Boat Launch Orange County
Boating on the Hudson River near Bear Mountain Bridge

Boat Launch

Orange County

 All Cornwall-on-Hudson Listings

 Cornwall-on-Hudson Boat Launch

Boat Ramps, Hudson River Boat Ramps, Fishing, Fishermen, Fish, Boats, Boating Cornwall Landing Launch Ramp

914-543-4200 
  Call for location of boat launch ramp, fees, and more information about the Cornwall Landing Launch Ramp in Cornwall, NY.
  Also in Categories:
Hudson River Towns
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley
 All Newburgh Listings

 Newburgh Boat Launch

Chadwick Lake, Town of Newburgh, Attractions, playground, walking trails, Things To Do, Basketball, Biking, Boating, Boat launch, Bocce, Fishing, Picnic, Playground, Roller Hockey Rink, Roller Rink, Hiking Trail, Ice Skating Chadwick Lake Park "Ice Skating and Ice Hockey"

845-564-7815 
  Chadwick Lake Park is located immediately to the northwest of Junction NY32 and 300, in the Cronomer Valley section of Newburgh NY 12550, Orange County in the Hudson River Valley.

Chadwick Lake is a reservoir supplying water to the Town of Newburgh. The reservoir was created by damming Quassaick Creek in 1926. Today, most of the town's water is supplied by New York City's Delaware Aqueduct, with the reservoir acting primarily as a backup.

Chadwick Lake Park is open to the public with recreational facilities near the southern end of the park. Attractions include three picnic shelters, a playground, walking trails, boating launches, basketball courts, ice skating and a roller rink. Fishing is also allowed on the lake; largemouth bass is a common catch.

Note: A permit is required for entrance to Chadwick Lake Park.

Things To Do
Basketball
Biking Trail around the lake
Boating
Boat launches
Bocce
Fishing
Picnic Shelter
Playground
Roller Hockey Rink
Roller Rink
Walking/Hiking Trail around the lake

    Winter Activities
    Ice Skating

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
Children & Kids - Things To Do
Childrens Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Hudson River Towns
Ice Hockey / Hockey Camp / Hockey Leaques
Ice Skating / Indoor & Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Parks in the Hudson River Valley
Parks in the Hudson Valley
Picnicking / Picnic
Playgrounds
Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

Boat Ramps, Hudson River Boat Ramps, Fishing, Fishermen, Fish, Boats, Boating West Shore Marine

914-236-4483 
  Call for location of boat launch ramp, fees, and more information about the West Shore Marine in Newburgh, NY.
  Also in Categories:
Hudson River Towns
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley
 All Orange County Listingsgarrison counties tourist tourism tour touring guide visit visiting travel traveler vacation holiday attractions sights sightsee places interest day tripper explore exploring

 Orange County Boat Launch

Scenic Drive, 7 Lakes Drive, Bear Mountain, scenic ride, lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta, Silver Mine Lake, things to do, fishing, Hike, summer, winter, fall, activities, attractions, swimming, boating, bird watching 7 Lakes Scenic Drive - Orange County

 
  7 Lakes Drive, Orange and Rockland counties
Hudson River Valley, New York State

7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

Enjoy things to do in all seasons at one or more of these beautiful lakes. Go fishing in the summer or ice-fishing in the winter. Hike summer, spring, winter, and fall; especially in the fall when the air is cooler and you can see the stunning foliage of autumn in New York. The lakes that comprise 7 Lakes Drive, offer activities and attractions year round; including swimming, boating, fishing, and fabulous bird watching.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park.

Lake Askoti, approximately 41-acres in size, is located in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, a tributary of Lake Skannatati River in Orange County, is surrounded by hiking trails offering beautiful vistas and great hiking. Enjoy excellent fishing throughout the year, including the winter freeze, when many fisherman return for ice fishing on the lake. Lake Askoti also offers excellent bird watching sites.



Things To Do
Birding
Fishing spots in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails in the Hudson Valley

    Winter Activities
    Ice Fishing

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.

Lake Skannatati, approximately 36.3 acres in size, is located in Orange County in the Town of Tuxedo, New York. Lake Skannatati is located very near Lake Askoti and is one of 31 lakes and reservoirs in Harriman State Park.

The parking lot, located adjacent to Lake Skannatati, provides convenient parking close to the boat launch site and provides easy access to several hiking trails.



Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.

Lake Skannatati offers hiking trails for all levels of hikers, including trails, at varying elevations, around the lake. Launch your boat and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Fish species present include Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout and Pan fish.





Things To Do
Birding / Bird Watching
Boat Launch Site (next to parking lot)
Boating (canoeing, kayaking, row boats)
Fishing in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails around the lake

    Winter Activities
    Cross-Country Skiing
    Ice Fishing

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Orange County, New York

Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Campgrounds
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Food
Group Camping
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables
Scout Camping
Showers
Swimming

    Winter Activities
    Ice Fishing

Directions
Directions: Bear Mountain Bridge to 7 Lakes Drive

1. Head west on US-202 W/US-6 W/Bear Mountain Bridge Rd toward Circle DrContinue to follow US-202 W/US-6 W - 0.4 miles

2. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto US-6 W - 2.6 miles

3. Take exit 18 for US-6 toward NY-17/I-87/Central Valley/Seven Lakes Drive - 0.3 miles

4. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto 7 Lakes Drive - 3.4 miles

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Audubon | Birding | Bird Watching
Biking Trails / Bike Paths
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
Camping Grounds & Campsites
Children & Kids - Things To Do
Childrens Activities & Attractions
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Parks in the Hudson River Valley
Parks in the Hudson Valley
Picnicking / Picnic
Scenic Bear Mountain
Scenic Hudson River Valley
Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports
State Parks - NYC
Swimming
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

Things To Do, Bear Mountain Park, hikers, historic Appalachian trail, campgrounds, great hiking, hikers, attractiions, activities, swimming pool, nature trails, Zoo, ice skating, Biking, Cross-Country Skiing, Merry-Go-Round Bear Mountain State Park - Orange County

845-786-2701 
  Bear Mountain State Park is located on the west side of the Hudson River in Orange County and Rockland County, New York. The 5,067-acre (20.51 km2) Bear Mountain State Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged mountains and is just 45 miles north of New York City, in the historic and beautiful Hudson River Valley.

    Lakes, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain is heavily forested, offering the natural beauty of sights such as Perkins Memorial Point,

    Of interest to hikers, the historic Appalachian Trail is carried across the Bear Mountain Bridge and the Popolopen Suspension Bridge. Although campgrounds and lodging are available, Bear Mountain Park is primarily a day-use park offering magnificent scenery, photo opportunities, and great hiking for all levels of hikers. The historic Bear Mountain Inn, situated in Bear Mountain Park, overlooks Hessian Lake and provides food and overnight accommodations. Food is also available at several vendors around Hessian Lake and in other areas of the park.

Bear Mountain Park attractions and activities include: a large playing field, picnic groves, rowboat docks on Hessian Lake, swimming pool and bathhouse, nature trails including key segments of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long Path, basketball court, Trailside Museums and Zoo, Iona Island Estuarine Reserve and Bird Refuge, Perkins Tower, and the Merry-Go-Round. Many winter activities are available at Bear Mountain Park, including an outdoor rink that is open for ice-skating from late October through mid-March.

Perkins Memorial Tower sits 1,305 feet above the Hudson River, atop Bear Mountain. Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower afford spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Driving, biking, or hiking along Perkins Memorial Drive offers breathtaking views from many vantage points leading to Perkins Memorial Tower perched at the top of the mountain. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of many picnic spots that are available along Perkins Memorial Drive.

Click to enlarge photo of sign - Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery.

Click to enlarge photo of sign - Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery

Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery
Walk the Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery where you will "standon the site of Fort Clinton, which was built along with Fort Montgomery to prevent British ships from sailing up the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both forts and destroyed them shortly thereafter.

"This trail leads down to the Popolopen Creek and across the Popolopen Suspension Footbridge to Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Interpretive signs and an audio tour are available to help understand the history of the fort and the battle."


More fun and educational attractions for kids include the Trailside Museum and Zoo, and the Merry-Go-Round featuring 42 hand carved seats of native animals. After a ride on the merry-go-round, visit the zoo and see how many native animals you can recognize. (Perhaps your children can help name the animals.) .

    Great kids Attraction - Merry-Go-Round
    The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain features hand painted scenes of the park and 42 hand carved seats of native animals including: black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more.

    Great kids Attraction - Trailside Museum and Zoo
    There are four museums at Trailside. The Reptile and Amphibian House is home to a variety of turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders and skinks as well as many species of fish. The Nature Study Museum houses specimens originally created by the Museum of Natural History to educate people about animal identification. Visitors can learn about geologic formations of the Hudson Highlands in the Geology Museum and local Native American and early settler culture in the History Museum.

Things To Do
Biking Trails in Hudson Valley
Boat Rentals
Dockage
Fishing (lake and river fishing)
Food at park and at Bear Mountain Inn
Hiking Trails / Walking
Merry-Go-Round Pavilion
Nature Trail
Perkins Memorial Drive & Tower
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playing Fields
Pool (very large pool)
Swimming
Trailside Museums
Zoo and Nature Park

    Winter Activities
    Cross-Country Skiing
    Ice Skating

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Biking Trails / Bike Paths
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
Children & Kids - Things To Do
Childrens Activities & Attractions
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Gardens, Nature Centers & Trails
Hiking Trails & Walking
Hudson River Towns
Ice Skating / Indoor & Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Parks in the Hudson River Valley
Parks in the Hudson Valley
Picnicking / Picnic
Playgrounds
Playing Fields
Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports
Swimming
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

park, lakes, reservoirs, hiking trails, beaches, camping, scenic roads, wildlife, Things To Do, Beach, Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Boat Rentals, Horseback Riding, Cabins, Campsites, Fishing, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Fishing Harriman State Park - Orange County (and Rockland)

845-786-2701 
  Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. Harriman State Park includes Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds.

Things To Do
Biking Trails in Hudson Valley
Boat Launch Sites
Boat Rentals
Bridle Path / Horseback Riding
Cabins
Campsites
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley
Food
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Museum & Visitor Center
Picnic Tables
Playing Fields
Showers
Tent / Trailer Sites

    Winter Activities
    Cross-Country Skiing
    Ice Fishing

Press blue button for park description, hours of operation, getting there, fees, and more about Harriman State Park.

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Biking Trails / Bike Paths
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
Camping Grounds & Campsites
Cross-Country Skiing
Equestrian Trails & Horseback Riding
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Museums
Museums - Hudson River Valley
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Parks in the Hudson River Valley
Parks in the Hudson Valley
Picnicking / Picnic
Playing Fields
Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports
Swimming
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

Lake, reservoir, Harriman State Park, Things To Do, Boat Launch, Fishing spots, Hiking trails, in Hudson Valley, Picnic Tables, Winter Activities, Ice Fishing, great fishing, Rockland County, Scenic Drives Lake Kanawauke - Harriman State Park

 
  Lake Kanawauke is a 186-acre reservoir (mostly man made) in Harriman State Park. The lake is located in the Town of Tuxedo, Orange County, and in the Town of Haverstraw, Rockland County, NY. Lake Kanawauke is comprised of three parts, the lower, middle, and upper lakes.

Things To Do
Bird Watching
Boat Launch
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables

    Winter Activities
    Ice Fishing

The word is Lake Kanawauke offers great fishing in Rockland County. The fish are plentiful with huge bass; also plentiful are perch, pan fish, and carp.

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Audubon | Birding | Bird Watching
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Parks in the Hudson River Valley
Parks in the Hudson Valley
Picnicking / Picnic
Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

picnic areas, Beach, Harriman State Park, swimming, sandy beach, anglers, fish for bass, perch, Things To Do, Boat launches, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing spots, Hiking trails, Picnic, Playgrounds, showers Lake Sebago Beach - Harriman State Park - Orange

845-351-2583 
  Lake Sebago Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Rockland County, New York. Lawns, fields and picnic areas surround Lake Sebago Beach. In addition to swimming on the sandy beach, anglers can fish for bass, perch, sunfish and more.

Things To Do
Beach
Boat launches
Boating (Canoeing, Kayaking)
Fishing spots in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails in the Hudson Valley
Picnic tables
Playgrounds
Playing fields
Showers
Swimming

Press blue button for park description, hours of operation, getting there, fees, and more about Lake Sebago Beach at Harriman State Park.

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
Children & Kids - Things To Do
Childrens Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Parks in the Hudson River Valley
Parks in the Hudson Valley
Picnicking / Picnic
Playgrounds
Playing Fields
Swimming
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

Lake Skannatati, lakes and reservoirs, Harriman State Park, parking, boat launch site, Launch your boat, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boat launch site, fishing, ice fishing, hiking trails, Birding, Winter Activities, Cross-Country Skiing Lake Skannatati - Harriman State Park

845-786-2701 
  Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.

Lake Skannatati, approximately 36.3 acres in size, is located in Orange County in the Town of Tuxedo, New York. Lake Skannatati is located very near Lake Askoti and is one of 31 lakes and reservoirs in Harriman State Park.

The parking lot, located adjacent to Lake Skannatati, provides convenient parking close to the boat launch site and provides easy access to several hiking trails.



Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.

Lake Skannatati offers hiking trails for all levels of hikers, including trails, at varying elevations, around the lake. Launch your boat and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Fish species present include Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout and Pan fish.





Things To Do
Birding / Bird Watching
Boat Launch Site (next to parking lot)
Boating (canoeing, kayaking, row boats)
Fishing in the Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Hiking trails around the lake

    Winter Activities
    Cross-Country Skiing
    Ice Fishing

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Audubon | Birding | Bird Watching
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Scenic Hudson River Valley
Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

photo of Lake Tiorati, Bear Mountain, Lake Tiorati Beach, large lake, ice fishing, Things To Do, Beach, Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Campgrounds, Fishing, Hiking, Picnic, Scout Camping, Showers, Swimming, Winter Activities Lake Tiorati - Harriman State Park - Orange

845-351-2568 
  Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.

Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Orange County, New York

Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Campgrounds
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required)
Food
Group Camping
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables
Scout Camping
Showers
Swimming

    Winter Activities
    Ice Fishing

Press blue button for directions and more about Lake Tiorati.

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Biking Trails / Bike Paths
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
Camping Grounds & Campsites
Children & Kids - Things To Do
Childrens Activities & Attractions
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Parks in the Hudson River Valley
Parks in the Hudson Valley
Picnicking / Picnic
Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports
Swimming
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

scenic, Harriman State Park, picnic grounds, hiking, boat launch site, Things To Do, Boat Launch, Hiking Trails,  Walking, Picnic Tables, Winter Activities, Ice Fishing Silver Mine Lake - Harriman State Park - Orange County

845-351-2568 
  Silver Mine is part of the beautiful and scenic Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties. The Silver Mine area of Harriman State Park offers picnic grounds, fishing, hiking, and a boat launch site.

Things To Do
Biking
Boat Launches
Fishing spots in Hudson Valley
Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Picnic Tables

    Winter Activities
    Ice Fishing

Scenic Drives
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.

  Also in Categories:
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Biking Trails / Bike Paths
Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Picnicking / Picnic
Scenic Hudson River Valley
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

10987, Park, watershed, outdoor recreation area, Things To Do, Biking, Boat Launches, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Ice Fishing, Museum / Visitor Center, Recreation Programs, Snowshoeing, Scenic Views Sterling Forest State Park

845-351-5907 
  Sterling Forest® State Park, a 17,953-acre park of nearly pristine natural refuge, is located at 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo NY 10987, Orange County in the Hudson Valley. Sterling Forest Park located in one of the nation's most densely populated areas is a remarkable piece of woodland, a watershed for millions, and a tremendous outdoor recreation area. This unbroken deep-forest habitat is important for the survival of many resident and migratory species, including black bear, a variety of hawks and songbirds and many rare invertebrates and plants.

Things To Do
Biking
Boat Launches
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Ice Fishing
Museum / Visitor Center
Recreation Programs
Snowshoeing
Scenic Views

  Also in Categories:
Attractions & Things To Do
Attractions in the Hudson Valley
Audubon | Birding | Bird Watching
Biking Trails / Bike Paths
Children & Kids - Things To Do
Childrens Activities & Attractions
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Hiking Trails & Walking
Historic Sites / History
History of Hudson River Valley
Kids - Educational Activities & Websites
Local History
Outdoor Activities & Places to Go
Parks in the Hudson River Valley
Parks in the Hudson Valley
Scenic Hudson River Valley
Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Winter Sports
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley


Boat Launch Sites
Hudson Valley


Select a boat launch site from our list of boat launches in the Hudson Valley. Call for the exact location of the boat launch ramps, for fees, and specific hours of operation.

Trailering and Launching Boats
One essential activity of the boater that distinguishes the experienced boater from the novice is trailering and launching. These skills require practice, and with practice come proficiency and the development of a routine. Once a routine is established, maintenance problems are reduced to a minimum, safety concerns are minimal, and the boater can concentrate on the pleasures of boating.

Trailering

    Make sure your rig is secure before towing. Check the hitch ball and/or slug to make sure they are tight. Walk around the rig and make sure all straps are tight and secure, the lower unit is up, and wheel chocks or other obstructions are clear.

    Back the tow vehicle up to the trailer. If you have help, have your partner stand beside the trailer tongue to help with alignment on the hitch ball. One system that works well is to have your partner hold a "thumbs up" when the hitch ball is in line with the tongue. If off to left or right, point in the direction the tow vehicle needs to go to get on line. If necessary, raise the tongue with the jack wheel to clear the ball.

    When the tongue is on the ball, close the spring lock that keeps the coupler secure on the ball and put the hitch pin or bolt in so it can't pop off. The rig may need to be pulled forward for the tongue to set fully down on the ball. Raise the jack wheel so it is out of the way.

    Hook the chains diagonally across (left to right, right to left) to the tow vehicle. If this part of the hitch system fails, the idea is for the chains to catch the tongue to keep it from driving into the ground. Hook the chain for the surge brake system to the tow vehicle.

    Connect the lights and make sure they work. Check running, brake, turn signals and emergency flasher lights.

    Check to make sure that the winch cable and safety chain are secured tightly to the boat.

Launching

    Pull off to side in an area to prepare the boat for launch. Make sure vehicle and rig are not blocking the launch area or approaches.

    Load personal gear into the boat. Put gear from the boat (canvas cover, straps, etc.) into the tow vehicle.

    Turn the blower on to ventilate the bilge area. Open the engine compartment to help the process. Use your nose to smell for fumes; nothing works better than your sense of smell for detecting the odor of gasoline.

    Put fenders out where appropriate to protect the boat when it is being launched. Prepare any lines that will help tie the boat off once it's in the water.

    Check the lower unit to make sure the gear oil is topped off. If the oil is foamy, water is mixed with the oil. The oil needs to be replaced and gaskets replaced on both the fill and air vent holes. If the boat is an inboard outdrive and the lower unit is down, raise it before moving the trailer.

    Put the drain plug in. If it is already in, check to make sure it is tightly in place. Approach the ramp and back your trailer to the edge of the water. If you have two people, put one on board to help the driver judge when the trailer is in the right depth of water.

    Unplug the lights.

    Remove the straps that hold the boat on the trailer at the stern and/or amidships area of the boat if you have not done so already. Store in the boat for easy access when pulling the boat out. Do not remove the winch and safety chain hooks on the bow eye until the boat and trailer are in the water!

    Back the trailer into the water. If there is someone on board, they can signal when to stop with the horn. A good rule of thumb is to back the trailer in until the trailer wheel hubs are just above the surface of the water. This might not work depending on the gradient of the ramp and how quickly it drops off. All ramps are different, so trial and error will play a big part in learning the ramps in your area. Note: Mechanics who work on trailer brakes recommend that trailer hubs never be submerged in salt water. If they are dunked, make sure they are rinsed off with fresh water at the end of the day and expect major brake work a minimum of every two years. Chock the wheels of the tow vehicle.

    Lower the inboard/outdrive -- Check clearance for the lower unit to avoid damage. Start the boat and warm it up for two to five minutes. Remove the winch hook from the bow eye, release the lock or ratchet and remove the hooks. If the boat doesn't roll off the trailer, it will need to be put in forward gear to take tension off the cable. Put the throttle in forward gear when the engine is warmed up with just enough power to take tension off the cable. The partner can take the hook off and give the "O.K." hand signal to the operator. Communication between partners is essential to avoid injuries. Sometimes the weight of the boat is not enough to pull the cable out. Sometimes the gradient of the ramp is not steep enough for the boat to roll off. Put the boat in reverse, release the lock or ratchet, and back off two or three feet. Once the cable pays out, put the boat in neutral and remove the hook. It may help to throttle forward a short distance to slacken the cable.

    Remove the hook and back the boat away from the ramp to a waiting area. Keep the boat clear of launch/retrieval area so other boaters can use the ramp.

Retrieving the boat

    Retrieving the boat is the reverse of launching it. Key steps to take before getting on the road are:

    Check to see that all straps and cables are tight.

    Raise the lower unit.

    Plug lights in and check to see that they are operational.

    On a regular basis, nuts and bolts should be checked to make sure they are tight. Tires should be checked regularly and rotated. If your trailer is big, consider having it x-rayed once every 2-3 years for structural damage.

This article is credited to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission




Top of Page