ORANGE COUNTY, NY (June 30, 2015) –Two major rivers and countless lakes in Orange County cast cooling breezes as paddlers and rafters ply the sparkling waters on hot summer days. Get close to the waves with the diverse assortment of small craft available for splashy recreation.
“This is the ultimate liquid refreshment,” said Susan Hawvermale, Orange County Tourism director. “Floating along, or paddling madly, the scenery is gorgeous and the fun is terrific.”
The Delaware River is a great place to start. Silver Canoe in Port Jervis will set you up with a canoe or raft for a relaxing trip on this pristine river. Urban dwellers can take a train out of Manhattan and be picked up at the station for a quick trip to the livery grounds. Grab a paddle for some easy adventure. Call 800-724-8342 or visit: www.silvercanoe.com.
Greenwood Lake is the county’s largest, and a huge playground for all the paddleboards, single or double kayaks, canoes and small motorized or non-motorized boats that are available for rent. The 9-mile long body of water is home to Jersey Paddle Boards (845-554-0787, www.jerseypaddleboards.com) and will have you skimming the water in no time. Skip’s Dockside Marina also has paddle boards, but stop here for kayaks and canoes, too (845-477-8410, www.skipsdocksidemarina.com/rentals.htm). Go fishing in a motorboat from Walter’s Rainbow Inn (845-721-3239, http://rainbowinnrestaurant.com/about-us) where you’ll also find canoes and rowboats.
Head to the Hudson River for guided kayak tours to all sorts of wonderful places. Storm King Adventure Tours in Cornwall-on-Hudson offers kayaking trips tailored to your skill level and interests. Visit www.stormkingadventuretours.com or call 845-534-7800.
Nearby Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain State Park has rowboat and paddle boat rentals for an idyllic float on this scenic lake. Spread out the checkered cloth at the picnic grove for a relaxing meal, then take a spin on the merry-go-round and don’t miss the Trailside Museums and Zoo. Visit www.palisadesparksconseervancy.org, or call 845-786-2701.
If you like kayaks, rowboats, pedal boats or even unique white swan and “orange ducky” boats, you’ll find all these entertaining options waiting for you at Round Lake’s Alex Smith Pavilion in Monroe. Visit www.monroeny.org/index.php/community/parks-recreation/boat-rentals, or call 845-395-0099. Boat rentals are also available at Chadwick Lake Park in Newburgh where there is a children’s playground and 4-mile loop to walk around the lake.
Visit www.townofnewburgh.org/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=40&TPID=9565, or call 845-564-7815.
Visit Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page, Orange County Tourism NY. It’s your guide to up-to-the minute postings of area events and activities, great times, memorable experiences and a great reminder why Orange County is such a great place to visit!
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, NY, is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, call 800-762-8687.
