rochester?
Do you want to test your kayaking skills in a safe environment?
You should visit Ellison Park, which is perfect for such experiments.
During the real-time kayak trip in the river, you always have a fear of having accidents, especially when you don’t have kayaking experience.
But you can overcome this fear while kayaking in Ellison Park.
It is a short water trail that exists within the limits of the city and has still water throughout its area.
Whether you are looking to test your skills or want a kayak ride with your family, you will find it a suitable place.
The continuous coverage of the creek and bay area gives this place an admiring look.
So, you can also choose it as a picnic spot to have fun with your family.
No doubt, it is not challenging to have a kayak trip here.
But you should still be careful to avoid any accidents during your trip.
Address: 395 Richs Dugway Rd, Rochester, NY 14625, US.
2. Mendon Ponds Park
Don’t want to have a huge crowd in your surroundings while kayaking?
Want to spend time alone to test your kayaking skills?
Mendon Ponds Park is just a little far from you that you can access it with a drive of 5 minutes from the heart of Rochester city.
It is situated in the south of the city where you can go and have a relaxing kayaking trip.
Many people do not use this place because of being on one side of the city.
But it is still perfect for beginners to have a great outdoor experience with their vessels.
Multiple ponds are available for kayaking here in this part of the river.
You can also enjoy fishing here because of the still water that won’t demand continuous paddling to stabilize your position.
It will allow you to have a fishing experience with your friends by sitting in your vessel and having fun with your friends too.
Address: 95 Douglas Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472, US.
3. Black Creek
Kayaking between the creek trees is amazing because it offers beautiful viewpoints.
But it is not always beautiful only as it can be easy too.
Black Creek kayak launching point is one of the safest points for beginners.
The reason behind being an easy route is the still water of the river.
This trail is at the end of the river, which makes it more suitable for beginners and safe too.
Being a kayak lover, who doesn’t know how to handle their vessels, you will find it a suitable choice.
But the main problem comes when you reach the section of the trail where the water is too low compared to the normal level.
If you have reached this part of the trail, you won’t be able to move your vessel and face other issues.
So, you should be careful and keep your vessel in the areas of the trail where you will get enough water to move on.
Address: New Hudson, Allegany County, NY 14714, US.
4. Lake Ontario
If you think you are experienced in kayaking, you need a challenging water trail to try your skills.
Haven’t you found a challenging and adventurous water trail for your skills testing?
Don’t worry; your research will end up here.
Lake Ontario is one of the largest lakes in the country, where you can go kayaking too.
As you are experienced and love to take challenges, you will find this kayak trail perfect for you.
This trail not only spreads in the horizontal direction, but it goes up slowly from one end to the other.
Also, you will get unpredictable challenges on your trip because of its widespread.
Its water won’t remain still all the time and can create challenges in your trip.
So, you should go there only if you have confidence in your skills and strong nerves to control the vessel.
Address: Route 18, Waterport, NY 14571, US.
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Lakes, Water Parks, and National Parks in New York.
Looking beyond New York? Check out our article on the best Kayaking Spots in Texas and Illinois.