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logoMOHAWK RIVER PADDLING GUIDE: LOCK 9 to LOCK 6

The Mohawk River as it winds through New York's Capital District has much to offer the paddler: varying scenery, history, much diverse wildlife & geological interest. Humans have settled the Mohawk Valley as far back as 3,000 years ago - what I would give to go back just 500 years and paddle the river as it was then before the white man started making his mark. 150 miles long and the only natural passage west through the Appalachians the Mohawk River (and the Erie Canal) became an important trade route to the west. The old Erie Canal used to run alongside of the river but the modern Erie Canal is on the actual river and is part of the New York State Barge Canal system (www.canals.state.ny.us) - dams keep the water deep enough for motorboat travel and locks allow passage past the dams. Canoes and kayaks are allowed to go through the locks although it may be a good idea to notify the lockmaster of your intentions ahead of time. These days the river is a balance between industrialized civilization, recreation and nature yet has much to offer the kayaker or canoeist and fishermen are attracted by the smallmouth bass and tiger muskie populations. Water quality is class A - suitable for swimming and as a source of water for municipalities.
Please respect other users of the river. Steer clear of fishermen and don't forget that their lines go well out into the water. Stay close to shore when motorboats are out. The red and green buoys mark the deep water channel - stay between the buoys and shore to avoid potential collision.
Described below is the 27 mile section of the river from Lock 9 in Rotterdam Junction to Lock 6 in Waterford. Mileages are given from lock to lock going downstream. Right and left always refer to the shores when looking downstream - the south shore always being on the right and the north shore on the left.

  • Lock 9 to Lock 8:
    This 5 mile section is fairly scenic with light development. Road noise from nearby highways filters through especially as one approaches Lock 8. Northeast of Lock 9 and the Rt.103 bridge is Lock 9 Canal Park and it is possible to launch a canoe or kayak here although the shoreline is a bit on the rough side. 0.9 miles from Lock 9 on the right is the dock for the Mabee Farm Historic Site (www.mabeefarm.org). The Mabee House dates back to 1670 and is the oldest standing building in the Mohawk valley, other interesting displays feature a bateau and blacksmithing.
    Back on the river, one passes SI Group's industrial complex on the right then paddles under a railroad bridge. Kiwanis Park and its concrete ramp boat launch is on the right at the 2.6 mile mark and is the best place to launch to explore this section of the river. To drive to the park take Exit 1A off I-890 in Rotterdam and the park is on the right 0.8 miles after leaving the highway. The Plotter Kill (kill is a Dutch word for stream) enters the Mohawk just below Kiwanis Park and the remains of the Plotter Kill Aqueduct can be seen. Before reaching Lock 8 Dalys Island is on the left.

  • Lock 8 to Lock 7:
    Lock 8 is reached by taking the Rice Road exit off I-890 in Rotterdam. It is possible to launch below the lock but there are several better places to enter this section of river. The Isle of the Oneidas is soon passed, then Isle of the Onondagas and Isle of the Cayugas - going to the left of the islands is the more interesting and quieter route. The Western Gateway Bridge (Rt.5) between Schenectady and Scotia is reached 2.5 miles from Lock 8. Just past the bridge on the right is Gateway Landing with its gazebo - here there is a dock for launching canoes and kayaks. To drive to the landing from Schenectady take the last possible right before crossing the bridge. On the left side of the river are Jumpin' Jacks Drive-in and Scotia's Freedom and Collins Parks. Schenectady's historic Stockade district is soon passed on the right.
    Tree-lined shores hide an industrial site on the right and the left shore is also wooded. Freeman's Bridge is reached at 4.4 miles and just past it on the left is a NYSDEC Fishing Access Launch, a good place to access this section of river. On a recent stop here I picked up the Blueway Trail Map & Guide - a brochure featuring Schenectady County's 18 mile section of the Mohawk. An island is passed at 5.7 miles, the right shore remaining mostly wooded while the left shore has some light development and marinas. This section of the river sees many rowing sculls as several schools and clubs are based here.
    The Alplaus Kill enters the river on the left at 6.2 miles and can be paddled upstream about a mile until a fallen tree blocks the way. At 6.9 miles on the right, just before the Rexford Bridge (Rt.146), is Aqueduct Park - the Aqueduct Rowing Club has a low dock here for use by the general public to launch muscle-powered boats. Just past the bridge the remains of the Rexford Aqueduct are seen - the old Erie Canal crossed from the south side of the Mohawk River via this aqueduct then continued on the north side of the river before crossing to the south side again near the present-day Rt.9 Crescent Bridge.
    The next 4 miles to Lock 7 are geologically interesting and one of my favorite sections of the river. A little past the Rexford Bridge there is a small rocky island on the left which hides a trickle of a waterfall which drops down a sandstone and shale cliff, the rock dates back 440 million years. More cliffs line the the river for the next 3 miles and it is fascinating to observe the plantlife and wildflowers that cling on in the crevices. A hidden waterfall cuts through the cliffs on the right shore near green buoy 57, 0.9 miles below the bridge. Knolls Atomic Power Lab sits high up on the right and Llenroc mansion is up on the left. Soon after, the new Riverview Public Access Project picnic area is on the left - a crushed shale beach makes a good landing point & there is a smooth wide 250 yard trail leading to a parking area on Riverview Rd just west of Brian Dr. The grassy slope of a capped Niskayuna landfill is on the right, after that the woods are part of the Mohawk River State Park (formerly the Schenectady Museum Nature Preserve). Lock 7 is reached at just under 11 miles from Lock 8. A lagoon on the right leads to the concrete ramp boat launch at Niskayuna's Lock 7 Park (Lock 7 Road off Rosendale Road; bear left just before the lock to drive to the boat launch).

  • Lock 7 to Lock 6:
    The first 4 or 5 miles of this 11 mile section are particularly scenic and the wildlife is quite diverse. One often sees red-tailed hawks soaring above, great blue herons, Canada geese, snowy and great egrets, red-winged blackbirds, swallows, sandpipers, gulls, cormorants, mallards and other ducks, beaver, muskrats and white-tail deer. The observant (and possibly lucky) paddler may also spot bald eagles, osprey, nighthawks, bitterns, green herons, snapping and painted turtles. Carp may bump into your boat in the shallows. The Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve runs for 4 miles along the north shore and the south shore is lightly developed. It is possible to launch below Lock 7 from Lock 7 Park - from the parking lot you will need to carry your boat 150 yards over the grass to a small tributary. The Lock 7 Dam is impressive from below. Rocky Goat Island bisects the dam.
    On the left 0.9 miles below Lock 7 is Ferry Rd (off Riverview Rd) in Vischer Ferry. There is a small parking area - it is possible to launch here but the bank is steep and the water's edge is rough. A rope ferry was started here in 1790 by Eldert Vischer and a toll bridge had a short existence from 1900 thrugh 1902. Niska Isle, site of an old Indian village, comprises the south shore - not an island but more of a peninsula with several homes. It is possible to launch at the end of Ferry Road (off Rosendale Rd) in Niskayuna but the river's edge is usually either muddy or rocky. Rounding the tip of Niska Isle a back bay stretches to the northwest. The Lisha Kill enters this bay and it is possible to paddle up the stream a short distance; if a beaver dam does not deter your progress then a downed tree probably will a short distance further.
    Below the point of Niska Isle are 3 islands which I unoficially call Goose, Hawk and Eagle Islands after certain avian life I've seen on them; the upstream island is actually named Marite Damen Island. At the 2.3 mile mark, the Niskayuna Hamlet Railroad Station (at Lions or Railroad Station Park off Rosendale Rd) is seen on the right. I launch here often in spring but in summer mats of invasive water chestnut clog the open water and make access to the main river channel extremely difficult. Past the third island there is a shallow bay to the south which can be paddled in spring before the water chestnut grows in - this is a favorite haunt of the snapping turtle.
    Shaker Creek is passed on the right at 4.0 miles. Soon after is the site of Forts Ferry, another rope ferry which began operation in 1728. At 5.5 miles there is an island close to the north shore. To the island's northeast one can sometimes paddle through the shallow bay and access the old Erie Canal. If you take a left at the canal you will soon reach Clute's Dry Dock where there is a little-used ill-conceived dock which is too high for kayaks & most canoes. Exploration of the old Erie Canal is best in spring with its higher water levels.
    The Delphus Kill is on the right at 5.9 miles and one reaches the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Bridge (the "twin bridges" of I-87) at 6.4 miles. Colonie Mohawk River Park (formerly Colonie Town Park) is soon seen on the right. Planning for the future of the Town of Colonie's 10 miles of Mohawk River waterfront is being spearheaded by Mohawk River Community Partners (www.colonie.org/mohawk), a non-profit goup formed to promote the revitalization of Colonie's waterfront. Several islands and the south shore have rugged rocky shores before reaching the Crescent Bridge (Rt.9) at 9.4 miles. Just past the bridge on the right is Freddie's Park, a small park on Albany Marine Service Lane and a decent place to launch.
    Continuing downstream one passes the Colonie Landfill on the right and one will find the the north shore to be more attractive. Canal Park (at the end of Flight Road, off Washington Ave/Fonda Rd Rt.97) is on the left before the Crescent Dam and Lock 6 - this is a good place to launch all types of boats.

    Rich Macha ©2007

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    logoOTHER PLACES TO PADDLE IN THE CAPITAL REGION:(a work in progress)

  • HUDSON RIVER in Moreau. 3.5 mile stretch between Spier Falls & Sherman Island Dams. Put-in at Sherman Isl. Boat Launch on Spier Falls Rd - a good gravel launching area. Mostly in Moreau SP so very little development, in fact, middle section is near wilderness. Steep hills surround the river here. S shore near Sherman Isl Dam has some interesting bays & islands with rocks that tempt you to take a break.

  • HUDSON RIVER Lock 1 to Lock 2.
    From Broad St. in Waterford take Rtes.4&32 N for 2.5 miles then take a R to Lock 1 - boat launch is to the L upstream of the dam.

  • HUDSON RIVER between Troy Lock & Dam & Lock 1 & access to MOHAWK RIVER around Peebles Island.
    1. End of Marion Rd a little N of Lansingburgh (N Troy).
    2. Waterford at S end of First St.
    3. West end of 123rd St in Lansingburgh.

  • HUDSON RIVER from Corning Preserve boat launch in Albany.

  • HUDSON RIVER, PAPSCANEE CREEK & VLOMAN KILL.
    Put-in at state boat launch next to Henry Hudson Park in Bethlehem (from RT.144 take Lyons or Barent Winnie Rd to river).

  • HUDSON RIVER Coeymans. In Coeymans, from Rt.144 take Westerlo St east to Coeymans Landing where there is a concrete ramp launch. Cross the river to the E shore Lower Schodack & Houghtaling Islands (no longer islands, connected to land at the N end at Schodack Island SP) are undeveloped & apparently desirable habitat for bald eagles. Schodack Creek enters (3.5 miles from put-in). Cross to the lightly-developed W shore & head back. Hannacroix Creek enters a bay about half mile S of Coeymans Lndg & is paddleable near high tide for about half a mile, going under Rt.144 til things become rocky, narrow & shallow.

  • ROUND LAKE & ANTHONY KILL (the outlet) from small dirt parking area on Rt.9 (just N of the last house) in Round Lake. Can also go up the Dwaas Kill from the Anthony Kill.

  • BALLSTON LAKE. Put-in next to bridge on Outlet Rd.

  • KAYADEROSSERAS CREEK - Ballston Spa to state boat launch (parking fee in season) at mouth of Fish Creek. Put-in at Kelly Park or on Northline Rd about 300 yds. W of bridge over the creek & not far E of Rt.50 - now part of Saratoga SP - easy to miss - look for picnic tables & portajohn in field S of road. Flatwater with some quickwater - Slam Dunk is a short class 1 drop 3 miles in & Flat Track is a rocky area shortly before Rt.9. Very little signs of civilization except midway thru trip when passing under Rt.9 & I-87 bridges.

  • FISH CREEK - Outlet of Sa
  • DYKEN POND. Paddlers are allowed to drive 800' past gate ar Dyken Pond Environmental Center to unload but must park car back in lot. Dyken is about 1.5 mi. long.

  • LONG POND, Grafton Lakes State Park. From the village of Grafton, drive N on Long Pond Rd (becomes dirt, passes Mill & Second Ponds) over 2 miles to end - there is a dock at the E end of Long Pond.

  • DUNHAM RESERVOIR. South of Rt.2 in Grafton Lakes SP - put-ins on Dunham & Reservoir Rds. Dunham is about a mile long & the inlet at W end is paddlable for a short distance. One of the nicer undeveloped bodies of water in the Capital District.

  • ERIE CANAL - VISCHER FERRY NATURE PRESERVE from main preserve entrance on Riverview Rd.

  • RIVER RUNNING: BATTEN KILL, HOOSIC RIVER, SCHOHARIE CREEK
    Class 1 & 2. Best to pick up a copy of Canoe & Kayak Guide East-Central NYS at the store + peruse Nehasane's trip reports.

    TRIP REPORTS - MORE PLACES TO GO



    logoPADDLING KNOWS NO SEASONS

    I cringe whenever I hear the words "end of season". As long as the waterways are unfrozen then there are opportunities to canoe or kayak. Fall's colors are wonderful especially when reflected in still or rippled water. Morning frost on downed leaves, a light covering of snow, a coating of thin ice in a small cove all bring out the photographer in me. Bad bugs are absent and people are scarce, serenity is easier to find.
    Certainly, my clothing and decision-making will change with the seasons. As temperatures drop my decision-making becomes more conservative. One is safer paddling close to shore in the company of others who have practiced rescues and recoveries than when paddling solo across the middle of a big lake. I have a personal rule which I call "3 good reasons" - I try to think of 3 good reasons not to do a particular trip. I can remember being out on Cedar River Flow in December one year, I was paddling alone, the wind was strong and the water cold - I quickly decided to turn back early.
    In late summer and early fall, with water temperatures still in the 60's, clothing may consist of synthetic underwear, wool socks, knee-high waterproof mukluks to keep feet dry, quick-drying nylon shirt and pants, fleece sweater, waterproof jacket and pants. A wise person would also bring a change of clothing in a dry bag. Cotton clothing should be avoided - cotton is slow to dry and when wet sucks the heat right out of you increasing the chance of developing hypothermia. Early signs of hypothermia are cold hands and feet and uncontrollable shivering. Don't let it get past this stage - put on warmer clothes, drink hot liquids, eat warm food. Luckily, paddling hard can keep you warm too. I also carry inexpensive hand and foot warmer packets which when opened release heat for several hours.
    As water temperatures drop below 60 degrees one should give greater thought to clothing that keeps you warmer in case of capsize. Yes, there are those that claim to have never capsized and that they never will - personally, I don't know any good paddlers that have never capsized. A wet suit keeps you warmer when you are in the water and buys you more time to recover before hypothermia sets in. A wet suit should fit snugly so that a thin layer of water is trapped between your skin and the suit, this thin water layer is warmed by your body heat and you feel more comfortable when immersed. A loose-fitting wet suit allows cold water in and is thus useless.
    Water temperatures below 50 degrees can be potentially fatal. Cold shock response, loss of breathing control and other factors can lead to drowning even before hypothermia becomes a factor. You will need to get out of the water as quickly as possible - water conducts heat away from you 25 times faster than air. I have heard that the average 50 year old without protective clothing has a 50% chance of dying after being immersed in 50 degree water for 50 minutes. Dry suits with warm under layers are recommended. Most dry suits will keep the body dry but your head and hands still remain exposed. A fleece-lined neoprene skull cap for the head and protective gloves are a good idea. If you plan to spend much time paddling in winter you should read more than just this article to prepare yourself.
    Notice that I haven't mentioned air temperatures. For maximum safety one should dress for the water temperatures and not the air temperatures. Some of you may remember back to one Saturday last January when temperatures rose into the 70's in the Capital District. Some kayakers were lured out onto Round Lake, one capsized followed by two others during the ensuing botched rescue attempt. Luckily, others called for help and the kayakers were rescued after 45 minutes in the water. All were treated for hypothermia at a nearby hospital.
    Where can you find open water locally in winter? Try Fish Creek, the outlet of Saratoga Lake. You can also go south to find warmer air and water temperatures. Try following the fall foliage display down the east coast - Cape Cod’s waters are still above 60 degrees in October and the rivers in New Jersey's Pinelands are wonderful in late October and early November.
    Lastly, wear your PFD (personal flotation device aka life jacket) - it will keep you warm while paddling and afloat in an accident. Find a few accomplices and go out and enjoy the "off-season".

    More safety info: www.americancanoe.org & http://www.atlantickayaktours.com/Pages/ExpertCenter/coldwater/Coldwater-1.shtml

    NYS water temperatures: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/current/?type=sw&group_key=NONE

    NYS Fall Foliage Report: http://www.iloveny.com/fall/pages/foliagereport.html




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  • Near Coxsackie, Stockport
     
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    Lake Lila
     
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    Mohawk River Rapids from Peebles Island
     
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    Jessup River Rapids
     
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    Oxshoe Pond Leanto.
     
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    Raquette River.
     
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    Cod Pond & Stewart Creek Trail
     
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    Little Tupper Lake
     
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    Near Hudson River, Stockport
     
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    Lake Champlain
     
    Visitor Number