Best Places to Paddle in the Great Northern Catskills

• Greens Lake – Located in Athens, features calm water paddling and great fishing. Average depth: 19 feet.
• Hudson River – Paddle along New York’s most famous river. You can access the water in Athens, Catskill, and Coxsackie. Depending on boat traffic, the water could be choppy from boater’s wakes so it’s best to stick to the shoreline.  

• Colgate Lake Wild Forest – A popular paddling, fishing, and camping spot in East Jewett — no motorized boats make for calm water. Average depth: 5 feet.
• North-South Lake Campground – The largest state campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve features calm water, as motorized boats are not permitted. Average depth: 6 feet.
• Whip-O-Will Campsite – Home to full-hookup sites and lakeside camping in Purling. Paddle a seven-acre lake, and rent rowboats, kayaks, and paddleboats right there at the campground.
• Earlton Hill Campground & RV Park – Features more than 300 campsites with a lake for paddling, located in Earlton.

• Four Mile Point Preserve – Paddle along the shores of this nature trail on the Hudson River.

Note: Be sure to use the proper gear when paddling in rapids — check out REI’s gear recommendations.

• Batavia Kill River – Features 5.7 miles of Class II-V+ rapids from Swinging Bridge to Route 23A in Prattsville. The Batavia Kill River Google Maps put in location is near Windham.
• Schoharie Creek – Features Class I-III rapids from Lexington to Prattsville. The Schoharie Creek Google Maps put in location is near Lexington.

• North-South Lake Campground – Located in Haines Falls, offers kayak, canoe, rowboat, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
• Screaming Eagle Outdoor Adventures – Located in Athens, offers seasonal single and tandem kayak rentals.
• Riverview Marine Services – Located in Catskill, offers seasonal kayak and canoe rentals.