PADDLING ITINERARY
Apalachin to Hickories ParkApalachin, Marshland Road, Hiawatha Island, and Hickories Park
One of the unique features of this paddle is Hiawatha Island, a large, wooded island with rustic trails where remnants of its history, including a hotel and farm, remain. Nestled between serene and scenic tree-covered hills, this area of the Susquehanna River offers paddlers of all ages and experience a fun and relaxing adventure on the water. You can expect to see a lot of birds, including the Great Blue Heron, Egrets and Bald Eagles.
Beginning in Apalachin and going past Hiawatha Island, the itinerary ends at Hickories Park. An alternate take-out is the Marshland Road Boat Launch across from Hiawatha Island.
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
DIFFICULTY: Easy
MILEAGE: 5.25 – 6.4 miles
HAZARDS: Bridges
ACCESS POINTS:
Marshland Road Boat Launch
Valley View Drive Bridge, Apalachin NYS DEC Boat Ramp
- As you launch from the Apalachin Boat Ramp, there is a large braid immediately after getting on the water. Paddle to t right to follow the main channel.
- When you approach the next island, the main channel is to the left. There is a wide turn in the river after the golf course, which will also be on your left starting at the end of the island.
- You will then pass a gravel bar and the river will have another wide bend, after which you will paddle a straight stretch until you see Hiawatha Island ahead of you.
- The left channel around Hiawatha Island will lead to the access site at Marshland Road, which is river left. If you plan to exit the water at here, paddle to the left toward the concrete ramp.
- The main channel to the right of the island is slightly wider, although you may take either channel to paddle through to Hickories Park.
- Note that a pair of bald eagles have often been spotted high in the pine trees of the island. Be sure to have your binoculars handy!
- After passing the end of Hiawatha Island, the concrete ramp at the next access point at Hickories Park will be river right, before the NY-434 Connector Bridge. The inlet from Little Nanticoke Creek is at the west edge of the park, and if you reach it you have passed the access point for Hickories Park.
Note: After periods of heavy rain/high water, the ramps may be muddy and slippery.
ACCESS POINT 1:
Hickories Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 308.8
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Right Side
ADDRESS:
359 Hickories Park Road
Owego, NY 13827
https://experiencetioga.com/places/hickories-park-camping/
A great place to end your trip, Hickories Park is large camping area with plenty of amenities including restrooms, showers, playgrounds, several pavilions, picnic tables, grills, volleyball courts, and walking paths. It is a great place to stretch your legs or enjoy the day. It is carry-in, carry-out.
There is a concrete ramp with room for trucks and trailers, and it is located on the part of the river where the depth is suitable for recreational motor boats and jet skis.
Hickories Park offers many camping options. RV sites have water, electric, sewer, and septic removal. There are also tent camping sites with fire pits. There are no reservations, and payment is cash only.
Food and lodging are also available on Route 17C, just off Hickories Park Road.
From the road, Hickories Park Road is off 17C between McDonald’s and Best Western. You’ll drive through a residential area, passing under the NY-434 connector, then turn left past the first entrance, to the park’s main entrance. At the flagpole, turn right to get to the boat launch.
ACCESS POINT 2:
Marshland Road Boat Launch
WATER TRAIL MILE: 310.26
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Left Side
ADDRESS:
Marshland Road
Apalachin, NY 13732
RIVER LEFT. This access point is also a good launch for a short trip around Hiawatha Island. The gentle current in this area makes it easy to paddle up river if you want to explore the area from here.
There is a paved ramp, and the parking lot can accommodate 12 vehicles, including trailers. From the road, there is a brown sign for the Town of Owego Boat Launch.
Note: After periods of heavy rain/high water, the ramp may be muddy and slippery.
ACCESS POINT 3:
Valley View Drive Bridge, Apalachin NYS DEC Boat Ramp
WATER TRAIL MILE: 315.18
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Left Side
ADDRESS:
Valley View Drive Bridge
Apalachin, NY 13732
RIVER LEFT. This access site is located just past the Valley View Drive/Route 962J Bridge. It has a wide concrete ramp with ample parking for at least 20 vehicles including trailers. From the Road, there is a NYS DEC sign marking the entrance to the large gravel parking lot.
Note: After periods of heavy rain/high water, the ramp may be muddy and slippery.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
Hiawatha Island
Located across from the Marshland Road Boat Launch, at 112 acres Hiawatha Island is the largest island in the Susquehanna River in New York State. It was once a recreational destination where guests arrived by steamboat to picnic or stay at the Hiawatha Hotel. At one point it was also a farm, and there are currently rustic trails and historic remnants of that former life. Now owned by Waterman Conservation Education Center, it is home to a pair of Bald Eagles, Herons, and other wildlife. For information on in Hiawatha Island, including a trail map, or any of their other preserves, visit Waterman Conservation Education Center.