A proposal: Wawayanda Creek Bi-State Canoe Path

[Catskill Mountain Man]

I know most of you wont be familiar with the river but I canoed the entire thing in 2 weekends.

Attached is a screenshot. The darker blue line we did last weekend, the light blue line 2 weekends ago. The red dot is where we flipped.

Living in this town my whole life it really boggles my mind that 0 thought has been given to possibly opening up a very nice canoe path to the public.

It really is a great freaking time for a younger guy (there are lots of bends and LOTS of log jams). I know it's environmentally wrong to but, why not cut out some of the tougher log jams and start advertising it as a NY/NJ Appalachian canoe path.

I've seen many rivers but seeing the entire creek was just awesome, it's a very unique trip. One of the best parts is.. TOWN! Stopping and being able to go to a bar for a burger and beers is an awesome addition to the experience. We canoed through no mans land for a few hours then BAM hustleing and bustleing down town. It's a very stark contrast but really delightful.

I have a short video of us taking a break. I'll post it to this thread when my friend sends it to me.

I recommend this trip to anyone here fit enough to portage a canoe a dozen times.

I want to note that this river is only runnable when the water is higher.

There are no stream gauges on the river but if you you're interested PM me and I'll let you know how it is if if you can run it.

Great time, easy and quick to set up easy access. I think I may do it again or maybe even camp one night.

It really was that great.

Also I live right by where the dark blue and light blue line meet. If you need parking, I have plenty!

 

[JeffK]

I rarely go for the canoe trail thing for smaller streams - be careful what you ask for. Ask the people who fish the Battenkill about the idea. I'm the first person to say all streams need people who care and give out spots freely, but canoe trails can turn bad. But carrying a bow saw and keeping stream open is a great idea. Most people do not realize all the beautiful rivers out there. And streamside bars are a wonderful thing. Many of the trout rivers in Vermont (like anywhere I guess) have towns with proper bars/restaurants/B&Bs at reasonable intervals so you can travel in comfort.

Downed trees have been a real bitch down here in NJ after Sandy blew through. Going to take a while for fixing that.

I'm also glad you canoed the whole creek. How about the whole non tidal Delaware from Willowemoc, NY to Trenton, NJ? Canoeing a whole river can be addicting. I've missed a 1/2mile of the Musconetcong (the section that breaks into a boulder field just below Lake Hopatcong and it is killing me. I'm probably too old now because it is a lunatic section. Some stuff you have to do when you are young.

 

[Future Fanatic]

How about 70 miles of the Susquehanna?

Memorial Day weekend(BIG race on Monday)

The General Clinton Canoe Regatta
70 Mile Race Course

Sorry, no guide boat category...

Pros do the 70 miles in six and a half hours or so...

 

[tompg]

I've been day dreaming about doing the whole Delaware for years. I'd like to start at Shin Creek and got the Philly. I'm enjoying the paddling posts. Keep 'em coming. Why did you decide canoe over kayak?

 

[Catskill Mountain Man]

I've been day dreaming about doing the whole Delaware for years. I'd like to start at Shin Creek and got the Philly. I'm enjoying the paddling posts. Keep 'em coming. Why did you decide canoe over kayak?

I wanted to be able to enjoy w/e water I'm on with a friend. Also I can take my GF on a canoe trip around a lake or maybe even the delaware

 

[JeffK]

I'm a canoe guy. I like the space and room to store lots of stuff and to get up and stand. As my back and knees get worse I like to pole more and more. In a canoe you can stand, kneel, or sit so I get less cramped compared to sitting on your butt all the time in a kayak. Being higher off the water also means you are generally drier. Kayaks have their advantages. On bigger and windy waters they are affected by the wind less and for serious whitewater they can go through giant holes and not get swamped. Paddling across a windy lake can be a nightmare in a canoe because they have more sail area. Plus you can roll a kayak (a few experts can roll a canoe - I can't). They are smaller and can get back into tinier places, but canoes can get into tight spots too so I don't see it as a big advantage. And some people just like one or the other as a matter of taste.