Best Hudson Valley Boat Launch Spots

The Hudson River Valley in New York State offers a range of boat launch sites for visitors. The Hudson River Greenway Water Trail provides over 100 designated access sites for paddlers of all experience levels. The trail extends 256 miles from northern Saratoga County in Adirondack Park to Battery Park in Manhattan. For those looking to rent a boat or kayak, several businesses in the area cater to these services, including Hudson River Recreation and I Paddle New York. Additionally, boat launch sites can be found at various parks, such as Lake Taghkanic State Park, Long Dock Park, and Taconic State Park.

Hudson River near Bear Mountain Bridge

The Hudson River near Bear Mountain Bridge offers a beautiful boating experience, with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and attractions of the area. Here are some key details and instructions for boating in this area:

Boat Launch Sites:

There are several boat launch sites near the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge. These include the Municipal Boat Launch Ramp in Beacon and Poughkeepsie, as well as sites in Long Dock Park, Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, and Andros River Road Marina. These sites provide access to the Hudson River and are suitable for launching various types of boats. It is recommended to call ahead to inquire about the exact location of the boat launch ramps, fees, and hours of operation.

Directions:

To reach the Hudson River near Bear Mountain Bridge, you can take a cruise from Pier 78 at West 38th Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan. This cruise offers a 2.5-hour journey each way and provides a relaxing escape from the city. During the cruise, you'll sail past the Palisades, Grant's Tomb, the George Washington Bridge, and the Cloisters before reaching the Hudson River. The cruise is especially picturesque in the fall, with the leaves displaying vibrant colours.

Attractions:

Once you're on the Hudson River near Bear Mountain Bridge, you can explore various attractions. Bear Mountain itself offers natural beauty and several points of interest. You can visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo, Iona Island Estuarine Reserve and Bird Refuge, Perkins Tower, the merry-go-round, and the pavilion. Additionally, every Saturday in October, Bear Mountain hosts Oktoberfest, with dancing, music, and delicious food.

The Hudson River is also a part of the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, a 256-mile stretch that is popular among paddlers of all experience levels. This water trail offers designated launches and take-outs every 10 miles, campsites for multi-day excursions, and access to day-use attractions such as wildlife marshes, islands, historic sites, downtowns, and hiking trails.

Safety and Maintenance:

When boating in the Hudson River near Bear Mountain Bridge, it is important to prioritise safety and maintenance. Always ensure that your boat is properly secured and that all necessary equipment is in good working condition. Regularly check for moisture and corrosion, especially on the bridge cables, as this can impact the structural integrity of the boat and the surrounding environment.

In summary, boating on the Hudson River near Bear Mountain Bridge offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and attractions of the area. With various boat launch sites, convenient cruise options, and numerous attractions, it is a great destination for boaters of all experience levels. Remember to prioritise safety and maintenance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water.

Lake Taghkanic State Park

The park has tent and trailer campsites, as well as cabin and cottage lodging facilities. Large trucks, RVs, and campers can enter from the Route 82 entrance. Lake Taghkanic State Park also features a swimming beach, picnic areas, boat launch sites, and rentals of rowboats, paddleboats, and kayaks. For those who enjoy sports, there are playgrounds, sports playing fields, and a rentable pavilion, as well as a recreation hall and showers. The park also offers hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, and snowmobile trails. Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted when conditions are appropriate.

The park has four vacation rental cottages that come with amenities such as a bathroom, kitchen, enclosed/screened-in back porch, picnic table, and fire ring. The cottages offer stunning views of the lake and provide a comfortable and convenient base for enjoying the park's attractions.

In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Lake Taghkanic State Park is also rich in history. The park's name originates from D. McRa Livingston, who gifted the lake to the Taconic State Park Commission in 1928-29, with the request that it be renamed Taghkanic. In the early years of the park, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was established, and members built the East Beach bathhouse, the beach, camping and cabin areas, and the water tower. While the East Beach is currently not in operation, the West Beach offers a fully equipped bathing facility, secluded picnic areas, informal game areas, and boat rentals.

Long Dock Park

Historically, Long Dock was a critical transportation link in the 19th century between New England and points west. It was home to a rail ferry terminal, warehouses, and various commercial and industrial buildings. Today, it has been transformed into a scenic and vibrant riverfront destination.

For boaters, Long Dock Park features a kayak pavilion and a beach for launching boats. The park provides easy access to the Hudson River, making it convenient for those looking to explore the river by boat. The river itself offers a mix of salt and freshwater, with tidal waters extending north of Beacon up to the Troy Dam above Albany.

In addition to its boating facilities, Long Dock Park boasts rehabilitated wetlands and meadows that attract a variety of wildlife. The park also houses the restored Red Barn, which now serves as Scenic Hudson's River Center for arts and environmental education activities.

With its rich history, scenic views, and convenient access to the Hudson River, Long Dock Park is an ideal location for boaters and nature enthusiasts visiting the Hudson Valley. The park offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, making it a must-visit destination in the area.

Hudson River Cruises

If you're looking for a place to launch your own boat, there are several options in the Hudson Valley area. In Dutchess County, there are municipal boat launch ramps in Beacon and Poughkeepsie, as well as boat launches in Long Dock Park, Andros River Road Marina, and Quiet Cove Riverfront Park. In Columbia County, there are boat launch sites at Lake Taghkanic State Park, Queechy Lake, Germantown, and Schodack Island. These sites offer access to the Hudson River and its surrounding waterways.

For those interested in kayaking or canoeing, the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail is a great option. It offers a 256-mile-long paddling experience with over 100 designated access sites along the way. The trail is open to paddlers of all experience levels and provides opportunities for day-use attractions such as wildlife marshes, islands, and historic sites.

Additionally, there are boat launch sites in other counties within the Hudson Valley region, including Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Ulster, and Westchester. These sites offer varied experiences, from scenic river views to mountainous landscapes.

Boat Launch Ramp Poughkeepsie

The Poughkeepsie Municipal Launch Ramp is located at Victor C. Waryas Park, on the east shore of the Hudson River. To get there, take the Main Street exit from Route 9 and head west, then turn right onto River Street. The park is 500 feet on the left.

The ramp is double-wide with textured concrete and no floating dock. There is, however, a public dock just to the south where you can tie up your boat. The ramp leads directly into the main channel of the river.

There is ample space for cars and trailers to manoeuvre, and parking is available for about 30 cars with trailers. Unfortunately, overnight parking is not permitted at this facility.

The park is open from 8 am to 9 pm, and there are picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, and a restaurant for visitors to enjoy.

At the time of writing, there are no fees for using the Poughkeepsie Municipal Launch Ramp. This makes it a great option for those looking to launch their boats without breaking the bank.

It is worth noting that, according to a user report, there are many "potholes" beneath the water on the launch ramp, which can make retrieving a boat tricky. The same user also noted the absence of bumpers on the public dock near the ramp, so boaters should take extra care when tying up.

Other Boat Launch Sites in the Hudson Valley

In addition to the Poughkeepsie Municipal Launch Ramp, there are several other boat launch sites in the Hudson Valley worth considering:

• Beacon Municipal Launch Ramp: Located opposite the Beacon railroad station, this single-ramp concrete launch has a 58-foot floating dock. Be cautious at low tide, as the end of the ramp has an 8" drop-off, making boat recovery difficult. There are no fees currently associated with using this launch ramp.
• Wappinger Falls Municipal Launch Ramp: Found at the north end of Front Street, this single-width blacktop and loose gravel ramp has a 76-foot floating dock. Parking is very limited, and overnight parking is prohibited. There are no fees or permits required to use this ramp.
• White's Hudson River Marina: A single-wide smooth concrete launch with a 50-foot floating dock, located in New Hamburg. Daily launch fees are $10.00, and there are no overnight charges for cars with trailers.
• Hyde Park Marina: A single-wide smooth concrete ramp with a 60-foot floating dock, located in Hyde Park. Daily launch fees are $20.00, and season passes are available for $350.00. Overnight parking is permitted with reservations.
• Andros River Road Marina: This single-wide concrete and asphalt launch has temporary slips available at the marina. Vessels over 3 feet 6 inches will not be able to clear the fixed railroad bridge separating the cove from the river. Daily fees are $20.00 per launch/recovery, and $10.00 for each additional day of parking. Seasonal permits are also available for $150.00.
• Norrie Point Marina: Located in Staatsburg, the launch at this marina has been rebuilt and is much easier to use. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day, and there is a $5.00 fee to launch ($49.00 per season).

Frequently asked questions