Great Kayaking and Canoeing Spots Around Saratoga Springs, NY
1. Saratoga Lake (of course) – Not only does Saratoga Lake have fantastic sport fishing, but it’s a pretty nice place to paddle too. This eight mile long lake is generally pretty calm, but at times can get heavy boat traffic. If you try to put in at the State Boat Launch during the Summer it could cost you $6 bucks! I say, try to talk your way in or park at the Stewart’s plaza near the launch and carry your kayak over to the water. Never pay $$ to paddle. It’s just plain wrong.
directions- from downtown, take 9P/Union Ave east past the track, over the Northway, over Saratoga lake bridge. The launch and Stewarts are on your left.
2.Fish Creek– Fish Creek runs out of Saratoga Lake and winds its way into Schuylerville. Fish Creek is one of Saratoga Springs’ best places to canoe or kayak. Though it is fairly wide, it is just narrow and shallow enough in some places to deter power boats. Kayaking or canoeing the Creek is a pleasure. There are great fishing spots, neat birds, amphibious creatures and Fish Creek also serves as home to Skidmore College Crew’s boathouse. The rowing shells are a pleasure to watch and are generally out in the morning and evening. The boathouse is located pretty much where the lake ends and the creek begins, at Stafford Bridge Road. To almost guarantee a quiet kayak or canoe trip, put in at the next bridge up, Bryant’s Bridge.
directions- To put in at Bryant’s Bridge, take Rte. 29 East out of town toward Schuylerville. Go throughthe light at the Stafford Bridge Rd intersection. After climbing a hill and then decending, you will come to Bryant’ Bridge Rd. Turn right onto it and continue about a half mile. The put-in and parking are just past the bridge on your left.
3.The Hudson River in Schuylerville- Just ten minutes from Saratoga Springs, Schuylerville, NY is a quaint village named after the Revolutionary War’s General Schuyler. You can put your kayak or canoe in for free at the town’s boat launch and head either North or South. Kayaking or canoeing South will take you through rolling farm land. North will do the same, but you will have to navigate through one of the Hudson’s many locks. If you are feeling adventurous, go North. The locks are free to kayaks and canoes. After paddling grab a sandwich and a drink at General Schuyler’s Pantry. If you feel like a beer, stop at Roadhouse 29 on the way back out of town.
directions- Take Rte. 29 10 minutes East out of Saratoga into the Village of Schuylerville. Turn right when you hit the T and follow the signs for the Boat Launch.
4.Spier Falls- This is one of my favorite spots to paddle in the whole area. Paddling at Spier Falls, you start to feel like you are truly in the Adirondacks. Kayaking between the large, steep mountains on either side of you is a real pleasure. Just 15 minutes from Saratoga, you could just as well be kayaking somewhere up North. There are picnic areas at the boat launch and even a couple secret, state designated camping spots accessible only by the river. If you have sharp eyes you may see the signs, but I’m not telling you where they are!
directions- Take Rte 9 Northover Northway exit 17 into Moreau/South Glens Falls. Take a left onto Spier Falls Road (look for Betty Beaver ‘sTruck Stop to mark the spot – ugh) and wind your way up a steep hill and then back down. Immediately at the bottom and to your right you will see the entrance to the picnic area and boat launch. This area is part of Moreau State Park.
5. The Hudson River in South Glens Falls- Hee you can canoe or kayak Eastish toward Glens Falls or Westish toward the Northway and West Mountain Ski Area. I recommend going Westish (to your left when paddling away from the boat launch). I find it kind of neat to paddle under the four lane highway and wave at the folks on the road. Keep paddling and you will get a great view of West Mountain. Past the view and on your right is a fantastic swimming spot complete with a rope swing. This area is actually very near, just Eastish of actually, the Spier Falls area mentioned above. Thus, kayaking and canoeing here will also start to give you that Adirondack feeling.
directions- Take Rte 9 North over Norhtway exit 17 into South Glens Falls. Go through one light and at the next light, take a left onto Nolan Rd. Follow this rd to the end, but stop before you drive into the river. If you see a woman walking a Blonde Lab/ Shepard mix, stop and say hi. It’s probably my mom (no not the dog, that’s Emma!).
Okay, That is all the Saratoga Springs kayaking and canoing 4-1-1 I am willing to give up right now. Let me get sick of a few other places and I’ll pass them on to you. All of these kayaking and canoeing places within 15 minutes of Saratoga Springs, Ny are woth checking out numerous times. As always, go in the morning and the evening, as well as mid-day. Each time has a different canoeing or kayaking experience to bestow upon you, due to the presence of different wildlife and lighting!
