See What Level Tour Should I Take?
Intermediate kayak trips cover 10 to 20 miles and are for strong paddlers with previous paddling experience. These trips cover more miles, at a faster pace, and with fewer stops than beginner trips. No instruction is given before an intermediate tour.
Prerequisite: Proficiency or equivalent skills.
Time: All intermediate programs meet at 9:30 AM
2012 Price: $100.00 which includes equipment or $60.00 if you have your own.
Equipment: Availability of equipment is limited on many of these programs.
Annsville to Croton Point - 
1.0 
Distance: 14-18 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
This program is offered as a round trip starting and finishing at the Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center. Heading south we pass Indian Point, George’s Island and the town of Verplanck. We then enter Haverstraw Bay, where the Hudson River is wide and has the potential for rougher conditions. The current is in our favor both ways. The wind of course is an unknown factor, which makes this trip appropriate for strong intermediate paddlers.
Distance: 10-13 miles
Location: Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, between Stonington, CT and Watch Hill, RI
Venue: Little Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound
Maptech Chart #14 Watch Hill to New Haven
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
This is one of the best places we paddle. Barn Island lies along one of the prettiest sections of the Connecticut shoreline. It sits directly across from Watch Hill, Rhode Island, and offers great paddling opportunities, including marshes, pristine beaches and the swells rolling in from the Atlantic. Little Narragansett Bay will start our day. Rounding Watch Hill we will experience a surf landing onto the beach for lunch. A stop at Napatree Beach on our return allows us to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Distance: 17-20 miles
Location: Beacon, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Train Schedule: Metro-North Schedule
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
This is a one way trip for strong intermediate paddlers. We depart from Beacon with the current in our favor and paddle for 17-20 miles through an area that many have called the most beautiful section of the Hudson River. After we enjoy a close-up view of Bannerman's Castle we pass between rugged Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain, and understand why the Hudson is considered to be a fjord. Ahead we see some of West Point's structures, perched high above the river.
We will likely only take two breaks during this trip. Little Stony Point, Cold Spring, could be our first stop. Our second stop most likely at Con Hook. A snack or part of lunch at each stop will help keep the energy level high. We continue downriver, passing under the Bear Mountain Bridge beneath Anthony's Nose and on to Annsville. The conditions of the day and the group’s preferences will dictate whether and where we cross the river. A wind from the north could make this a very interesting trip. Once we land at Annsville, we'll change into dry clothes and go to the station for the 22 minute train ride back to our cars in Beacon. Train fee is approximatly $5 if purchase on the station or $10 purchase on the train. From Beacon, it's a quick trip back to the Center to collect boats and gear.
Distance: 8-12 miles
Location: Bluff Point State Park, Groton, Connecticut
Venue: Poquonock River, Fishers Island Sound
Maptech Chart #14 Watch Hill to New Haven
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
From the Bluff Point State Park we travel down the Poquonock River, around Bushy Point and out into Fishers Island Sound. After a short open water crossing of the Sound we have lunch on Flat Hammock Island. On our return, we can paddle around Pine Island and enjoy the calm of Baker Cove.
Distance: 12-16 miles
Location: Branford, Connecticut
Venue:Long Island Sound
Maptech Chart #14 Watch Hill to New Haven
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
This is a longer alternative to the Thimble Islands tour for intermediate paddlers. Once clear of Branford Harbor crossing directly to Outer Island for a taste of an open water crossing and a chance to practice navigation. After paddling in and around the Thimbles we'll stop for lunch in Stony Creek. This is just one of many possibilities in this interesting and varied section of Long Island Sound.
Catskill to Saugerties Lighthouse - 
Distance: 18-20 miles
Location: Catskill, New York
Venue: Catskill Creek, Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
This is an ambitious intermediate trip in a very pretty setting. We depart from Dutchmans Landing in the town of Catskill, and head south with the current. This stretch of river has several nice creeks to explore along the way. The conditions of the day will determine how many of them we get into, as this is a long paddle. The Saugerties Lighthouse will be our lunch spot and turn-around point.
Distance: 3-6 miles
Location: Valentino Park, Brooklyn, NY
Venue: Buttermilk Channel, New York Harbor, East River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Putting in at Valentino Park in Red Hook (Brooklyn), we cross Buttermilk Channel south of Governors Island for a grand view of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and lower New York Harbor. We paddle a counterclockwise circle around Governor's Island and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Battery before ducking in to the landing. On the island, we'll tour historic Fort Jay and Castle Williams and relax for lunch. We launch into the ebb in Buttermilk Channel, where the adventurous can play in a minor tidal race (optional). From here, it's a very short crossing back to Valentino.
This is a fairly short trip, and much of our time will be on land. Even so, we classify it as an intermediate trip because of its location. With a breeze or heavy boat traffic, the waters in New York Harbor can be challenging. We see this trip as a good transition for paddlers whose skills are advancing, and as a great introduction to this wonderful venue.
Distance: 10-14 miles
Location: Stratford, Connecticut
Venue: Housatonic River, Long Island Sound
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
The lower Housatonic River is our put-in for this ambitious trip. We will follow the tide out through a marsh area to the mouth of the Housatonic. Depending on the conditions of the day, we will continue out past the breakwater into the Long Island Sound, there we make an open water crossing to Charles Island for lunch. If you like longer tours with the possibility of rougher conditions and waves, then this program is for you.
Hudson Highlands Intermediate - 0.1
Distance: 14-18 miles
Location: Cold Spring, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Starting from Scenic Hudson’s Foundry Dock Park in Cold Spring, we paddle south with the tides past West Point to the Bear Mountain Bridge. Just north of the bridge we paddle up Popolopen Creek to our lunch stop. On occasion we have extended our paddle to Annsville Creek for lunch. The wind will determine how difficult or lengthy of a trip this will be. Many consider this to be one of the most beautiful paddles in the Hudson Valley and a great trip for those looking for lengthier trip in easy conditions.
Distance: 11-14 miles
Location: Huddle Beach, just south of the village, Bolton Landing, NY
Venue: Lake George
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
Paddle with us on the "Queen of Adirondack Lakes", the clear and beautiful Lake George. We will launch near Bolton Landing village, paddling past the grand Sagamore Resort on Green Island, past the point of the Tongue Mountain peninsula and to the Narrows island group. The lake has over 100 islands and most are publicly owned. We will explore the islands and will stop at one for lunch.
Distance: 11-14 miles
Location: Branford, Connecticut
Venue: Banford Harbor, L.I. Sound
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
Paddling west out of Branford Harbor we'll round Johnson Point and cross a mile of open water on our way to Lighthouse Point Park in East Haven. We'll have opportunities to explore several lovely creeks and inlets as we go. We'll round Lighthouse Point for views of the old lighthouse and New Haven Harbor before heading into Morris Creek. Depending on our timing, we may explore the bird sanctuary along the creek before landing for lunch - or we may check it out on our way back to Branford. This trip has lots of options for flexibility and variety.
Distance: 8-10 Miles
Location: Mystic, Connecticut
Venue: Mystic River, Fisher Island Sound
Maptech Chart #14 Watch Hill to New Haven
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
Starting by the Mystic Seaport, we will glide past the C.W. Morgan and other historic sailing ships of days past. A kayaks vantage point offers a perspective of these classics few people get to experience. The river will carry us through downtown Mystic and into Fishers Island Sound to feel the effects of tide, wind, and waves on our kayaks and to get a sense of larger water paddling. A circumnavigation of Mason Island and smaller islands will offer views of marshes and bird sanctuaries to observe ospreys, egrets, and other waterfowl. The incoming tide will give us a gentle push on our return trip.
New York Harbor Intermediate - 
4.0 
Distance: 18-22 miles
Location: Liberty State Park
Venue: New York Harbor, East River
Maptech Chart #8 New York Harbor and approaches
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
From Liberty State Park we head north on the Hudson River to the aircraft carrier Intrepid. After lunch we ride the current down to The Battery and cross to Governors Island. This area is known for rough conditions and heavy traffic. This can be a very exciting trip, when the conditions are right. Only strong paddlers should come because of the challenging tides and waves. There are few opportunities for rest stops.
Distance: 14-18 miles
Location: Norrie Point Paddlesport Center, Stattsburg, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Leaving the Norrie Paddlesport Center we paddle north along the eastern shore past Mills Mansion and Esopus Meadows Lighthouse. We have a few options for our lunch spot in the Kingston area. The conditions of the day will determine how far we travel and the optional side trips.
Distance: 16-20 miles
Location: Norrie Point Paddlesport Center, Stattsburg, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
This trip departs from our Norrie Paddlesport Center heading south. We have a few options for a lunch stop in the Poughkeepsie area. If time allows we can take side trips to Crum Elbow Creek, Black Creek, Esopus Island and Vanderbuilt Mansion. This will be an aggressive paddle, especially if the wind picks up.
Norwalk Islands Intermediate - 0.8
Distance: 9-13 miles
Location: Westport, Connecticut
Venue: Saugatuck River, Long Island Sound
Maptech Chart #88 Greenwich to Norwalk
Starting in Westport, we head out the Saugatuck River to the Long Island Sound and cross over to the Norwalk Islands. Our next stop is Chimons Island, which is where we stop for lunch. We can paddle around some of the other islands in the area, possibly around Shefield to get a glimpse of the lighthouse. On our return trip we head into Bermuda Lagoon before heading back up the Saugatuck River.
Distance: 16-20 miles
Location: Ossining, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
We launch from a small beach just above Sing-Sing prison. There we paddle north around Croton Point to Georges Island where we will have lunch. The pace will be fairly steady, if time allows, on the way back we can take a side trip up the Croton River. On a breezy day this can be a rigorous paddle.
Distance: 12-16 miles
Location: Staten Island, New York
Venue: Outer New York Harbor
Maptech Chart #8 New York Harbor and approaches
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
We will put in on Staten Island at The Alice Austen House, a museum dedicated solely to the work of the turn of the century photographer Alice Austen. This site has been one of our personal favorite launch sites for over ten years. We will paddle south along the Staten Island coast, past Fort Wadsworth and under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge into the outer harbor. Our route will take us around the forgotten islands of Hoffman and Swineburn. Under the Verrazano Bridge the waves can get large, but this is part of the fun of paddling this area.
Distance: 16 - 18 miles
Location: Sleepy Hollow, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
Note: No programs scheduled for this year, but can be done as a private program.
This trip highlights the diversity of the Hudson River. We start off from the town of Sleepy Hollow and paddle along the eastern shore seeing how the river towns are shedding their industrial heritage and transforming the land into riverfront parks. In the afternoon we paddle under the splendor of the Palisades. If time allows we can explore the marsh along Tallman Mountain and Piermont. Paddling this far south on the river allows you to see, even more, the power of the Hudson and it's importance as a commercial waterway.
Distance: 14-18 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Heading north with the flood tide we paddle under the Bear Mt. Bridge. We will have lunch at West Point. On the return trip we can paddle up Popolopen Creek on the western side of the river and explore Devil's Hole waterfall.
Peekskill Bay to Croton Point - 1.0
Distance: 14-18 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Leaving from Peekskill we will ride the ebb south past Verplanck and Cortlandt. The Hudson River widens from one of its narrowest areas to the widest. With the openness of Haverstraw Bay we can follow the shore or cross the Bay on our way to Croton Point for lunch.
Distance: 11-14 miles
Location: New Windsor, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
The intermediate version of our Plum Point trip will take in all the same sights as our beginner trip. Lunch will be at West Point, which extends the paddling by six miles or so. Moving at a quicker pace, should give us an opportunity to spend time in Moodna Creek and a smaller marsh at the foot of Storm King Mountain. Moodna Creek is one of the more active marshes, full of herons, kingfishers, osprey and egrets.
Distance: 10-14 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Our “power paddle” covers up to ten miles in three hours and has you back to base by lunchtime. From our Annsville Creek center we set an intermediate pace up the Hudson past the Bear Mountain bridge. On our way back down river, we sometime duck into the Popolopen Creek for a short stretch & snack pit-stop. For paddlers who like to move along, the Popolopen Power Paddle is a good day’s paddle in half a day. This is also a great way to test paddle a boat to see how it handles in varying conditions. Once back at the Center, you can optionally test paddle other boats for no additional charge. This makes the Power Paddle a must for anyone thinking of upgrading their equipment.
Distance: 10-12 miles
Location: East Haddam, Connecticut
Venue: Connecticut River
Maptech Chart #2 Connecticut River
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
This is another in our Connecticut River series. Starting from Gillette Castle we will head north and up the narrow winding channel into Chapmans Pond, with its adjoining Nature Conservancy Preserve and varied bird life. We will move on to the Goodspeed Opera House where we will have lunch. From there we will head into Salmon Cove. We will explore some of the many channels that makes this part of the river interesting.
Distance: 12-18 miles
Location: Glasco/Saugerties, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
We have a few different possiblities for this trip. We will start at the Glasco Mini Park Landing in Saugerties, two miles below the Esopus Creek. Heading south we will pass a few parks which offers opportunity for a quick rest stop. At the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge we can decide to continue south to Kingston Point Park or cross to the eastern shore and head north to explore South Tivoli Bay. Kingston Point Park has a sandy beach and good place to play while others relax. South Tivoli Bay has nice waterfall to walk to. Whatever we decide to do, this is a nice part of the Hudson to paddle.
Distance: 16-20 miles
Location: Glasco/Saugerties, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
This trip is one-way only, with a shuttle back to our departure point. It is approximately 17 miles of paddling and is only appropriate for strong paddlers. For ease of parking, we will start at Glasco Landing in Saugerties, two miles below the Esopus Creek. Heading south we will pass a few parks which offers opportunity for a quick rest stop. Kingston Point Park will likely be our lunch stop. In the summer months a concession stand is normally open. The sandy beach with a boat ramp is and easy take out and good place to play while others relax. From Kingston Point Park we continue south crossing the river, passing the Esopus Lighthouse and Mills Mansion on our way to the Norrie Point Paddlesport Center.
Schodack Island State Park Circumnavigation -
Distance: 10-14 miles
Location: Schodack Landing, New York
Venue: Schodack Creek and Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
This new State Park is on the east side of the river, opposite the villages of Coeymans and New Baltimore, and is a long peninsula, rather than an island. We will paddle around the perimeter of the park, starting from the kayak launch on the creek side and heading south to the lower tip. From there, we return on the main river, paddling against the ebb tide, but sheltered from the strongest currents. Sandy beaches will provide good lunch and rest stops. A portion of the park shelters a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the cottonwood trees. There is an entry charge for Schodack Island State Park of $ 6.00 per car, which is the responsibility of the participant.
Distance: 16-18 miles
Location: Between Hudson and Stuyvesant, New York
Venue: Hudson River, Mill Creek
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
We launch from Stockport Creek, just north of the former whaling town of Hudson. This is our northern most tour on the Hudson River. We have the opportunity to stop on many of the islands (Middle Ground Flats, Stockport Middle Ground, Coxsackie Island, Rattle Snake Island) that makes this area unique. The extensive marshlands and undeveloped shoreline makes this area a kayakers dream. The northern end of our trip takes us up Mill Creek into a marsh area managed by Audubon Society. On our return trip, we can paddle other creeks which contribute to the beauty of this area.
Distance: 16-18 miles
Location: Stratford, CT
Venue: Long Island Sound
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
Leaving Stratford’s Long Beach, we’ll paddle past Bridgeport Harbor and Seaside Park. After exploring Ash & Cedar Creeks, we’ll have lunch at historic Black Rock Harbor. On the way back to Stratford we’ll head through Lewis Gut and in to the Great Meadows Salt Marsh. This trip has something for everyone - Long Island Sound, sandy beaches, harbors, creeks, and a salt marsh.
Distance: 8-16 miles
Location: Liberty State Park
Venue: New York Harbor, East River
Maptech Chart #8 New York Harbor and approaches
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
Prerequisites: Proficiency and Safety & Rescue Skills. This program is only for people who have been on other intermediate tours. Strong forward and support skills are needed.
We start kayaking from Liberty State Park and paddle pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, crossing busy New York Harbor to lower Manhattan. There we’ll find some interesting conditions before we slip past the ferries to get a view of South Street Seaport and the East River bridges. We’ll ride the current to Valentino Park for lunch. Later, we play in strong currents near Governor’s Island before returning across the harbor. This area is well known for rough conditions, strong currents, and heavy traffic. Due to the currents, there are few opportunities for rest stops. Throughout the program we look for conditions to play in and run short skill sessions. You’ll love this trip if you’re a strong paddler.
