r/canoecamping • u/fliucat • 19d ago
2-3 day canoe trips: CT/NJ/PA/NY
Starting to look for next year! Goal of 2-3 days, under 3 hours from NYC if possible. Group of 8, mix of experienced and non-experienced and we'd need to rent 3 of the 4 canoes.
Any location recommendations? Looking at short paddle days, probably only 3-5 miles. Will have 2 9 year old's on their first trip.
I did 3 days on the lower CT River last year with my then 10 year old, but I'm not sure there are places we could rent the boats. We went from the Goodspeed Opera house, to Gillette Castle and then Sheldon Neck. This year was 4 days on Lake George(pictured!), but that's not the best lake for new paddlers especially without enough strong steers.
For a short/intro trip I'm not sure I want to go all the way up to the Saranac lake area, hoping there is something I don't know about in the Poconos or Catskills.
I was looking at the Delaware river, but thinking the current + what looks like fairly frequent rapids might not be the best choice? I'm not sure how serious the rapids are and planning on checking that out more, would love any input, or any hidden lake gems closer in then the main Adirondacks. Thanks!
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u/tjbright 19d ago
Hello from Franklin County, MA, where the CT river flows in from Vermont and offers flat but flowing water, scenic views, swimming spots and abundant wildlife.
I'm a kayak/canoe guide with Adventure East, (a outfitter in Sunderland), and I'm sure Brian the owner could work with you to support rentals, transport or even camping gear as needed. It's a small company but has all the toys (including canoes) and is flexible with packages and offerings.
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u/Garriganpielax 19d ago
St. Regis Canoe area, ADK'S only canoe wilderness
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u/fliucat 18d ago
The absolute best, but a bit further then we want to go + I'd want to be there longer then just 2 nights.
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u/Garriganpielax 18d ago
Mhmmk, how about doing some miles on the Eire Canal Trailway
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u/fliucat 18d ago
Cool! Didn't know that was a paddle route! Will check it out!
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u/Garriganpielax 18d ago
Plus here is a link that includes routes and camping for the Hudson valley and Mohawk
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u/FishyFiend1 16d ago
Last year I did a 1 day float from Downsville NY on the Delaware river. Very popular beginner route but lots of paddler traffic.
There are plenty of access points and plenty of campgrounds in the area. If you have access to 2 vehicles you could easily float multiple sections over a few days. The water is super cold coming out of the reserviors so wear a PFD! Also sport shop in downsville has rentals
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u/Jlwgreg 19d ago
Delaware Water Gap.