1.Statue of Liberty - Launch from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ at 200 Morris Pesin Dr. 07305. Full park facilites. Beach launch. FREE See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow here There is a nice protected inlet where calm water kayaking is possible almost anytime. Kayaking into New York Bay should be considered a little more carefully. Early in the morning, before 7:30, on good weather days is your best bet. Ferries, barges, taxis, cruise ships,freighters, you name it, churn the bay water all day long. That being said, experienced kayakers who are appropriately equipped and prepared for the traffic conditions, can get around. Do NOT go too close to the statue. There are bouys around the island that mark a security boudary for all boats. Also see ****Manhattan Kayak Company - TOURS - see video...click here****
2.Owasco Lake, NY - Finger Lakes - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow - Launch in Emerson Park - 56 White Bridge Rd 13021. Kayak left off the ramp to go directly out to the lake or to the right to go around the island through a beautiful narrow canal and finally out into the lake. The water is so clear you can watch the fish swim below you the full depth of the water. This is a beautiful area and close to Skaneateles. Eat at Hunter's Diner - 18 Genesee St, Auburn, NY 13021 - fantastic homeade food and wonderful people. While there on Fathers Day 2010 we happened upon the unique oppurtunity to see a car show from the seat of our boats. We took out and toured the more than 2000 cars that were in attendanced that included a Shelby Daytona, a Kaiser-Frazer and other rare cars.
3.Pittsburgh, PA - Three Rivers - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow a GREAT place for kayaking!! Go to Pittsburgh! There are multiple places to launch. The Flagship Team launched at Riverfront Park near 10 S 18th St. 15203. There is plenty of parking but no other facilities. Free! Bring your bike on this trip. There is a lot to see as you tour the downtown section of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. There are kayak rentals available in the area..search the internet.
4.Onondaga Lake - Syracuse NY - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow here Beautiful park- (Onondaga County Park) - right in downtown Syracuse - Launch at the marina boat ramp on Vine St. for a fee or at the Canoe and Kayak Launch at the north end of the lake just inside the Seneca River for free. (Near Syracuse University Rowing Center) There are rowers in the area so mind the traffic. Follw the Seneca river towrd Onieda Lake or head toward Syracuse into the Onondaga Lake. There is a lot to explore so plan to spend the day..bring your bike and a picnic lunch. Get information at the visitor Center..the friendly staff will help you make the most of your trip.
5.Lake Onieda - Syracuse, NY -See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow here Launch at Onieda Shores County Park... Small fee at boat ramp. This is a good size lake with amenities all around. Explore the lake or the Onieda River at the west end or use it to travel to other lakes via locks along the way. No shortage of waterways to explore in the area around Syracuse, including the finger lakes just few miles west. Beautiful country. Be prepared to spend a few days. Camping and picnicing areas with restrooms. Watch for power boats on nice days.
6.Boston, MA - The Constitution -See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow here- we put in at 172 Terminal St. 02129 at the public boat ramp...free. Enusre you understand the tides before you go. Search the Internet. Watch for traffic from LARGE boats. Turn right after you leave Little Mystic Channel, toward the Coast Guard Station, and find the USS Constitution and Cassin Young WWII destroyer.
7. Schuylkill River, Philadelphia - Schuykill Navy "Row for the Cure" - Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer benefit - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow here... Put in at the Canoe Club. - Wonderful city and great place to row and paddle..the Schuylkill River is a picturesque location for water events...keep an eye on the Schuylkill Navy website for future events. You can be sure they will be very well supported events. Make sure you have to time to stay and visit the city after your kayak trip and bring your bike to ride the miles of bike paths around the beautiful Fairmont Park and into the city. The Flagship Adventure and Race Team will be back for more races and exploration of the Schuylkill and the Deleware Rivers!!!! ...also see www.SwanBoat.orgThe Philadelphia Canoe ClubPhiladelphia Dragon Boat Festival
8.Boston, MA - Christian Herter Park - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow 1072 Soldier Field Rd. 02134 - kayak rental galore or launch your own kayak for free... (porta potty) You may wish to launch at magazine beach closer to Boston on the north side of the Charles River (711 Memorial Dr. 02139). Kayak to the right (East) toward Boston or go further inland on the narrow sections of the Charles river. (west) The Flagship Team traveled to Boston past Harvard, MIT and Boston University boat houses. There are a lot of rowers in the area so mind the traffic since they cannot see or maneuver as well as kayaks. Stop at the Esplanade near downtown and take out for a picnic.
9.Plymouth, MA - Mayflower See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow Launch at Long Whorf Rd. at the boat ramp - small fee. Kayak to the right as you leave the ramp to see the Mayflower. Easy acces to open water (Atlantic) Be sure to save your appetite for the fresh seafood and great resturaunts in the area. Lot's of shop's and don't forget to see Plymouth Rock.
10.Skaneateles Lake, NY - Finger Lakes - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow .... AMAZING water...the cleanest water we have ever seen anywhere in the country. We could read the Flagship label on the paddles with the ENTIRE paddle submerged at full length. You should go visit Skaneateles (skinny-atlas) NY. The country is beautiful and the town is fantastic...a must see!! Launch at 2880 West Lake Rd. 13152 from the New York State boat ramp. There is another city owned ramp further south. Spend a week in the area and explore all the finger lakes...plenty of reasonable lodging and camping in the area. All the lakes are within a short drive and well worth the visit.
11.Cayuga Lake, NY - Finger Lakes - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow Launch at the park ramp at Cayuga Lake State Park 2678 LOWER LAKE RD 13148 - There is a nice campground and a ramp. The water is very nice in the lake and there is a lot to explore in this very large lake. There are many other launch locations around the lake...search the internet.
12.Lake Ontario, Sodus Point, NY - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow - 8597 Wickham Blvd 14555 - we were unble to launch safely on our visit due to weather conditions. Beware of big water and high winds. This is potentially a wonderful trip and we look forward to returning soon.
13.Seneca Lake, NY - Finger Lakes - See the Photo Album with full screen slideshow - Park Rd 14456 - Beautiful water here...the lake can get quite choppy, as can all the finger lakes so monitor the weather closely. The water here is so clear you can see to the bottom almost like swimming pool water. There are canals here (NY Canal System) to explore that connect all the lakes in the area. If you have enough time and an adventurous spirit and the proper skills, you can paddle for days along the canals and rivers that connect the lakes. The finger lakes are an area that all day trip kayakers can enjoy as well as those more adventurous and it is well worth the trip to travel here for a kayak vacation.
