Kayaking offers a uniquely peaceful way to experience the Hudson Valley’s charms. Unlike Hudson Valley hiking, my other favorite outdoor activity, I don’t have to stress about about ticks – a huge public health concern in the region. Instead, I’m free to scan the shoreline and sky for wildlife. While paddling, I’ve seen blue herons and bald eagles soaring overhead. I’ve watched baby ducks swim after their mom and turtles sunning themselves on logs. If you’re ready to take the plunge (pun intended), read on for some of my favorite Hudson Valley kayaking spots. Not only can you paddle along one of America’s great rivers, the Hudson, there are smaller lakes, river, and marshes to explore!
The Best Places to Go Kayaking in the Hudson Valley According to a Local
The Hudson Valley has almost as many places to kayak as it does to hike. While I certainly haven’t been everywhere, these trips include my favorite places to go kayaking in the Hudson Valley.
I created a similar list of the top places to kayak in New York, so check that if you’re headed to the Adirondacks or points north!
While the environment may be different they all share a few variables.
They offer quiet, calm and peaceful environments – few to no motor boats and jet skis, in most cases.
They’re great for wildlife viewing and nature photography (though I never bring my camera on the water).
And then there is a little something extra – like the chance to see migratory birds, gaze at Gilded Age estates, or hear some haunted castle legends.
Let’s get to the list!
Basha Kill Wildlife Management Area
A friend took me to Basha Kill several years ago so we could visit a winery and enjoy amazing plant-based tacos. Those vegan tacos were incredible, but the kayaker in me could not stop gawking at the beautiful marsh behind me.
A short while later, I returned to Basha Kill with my partner so we could paddle the wetland area.
Basha Kill isn’t as well known as some of these other Hudson Valley kayak trips – but if you ask me, it should me. With 3,000 acres of wetland, Basha Kill is a birders’ paradise. You might spot bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. The area is also home to beavers, muskrats, various fish species, and colorful dragonflies.
Constitution Marsh
Right off the Hudson River in Cold Spring lies Constitution Marsh, a tidal marsh that combines narrow channels and open water areas. The marsh is home to numerous bird species, including marsh wrens and least bitterns.
Constitution Marsh is tricky to access due to the tides. High tides cut off the entrance to the marsh, which is by crossing beneath a train bridge. You CANNOT enter or exit the marsh during high tide. People who have attempted to cross the tracks have gotten killed or injured. Always check a tide chart when planning your trip.
Depending on the tides, you will either have a two hour or four hour window to explore Constitution Marsh. The longer window leaves you time to paddle to a secret waterfall at the far end. The shorter paddle, which I’ve done, is enough time to get the flavor of the marsh.
Foundry Dock Park in Cold Spring, NY has a small put-in area. You will have to pay to park.
Bannerman’s Castle
Want to kayak to a private island on the middle of the Hudson River that has a castle and is probably haunted? Yeah, me too.
Kayak outfitters in Beacon lead trips around Bannerman’s Castle. Some trips don’t stop on the island; you just view it from the boat. Others let you set foot on the island and even get a guided tour by a historian.
If you have your own kayak, there is an option to paddle yourself there and do the tour. Launch points for a DIY Bannerman’s Castle kayak include Donohue Park in Cornwall on Hudson and Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point. Each of these is 30 minutes from the island.
For a longer journey, leave from Foundry Point in Cold Spring or Long Dock Park in Beacon. Those are 90 minutes from the island.
Hudson River at Norrie Point State Park
Paddle alongside historic Hudson Valley mansions at Norrie Point State Park in Duchess County. The Norrie Point Paddlesport Center leads guided kayak tours of the river, heading south toward the Mid-Hudson Bridge, or crossing north to the Esopus side of the river.
As you explore the Hudson, you’ll see Mills Mansion, which abuts the park, and Vanderbilt Mansion. Both are fun to visit for their upstairs/downstairs tours of the estate homes, but it’s also fun to see a different side of the fancy estates from the water.
The Hudson River is a tidal river with a strong current. The waters can be very choppy. If you get seasick on the water, I would strongly recommend a different kayak trip.
Rondout Creek in Kingston
Looking for kayaking near Kingston?
The Rondout Creek offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes, with the added chance to scope out some of the amazing yachts that visit during the summer. The Rondout Creek feeds into the Hudson River, so you can launch in the creek and paddle out to the river. If you head away from the Hudson toward the Eddyville Bridge, you’ll pass by several marinas and a working shipyard before arriving at the Eddyville Dam. You can’t go past the dam, so you’ll have to turn around and paddle back at that point.
While paddling the Rondout, I’ve seen herons, hawks and eagles. But you are more likely to see people enjoying the Kingston waterfront or private marinas. The Rondout Creek has significant boat traffic, so you’ll need to watch out for boats coming and going. The Kingston Rondout has a launch, but the parking area is under construction so I would not recommend it. Instead, put in at Sleightsburgh Park in neighboring Esopus, or rent a kayak from A Day Away, down near the Eddyville Dam.
If you want to make the most of a day on the water, these paddles rank as the best places to kayak in the Hudson Valley. Be sure to check them out next time you’re visiting the area. While you’re planning your day on the water, use my kayaking safety gear checklist to make sure you have all the supplies needed for a fun and safe paddle!
