Paddling

Many DEC Campgrounds are situated on bodies of water and provide access for paddlers. Most campgrounds also offer canoe, rowboat, and/or kayak rentals.

St. Regis Canoe Area - It is the only designated Canoe Area in New York State, the number and proximity of lakes and ponds make possible a remote and unconfined type of water-oriented recreation in an essentially wilderness setting.

Essex Chain Lakes - The Essex Chain Lakes Complex contains 18 waterbodies totaling 785 acres that range in size from 3-acre Chub Pond to 216-acre Third Lake. Ten miles of the Hudson River on the eastern boundary and four miles of the Cedar River in the southern section make this is a paddler's paradise.

Tivoli Bays - The site includes two large coves on the east shore of the Hudson River including Tivoli North Bay, a large intertidal marsh and Tivoli South Bay, a large, shallow cove with mudflats exposed at low tide.

Saranac Lakes Wild Forest - This area features countless paddling opportunities with 144 water bodies ranging from small ponds entirely owned by the State to large lakes with a mix of State Land and private lands.

Northern Forest Canoe Trail- This is a 740-mile (1,190 km) marked canoeing trail in the northeastern United States and Canada, extending from Old Forge in the Adirondacks of New York to Fort Kent, Maine.

Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area - This area is known for spectacular scenery created by a deep gorge, sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and dense forests. The rapids in the gorge normally range from Class 2 through Class 4, depending on water level.

Hudson Gorge Wilderness - Whether you are a hardcore thrill seeker or have a family, rafting through the Hudson Gorge is one of the most thrilling experiences on an Adirondack water.

Letchworth State Park- This park features the Genesee River flowing through a meandering 550-foot deep river gorge lined with slate cliffs. The rapids in the gorge normally range from Class 2 through Class 3, depending on water level.

Water Releases for Esopus Creek Recreational Events - DEC facilitates the recreational use of Esopus Creek by directing New York City to make increased diversions into the creek for whitewater events on up to four weekends per year. Historically, the Department has received requests from a consortium of recreational groups that hold these events including American Whitewater, the Kayak and Canoe Club of New York, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the American Canoe Association. These groups coordinate scheduling with other planned boating events throughout the region.