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Top Canoeing, Kayaking & SUP Spots in New York

Discover where to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in the Great Northern Catskills. Glide across calm lakes, explore scenic creeks, or challenge thrilling whitewater runs — with easy access to rentals and launch points throughout the region.

From spring blooms to fall foliage, every season offers a new way to explore the Catskills by water.

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Stand-up paddle board yoga

Best Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

  • Green Lake – Located in Athens, this 38.5-acre lake 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 at public launches in Athens, Catskill, and Coxsackie. The water can be choppy from motorboat wakes; so it’s best to stay near the shoreline on your SUP.  
Person kayaking along the shoreline

Best Areas for Canoe & Kayak Camping

  • Colgate Lake Wild Forest – A popular paddling, fishing, and camping spot located in East Jewett, NY. No motorized boats means nothing but calm, peaceful waters. Average depth: 5 feet.
  • North-South Lake Campground – The largest New York State campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve. No motors allowed means calm, safe waters ideal for a relaxing day on the lake. Average depth: 6 feet.
  • Whip-O-Will Campsite – Home to full-hookup sites, lakeside tent camping and family-friendly fun. Paddle and swim in a seven-acre lake. Rowboats, kayaks, and pedalboats available for rent at this private campground, located Purling, NY.
  • Earlton Hill Campground & RV Park – Features more than 300 camper and tent sites plus cabin rentals with a lake for swimming, paddling, and fishing, located in Earlton, NY.
Row of canoes in front of water

Best Place to Kayak or Canoe for Beginner Paddlers

  • Four-Mile Point Preserve – This is our top recommendation if you are just getting started paddling. Paddle the Hudson River along the shores of the park's nature trail in Coxsackie. There is a 1/4-mile trail between the parking lot and boat launch.
Two girls in canoe paddling on the water

Best Water for Moderate to Advanced Paddlers

Note: Be sure to use the proper gear when paddling in rapids.

  • Batavia Kill River – Features 5.7 miles of Class II-V+ rapids, starting from Swinging Bridge and paddling to Route 23A in Prattsville, NY. The put-in location for canoes and kayaks is near Windham.
  • Schoharie Creek – Features Class I-III rapids from Lexington to Prattsville. The put-in location is near Lexington, NY.
Row of canoes and kayaks on the beach

Where to Rent Canoes, Kayaks, and Paddleboards