KAYAKING & CANOEING

Touring in Schuylerville:
On the Hudson and Battenkill Rivers

by John Miller

There are endless opportunities for paddlers who want to explore the waterways around the Albany-Saratoga region. Kayaking and canoeing provide exercise, adventure and best of all, relaxation. By this time of the season many of you have worked out your equipment needs and can concentrate on getting on the water. Whether this is your first year on the water or you are a veteran of the sport, the Hudson River at Schuylerville will provide you with paddling enjoyment – it does for me, time and time again.

Here, the Hudson River provides various routes and can be enjoyed many times. This section of the Hudson River is a part of the Champlain Canal, a branch of the Intracoastal Waterway. It usually is quiet and there are seldom motorboats. The speed limit for motorboats is 10 mph, unless they are pulling a waterskier. I have yet to see a waterskier and generally there is little boat traffic, making this area pleasant for paddling.

The scenery is excellent with many trees and few houses. Each time that I paddle this segment of the canal system, I encounter numerous people fishing from shore and small boats. The people that live along the river are friendly and always willing to answer questions about the canal.

At the Schuylerville put-in, there is a gentle grassy slope that provides easy access to the water's edge. The river flows north to south and has a slow current at this spot. During the summer months, the current is nothing to be concerned about. However, if there has been significant rainfall, the current may become stronger and more caution is advisable if you are not a strong paddler.

Island Near Put-in
Before you embark upon your adventure, glance around the area. You will notice that there is a large island directly across from the put-in. Paddling around the island provides an easy 1-mile loop.

Battenkill River
Three-quarters of a mile north of the put-in, the Battenkill River flows into the Hudson from river left. Continuing up the Battenkill, the current increases. This section of the river is very serene; a quiet and astute paddler will notice river wildlife such as great blue herons, turtles and many species of fish. Less than 1 mile up the Battenkill is a dam, and the current continues to increase as you draw closer. After a heavy rainfall, the current increases to a Class I about 100 yards from the dam. The trip from the put-in to the Clark Mills dam on the Battenkill is 2 miles.

Lock No. 5
Looking north from the confluence of the Battenkill and the Hudson, you can see Lock No. 5. The trip from the put-in to the lock is about 2 miles. I have been in the lock on several adventures, and it is always very exciting. Kayakers can travel through the lock free of charge. The lock is controlled by one person, the lock master, who usually is walking around so you need to call him on a marine band radio (channel 13), have a whistle handy, or walk up and get him. I usually float around until he notices me in about 10 minutes.

Approaching the lock you will see either a red or green light on the lock. If I am waiting for boats to exit the lock I float around some distance back for safety. Once the doors open and the green light is on, paddle into the lock and hold onto one of the many ropes hanging down the sides. I place my paddle blade under the deck rigging to free up my hands. Once everyone is into the lock, the huge doors close and the lock starts to fill with water. As the water slowly rises, work your hand up the rope. It takes about 10 minutes to fill the lock – this raises you up about 20 feet. The northern door will now open and you can continue north.

The lock was rebuilt last year and is a beautiful structure. Continuing through the Champlain Lock System you travel through historic towns such as Whitehall, the birthplace of the U.S. Navy, and Comstock. For more information on the New York sState canal system go to www.canals.state.ny.us.

The Hudson continues around Lock No. 5, ending at a low head dam. This section is less than a half mile. Along the way you will see old bridge pylons. There is some whitewater at the bottom of the dam that experienced folks can paddle through.

South of the Put-in
Paddling south on the Hudson River from the put in, with the current, you can travel as far as you are willing to paddle. This is a great put-in for a one-way trip. You can set up a shuttle anywhere south of here depending on how long you want to paddle. Remember that you are paddling with the current – the trip back is harder and you will have less energy. Paddling to The Coveville Marina in The Cove is a 6-mile one-way trip. To set up a shuttle, drive south on NY Route 4 for 5 miles until you see the marina where you are welcome to park for a small fee.

Directions to Schuylerville: From the west: Follow NY Route 29 east from Saratoga Springs (Lake Ave.) for 10 miles to the village of Schuylerville. Continue east on Route 29 for a few hundred yards and you will see the park area on your left. There is a parking lot on the left, just before the bridge crossing over the Hudson. From the east: Take Route 29 west from of Greenwich for 6 miles to Schuylerville. Immediately after crossing the bridge over the Hudson, turn right into the parking lot.

John Miller is co-owner of Saratoga Outfitters and head kayak instructor/guide for Creeks & Peaks Adventures, both in Saratoga Springs.

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