Paddle in Western New York
Flat-water Ponds, Lakes, Streams and Rivers For Kayaks and Canoes
Oct 8, 2009
Many paddlers enjoy a peaceful excursion on flat-waters. Sometimes guide books are the best way to help you choose a paddling location, based on skill-level, time availability and many other factors. Rich and Sue Freeman have written several guides, including Take A Paddle: Western New York. In this guide, they describe 45 locations in Western New York that are geared toward beginner and intermediate paddlers, or those just wanting a relaxing jaunt. These destinations are great for both kayaking and canoeing.
Eighteenmile Creek
Eighteenmile Creek is located in Niagara County and runs from Burt Dam to Olcott. It is about 2 miles long and depending on the pace, may take between a half hour to an hour to paddle each way. The best time of year to enjoy this location is between May and August. Other times of the year, the area is overrun with fishermen in motor boats. Launching is available at Burt Dam Fisherman's Park for a $3.00 fee. The water is crystal clear and deep, allowing paddlers to view the spectacular sights below.
Conesus Inlet
The Conesus Inlet Fish and Wildlife Management Area is a marsh covering 1,168 acres, located in Livingston County at the south end of Conesus Lake. The lake itself is very popular and there is a lot of activity there year-round. The inlet paddle is about a 2 mile round trip and may take an hour or more, depending on wind conditions and exploration time. The best time of year to enjoy this location is during the spring and early summer. Late summer brings dense vegetation that will make paddling difficult. Launching is available on Sliker Hill Road and at the Conesus Lake Fishing Access Site. Exceptional bird-watching opportunities, including a heron rookery, await paddlers.
Oswayo Creek
Oswayo Creek is located in Pennsylvania and Cattaraugus County. The creek runs about 12.4 miles and could take up to 4 or 5 hours to paddle. Spring is the best time to visit this location when the water is mostly deep and wide. Launching is available at Assembly Park. A take-out site is available at Toll Gate Corner near the Route 305 bridge. This paddle is further out into the countryside and plenty of wildlife sightings can be expected.
Genesee River
The Genesee River, the third longest river in NY, runs approximately 50 miles through Allegany and Livingston Counties. It could take upwards of 10 hours to paddle and may be broken into several excursions. There is one launch site at the north end of Route 417, near the K-Mart parking lot and another one located off a gravel road next to Phillips Creek in Belmont. Spring, summer and fall are good for paddling, but be sure to check the water gage before heading out as some areas may be unnavigable if the water levels are too low. This destination has the tendency to have a swift current and may have some small whitewater areas. There are many level gravel banks that provide the perfect places for breaks and picnics.
Buffalo River Urban Canoe Trail
The Buffalo River Urban Canoe Trail is located in Erie County. It runs a total of 6.5 miles and can be paddled in about 4 hours. This trail is broken into three sections: the Natural River, the Urban River and the Industrial River. The DEC has identified sites of interest along the trail with numbered blue water wave signs, providing an interesting history lesson along the route. Launching is available at the DEC Harlem Road Access Site. Spring, summer and fall are great times to visit this location, but beware of lake freighters. Kayaks and canoes should take caution and move to shore if a lake freighter is seen or blasts its whistle.
The flat-water areas of Western New York remind paddlers that the sport does not always have to be about getting an aerobic workout. These destinations provide ample opportunity for paddlers to refine technique and paddling skills, or simply take the time to slowly and quietly enjoy nature and wildlife.
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