During the warmer months in the Capital Region, paddling is one of the best ways to get out and stay cool on the water. Luckily for residents of Rivers Ledge Apartments, there are a variety of amazing waterways to explore. From the Mohawk River just outside the door to the beautiful Saratoga Lake, check out these top paddling spots in and near Niskayuna NY for your next adventure.
Take a Trip Along the Mohawk River Next to Rivers Ledge
The Mohawk River is a major waterway that’s 149 miles long, and it’s the largest tributary of the Hudson River. As you travel along the Mohawk, you’ll enjoy a mix of urban views and the natural surroundings.
Our luxury waterfront apartment community features fantastic views of the river, and you can easily walk from our apartments to the shoreline at Niskayuna’s Aqueduct Park. Although there isn’t a formal kayak launch at this location, paddlers can access the Mohawk River from Aqueduct Park’s dock. Plus, Upstate Kayak Rentals offers a Self-Serve Kayak Rental Hub at the park, which is a convenient option if you don’t own a kayak. These boats can be reserved online, and then all you have to do is unlock the equipment with a special pin code.
Aqueduct Park is the recommended Mohawk River launch site for Rivers Ledge residents, but some other great spots include the Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady, Halfmoon Crescent Park in Halfmoon, the Clamsteam Road Boat Launch in Clifton Park, and the Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve in Clifton Park, to name a few. The Mohawk Harbor has a full-service kayak rental station, while the other three sites feature Self-Serve Kayak Rental Hubs.
Come and Soak Up the Sun on Saratoga Lake
Saratoga Springs isn’t all about horse racing during the summer. It’s also a popular destination for paddling and boating on Saratoga Lake. At 4.5 miles in length, Saratoga Lake is an excellent choice for on-the-water fun, with kayak access at the Saratoga Lake State Boat Launch, Waterfront Park, and Brown’s Beach at the southern end.
If you don’t have a kayak, then you can rent one from the Kayak Shak on Fish Creek, located at the northern end of Saratoga Lake. Stand-up paddleboards are available at the Kayak Shak as well, and you can even sign up for morning SUP yoga classes for a truly unique experience.
Begin Your Paddling Adventure at Ballston Lake
Most of the boat launches on Ballston Lake are private, but at the northern end, you can find a new and improved kayak launch and fishing pier on Outlet Road. This kayak launch is free to access with a parking lot and outhouse nearby, and it’s just a short walk to carry your kayak to the end of the pier.
The lake itself is about 3.5 miles long, and it’s widely recognized as a top spot for largemouth bass fishing. After your trip, consider grabbing a bite to eat at the nearby Lakeside Farms or Finnigan’s On The Lake. Note: There is a private boat launch at Finnigan’s that visitors can pay to use.
Enjoy a Leisurely Paddling Trip on Round Lake
Round Lake is a small but scenic body of water with a shoreline length of just 1.8 miles. It’s located to the east of the Village of Round Lake, which is about 20 minutes from Rivers Ledge in Niskayuna.
Public access is available on Round Lake at the state boat launch on US-9; there is parking for nine vehicles and trailers and 11 cars. Or, just up the road, you can check out one of Upstate Kayak Rentals’ Self-Serve Kayak Rental Hubs and launch from there. The company has worked with the Village to develop this hidden kayak launch away from the larger state-run boat launch.
Another option for kayakers is to start from the Round Lake Preserve. This nature preserve has a canoe/kayak launch at the end of a boardwalk, and from there, you can paddle toward the Anthony Kill and onto Round Lake.
See the Sights From the Mighty Hudson River
Extending 315 miles from the Adirondacks down to the New York Harbor, the Hudson River is a truly impressive waterway. There are multiple access points in the Capital Region, but some of the closest ones to Niskayuna include Peebles Island State Park in Waterford and the Corning Preserve Boat Launch in Albany.
One fun trip idea would be to rent a kayak from the Self-Serve Kayak Rental Hub at the Corning Preserve Boat Launch, paddle on the river for a few hours, and then return and grab a bite to eat in downtown Albany, which is a short distance away. The boat launch is also located along the Empire State Trail, so you can go for a nice walk and stretch your legs afterwards too.
Find Your Luxury Apartment at Rivers Ledge
There’s a lot to love about the Capital Region, especially all of the rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water that are ready to be explored. Best of all, when you rent one of the new luxury apartments at Rivers Ledge, you’ll be within easy driving distance of many paddling spots.