Kingston, N.Y. (June 2, 2011) – Adventurers can come to the Ulster County region of the Catskill Mountains this summer for many diverse kayaking opportunities for all ability levels on beautiful waterways.
Flatwater opportunities exist on small mountain lakes, while Class II/III/IV whitewater can be found in the creeks that snake their way through mountain passes. The upper Esopus Creek, with several recreational water release weekends each year, provide some of the best Class II/III whitewater kayaking in the Northeast. Its moderate rapids, good scenery and reliable release schedule make it a favorite for kayakers. The scheduled releases for 2011 are June 4-5, July 16-17, September 3-4, and October 1-2. These releases are subject to change or cancellation due to storage levels and weather conditions.
“I invite all New Yorkers to stay cool and visit beautiful Ulster County while engaging in healthy outdoor recreation this summer,” said County Executive Mike Hein.
Popular put-ins on the upper Esopus Creek include points along High Street in Phoenicia or further upstream at the fishing access on Route 28 in Allaben, just below the “portal”. Popular take-out spots include Bridge Street in Phoenicia or at the picnic rest area along Route 28 in Mt. Tremper
For easier paddling, take a scenic drive to the state-owned Alder Lake deep in the Catskill Forest Preserve. This 46-acre lake also offers hiking, camping and fishing opportunities, as well as handicapped-accessible picnic areas, parking and a portable toilet. In southern Ulster County, the Rondout Creek in the High Falls area can provide great paddling. This stretch is suitable for an afternoon trip. Put-in is just below the falls off of Route 213 and ambitious paddlers can make their way to the town of Rosendale.
However, before you enjoy one of Ulster County’s picturesque waterways, here is some important advice: Be sure to wear sunscreen, carry water and wear a life vest. Always wear appropriate clothing and never paddle alone. The upper Esopus can be especially tricky to navigate because of many narrow spots where strainers arise.
U.S. Geological Survey Gages can be checked in the Esopus Creek, Beaverkill River, Rondout Creek and Wallkill River. It is recommended to check height and flow before heading out.
Places to go kayaking and tubing in Ulster County:
TUBING
F-S Tube Rental
11 Church Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464
845-688-5787
Tube rentals for the exhilarating experience of tubing down the Esopus Creek.
Town Tinker Tube Rental
10 Bridge Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464
845-688-5553; www.towntinker.com
Whitewater tubing adventures on the scenic Esopus Creek. Wetsuits and transportation available. Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend-September 30 (Last rentals at 4 p.m.).
KAYAK/PADDLE BOAT/CANOE RENTALS
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground and Day Use Area
859 Wittenberg Road, Mount Tremper, NY 12457
845-679-7020; www.dec-campgrounds.com
Boat rentals, fishing, hiking, nature trails, launching site, horse shoe pits, picnic tables and rental pavilion. Tent and RV sites (no electrical hook ups). Mid-May – Columbus Day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Belleayre Mountain Pine Hill Lake Day Use Area
Route 28, Pine Hill, NY 12465
800-942-6904; 845-254-5202 ; www.belleayre.com
Lake, swimming, boating, rowing/pedal boats, fishing and hiking. Beach and picnic area, pavilions and snack bar. Bring your own canoe/kayak. Memorial Day-Labor Day.
New Ulster Marine
440 Abeel Street, Kingston, NY 12401
845-339-4364; www.newulstermarine.com
Marina, motor boat, kayak and canoe rentals. Picnic and BBQ facilities. Under the trestle.
City of Kingston Kayak Tours
Kingston, NY 12401
845-481-7336; www.ForsythNatureCenter.org; www.kingston-ny.gov
Join the City of Kingston’s Forsyth Nature Center for guided nature-oriented kayak tours on the Hudson River and Rondout Creek. Frequent sightings include Bald Eagles, Osprey, Turtles and
much more.
Kenco
1000 Hurley Mountain Rd., Kingston, NY 12401
845-340-0552; www.atkenco.com
Outdoor equipment and apparel store with kayaks for sale or rent, kayak excursions, guidebooks and special events. Open Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 11am-5pm
KAYAKING EVENTS
Kingston Kayak Festival
From instruction in the basics, to advanced skills and technique, to a great deal on a new boat, The Festival is the place to be. Hosted by Kenco and Forsyth Park Nature Center. Kingston Point Beach, Kingston NY; www.kingstonkayakfestival.info Date and time: June 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Decks and Docks Kayak Tour
Explore the Esopus Creek and scenic Esopus Bend Nature Preserve in a tour of decks and docks belonging to homeowners living along the creek. Visitors can kayak, canoe, rowboat, travel by car, bike, or walk to share decks, docks, lawns, and patios along with generous offerings of food and drink. A limited number of kayaks are available to rent. Tickets are limited. $20 per person $50 per family. Purchase tickets online at: www.esopuscreekconservancy.org; 845-247-0664. Date and time: June 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date June 5)
Hudson River Sunset Paddles
Kingston Point Beach, 53 Delaware Avenue, Kingston NY 12401; www.forsythnaturecenter.org; 845-331-1682, ext 7336; $35 per person.
View sunsets and wildlife on this tour. This program is great for those looking to get their feet wet and enjoy the river at its best. Programs include guided tour, kayak, life vest and paddle. Reservations required. Dates: June 4, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16 and 23; Aug. 13 and 20 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Up The Creek Kayak Tour
TR Gallo Park, Kingston; www.forsythnaturecenter.org; 845-331-1682, ext 7336;
Join us for a sunset paddle on the Rondout Creek. These trips will explore the wildlife and history of the Rondout, including the barges and bridges. Programs include guided tour, kayak, life vest and paddle. Reservations required, $35 per person. Dates: Every Friday evening in July and August (6 to 8 p.m.)
Esopus Creek Kayak Tour
Paddle the urban jungle that is Kingston’s Esopus Creek. This intimate experience opens up a new appreciation of nature in the city. $35 per person, reservations required; www.forsythnaturecenter.org; 845-331-1682, ext 7336
Good Morning Paddle
Kingston Point Beach, 53 Delaware Avenue, Kingston NY 12401; www.forsythnaturecenter.org; 845-331-1682, ext 7336; $35 per person.
Spend your morning paddling the Hudson River. Wildlife abounds during these paddles. Eagles, osprey and turtles keep the group fascinated! Programs include guided tour, kayak, life vest and paddle. Call ahead early for reservations! Dates: June 4, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16 & 23; Aug. 13 & 20 (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
KAYAKING PUT-IN AREAS
Rivers/Creeks Launch Points
Wallkill River – New Paltz area
1. Behind the Ulster County Fairgrounds – Off Route 299 one mile west of New Paltz, south on Libertyville Road (County Rte. 7) two miles. Located on south side of fairgrounds. Turn at Gate and drive straight back to the River.
2. Springtown Road less than 1/8 of a mile from Route 299. Turn right at pump station, follow road to launch at end.
3. Springtown Rd (County Route 7), 4 1/2 miles north of New Paltz from Route 299.
4. Another boat launch is on Plains Road in New Paltz off of Water Street, which is the last left-hand turn before crossing the bridge in downtown New Paltz on Route 299 West, at Sojourner Truth Park (next right after crossing the Rail Trail on Plains Road).
Black Creek-Highland/Esopus Area
1. Chodikee Lake/Black Creek, Highland – Five miles east of New Paltz off Route 299. North on Chodikee Lake Road 1 mile, bear left on Camp Stuts Road approximately one mile.
2. Black Creek Preserve, Esopus – Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 7.6 miles. Right on Winding Brook Road. Immediate left for parking lot.
Rondout Creek – Rosendale Area:
Creek Locks Road: Off Route 213, 3/4 mile south of Eddyville
High Falls: Parking and input near falls and Central Hudson facility
Esopus Creek – Saugerties Area:
Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, Saugerties.
Upper Esopus Creek – Phoenicia Area
Allaben Portal, off Route 28 past Phoenicia.
Lakes/Ponds
Alder Lake, Hardenburgh: Off Route 54, 2.5 miles northeast of Hamlet of Turnwood.
Chodikee Lake, Highland: Five miles east of New Paltz off Route 299. North on Chodikee Lake Road 1 mile, bear left on Camp Stuts Road approximately one mile.
Lake Minnewaska, New Paltz: Rte. 44/55, New Paltz NY. Off 44/55, 4.5 miles from intersection with Route 299 West. Kayaks must be inspected at Park office an a permit obtained before launching. No trailers.
Upper Pond – Kenneth L Wilson Campsite, Mt. Tremper; Off Route 28, 4 mile east of Mt. Tremper on County Route 40
Hudson River
Sojourner Truth-Ulster Landing Park: From the I-87 Thruway, get off at Exit 18 New Paltz. After the toll plaza, turn Left at the first traffic light. Drive through the village of New Paltz on Route 299 west and keep going on Rt. 299. Just before the metal bridge that crosses the river, turn Left onto Water Street. Follow until stop sign and continue straight but keep right onto Plains Road. The Sojourner Truth Park’s parking lot will soon be on your right-hand side.
Esopus Meadows Park-Esopus: Crossing the Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 10.3 miles. Right on River Road. Proceed 1.3 miles. Entrance on right.
Kingston Point Beach-Kingston: Kingston Point Beach is located on Delaware Avenue in Downtown Kingston. Kingston Point Beach is on your left (north side), Rotary Park at Kingston Point is on your right (south side) of Delaware Avenue.
Rondout Waterfront-Kingston: Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 19, Kingston. Follow the signs to the Historic Rondout Waterfront and the Urban Cultural Park (2+ hours from Manhattan, 1 hour from Albany).
Bob Shepard Park-Highland: Log onto www.highlandlandingpark.org.
Sleightsburg Park, Esopus: Off 9W East on N. Broadway to First Ave, left on Everson. Park at end of 1/2 mile narrow access road.
Hudson River, Saugerties: Village of Glasco. Off 9W On Glasco Tpke. (County Route 34) at wastewater treatment facility.
Hudson River Saugerties: Village of Malden. Off 9W East on Malden Tpke. (County Route 34) at wastewater treatment facility.
Hudson River Saugerties: Tina Chorvas Memorial Waterfront Park. Off 9W East on E. Bridge Street.
Hudson River Ulster: Charles Rider Park, Ulster Landing Rd (Co Rte 37), One mile south of Kinsgton-Rhinecliff Bridge.
