A Paddler’s Guide to the Sullivan Catskills
The one constant flowing through the natural wonder of the Sullivan Catskills is freshwater, and there’s a lot of it. Crisp mountain ponds & trailside creeks. Still reservoirs & quiet bogs. Wide free-flowing rivers & thrilling whitewater. It’s all here, and nearly all of it free and open to everyone.
For canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding, this is a place where you can dip a blade somewhere new nearly every day and never float the same water twice. And even if you do return to a favorite spot, sun and seasons make the experience feel entirely different each time.
Snowmelt fuels cool, quick spring flows that cascade into soft summer days, when sometimes drifting downstream is the only item on the agenda. Come autumn, the water takes on an entirely new life as rust-colored leaves float across a mirror image of the sky and surrounding forest.
Here, stillness & spark, calm & current. Water is woven into everything, and it’s all yours to explore.
Rivers, Lakes & Reservoirs
In a place like the Catskills, everything has a name that tells a story, and you become part of it the moment you show up. Hiking trails are a good example of this, and waterways are no different.
Delaware River
It’s impossible to have a conversation about Sullivan County without bringing up the historic Delaware River. Its free-flowing waters touch five states and provide drinking water to over 13 million people. It’s also a darn fine river to paddle, raft the rapids or simply float, which you’ll see plenty of people doing at Big Eddy in Narrowsburg on a hot summer day. Whether you bring your own boat, rent one from a local outfitter or hire a professional guide, the Delaware is the most versatile waterway in the Catskills.
Bashakill Marsh
The heart of this natural wonder is the largest freshwater wetland in southeastern New York. Its 1,920 acres are a birdwatcher’s dream, and a quiet sanctuary for paddlers too, since only electric motors and non-motorized watercraft like canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are allowed here. Rentals are available from the Mamakating Environmental Education Center.
Crystal Lake
This 32-acre waterway is within the Crystal Lake Wild Forest near Roscoe and offers paddlers a peaceful experience surrounded by forested hills. Access here is hand launch only, which means only people powered boats are allowed.
Loch Sheldrake
This glacially formed body of water was famous as a major resort hub during the mid 20th century. Today, it’s a perfect place for a family to float and fish given its easy access, small pier and picnic tables. Psst… every spring the New York Department of Environmental Conservation stocks 800 brown trout in its waters.
Lake Superior
Another quiet place to paddle is Lake Superior State Park, especially for families since its public beach also features a picnic area, playground and plenty of parking. No motorboats here either and rentals are available right from the beach.
Mongaup Pond
In addition to being a great place to paddle, Mongaup Pond also features a camping and day use area with canoe and kayak rentals on-site. A bonus is the nearby Catskill Fish Hatchery.
Swinging Bridge Reservoir
Formed in 1926 by the damming of the Mongaup River, Swinging Bridge Reservoir is named after an old walking bridge made of wooden planks and steel cables that once cross the river. If you’ve got a powerboat, this is one of the few places in Sullivan County for you to drop it in the water and go for a spin on the nine-mile-long waterway.
Spring Rush & Summer Drift
Like snow in winter, every day on the water is a different condition especially as the seasons move. Spring produces more water and faster flows that allow access to the most places, but also require more knowledge of the waterway and, often, a different set of gear.
Whitewater in the Sullivan Catskills can vary from Class I with calm moving water with small waves to Class III, which features irregular waves and sometimes tight passages between rocks. Unless you’re a seasoned paddler with proper gear and a buddy, hitting the rapids is best experienced with a professional guide.
Things slow down come summer and fall, but that also means some waterways run too low and rocky to access. Local pros know the flows.
Get Geared Up & Guided
The difference between a good day on the water and an epic day often comes down to a few questions asked of the people who know Catskill waters best.
Their answer may be different depending on season, weather and wind. But they will always point you in the right direction, including providing info on where to park and access the water and if fees or permits are required. Of course, they would also be happy to guide your perfect day and take care of all the details. No stress.
Landers River Trips
Bob Lander began leading river trips on the Delaware in 1955. Today, his legacy lives on as thousands of guests enjoy rafting, canoeing and kayaking on the wild and scenic river each season with Landers. Rent a tube and float or book a full day adventure.
5961 NY-97, Narrowsburg, NY 12764
Landersrivertrips.com | 800-252-3925
“We LOVE Lander’s River Trips! Our friends talk about this trip pretty much year-round, telling stories from the past year, but also re-living and retelling so many great stories from years past.”
Mark Rolston
Kittatinny Canoes
With 80 years of leading tours on the Delaware River, Kittatinny loves sharing the wonder of the Catskills, whether by canoe, kayak, raft or tube. With trips from three to 11 miles, there’s enough fun to fill any amount of time you and your crew want to spend exploring the river.
3854 NY-97, Barryville, NY 12719
Kittatinny.com | 845-682-3539
“The trip was fantastic. Water was calm and the weather was perfect. The Kittatinny Canoes company took us from River Beach to Matamoras in a shuttle and the canoe was already waiting for us.”
Andrew Tatuk
Indian Head Canoes
If you have your heart set on a rafting trip, Indian Head Canoes is a good place to start. From 3-mile family floats to a full-day of class I and II fun with transportation provided for every down or upstream option.
3883 NY-97, Barryville, NY 12719
Indianheadcanoes.com | 845-557-8777
“I have been vacationing at Indian Head canoes for over the last two decades. It never disappoints in terms of proximity to the river and friendly customer service.”
Tanisha Hanley
Reber River Trips
From relaxing canoe and kayak trips to a raucous party raft, Reber River Trips offers 5, 6 and 12-mile options from three to six hours of paddling. Just look for the pink minibus and you’ll find your way to the put-in or take-out.
3351 NY-97, Barryville, NY 12719
Reberrivertrips.com | 845-557-3332
“We have been rafting with Reber for over 10 years! We have created incredible lifelong memories on the Delaware.”
Pam Tigar
Pack & Play
A day on the water is always better when you’ve got the right gear for it. Guided trips will always provide the essentials (life jacket, paddle, drybag, the boat), but here’s a neighborly list of things you should also plan to pack:
On-the-Water Clothing
- Swimwear: Quick-drying boardshorts, a swimsuit or a rash guard.
- Sun Protection: A wide-brim hat or baseball cap and a long-sleeve sun hoody.
- Footwear: Secure river sandals with a back strap or old sneakers you do not mind getting wet (no flip-flops).
- Eyewear: Polarized sunglasses paired with a retention strap.
Gear & Protection
- Dry Bags: Small dry bags or Ziploc bags to keep your phone, keys and extra layers safe from splashes.
- Sun & Bug Care: Water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+) and insect repellent for riverside stops.
- Water & Food: A refillable water bottle and easy-to-eat snacks.
- Safety Extras: A compact first-aid kit and personal medications.
Camp & Stay
Many of the local outfitters listed above have their own riverside campgrounds and cabins, but there’s a lodging option for every level of comfort in the Sullivan Catskills. Rustic & refined, rugged & relaxed. From glamping in a geodesic dome to kicking back in a refurbished vintage camper to every tier of luxury beyond, it’s all here.
And if the place where you lay your head doesn’t have dining on-site, they can certainly point you to nearby restaurants, cafés and brewpubs where post-paddle stories are swapped and shared over hearty plates and cold drinks.
Unless the water is frozen, there is a lake, river or reservoir waiting to be explored in the Sullivan Catskills, and a professional outfitter to make sure the experience is perfect for you and your group, whether you bring your own boat or borrow one of theirs.
Stillness & rapids, calm & current. Life on the water is different here. What more awaits? Come see us.