PADDLING ITINERARY
Kirkwood to BinghamtonKirkwood Veterans River Park, Sullivan Park, and Sandy Beach Park
The river is fairly wide in this area and offers an easy paddle as it flows northwest toward Binghamton. The first access point is located not far from the Pennsylvania border where the river reenters New York State after its short loop into PA. Kirkwood Veterans River Park is a great place from which to launch. From here there are two additional access points at Sullivan Park and Sandy Beach Park, both of which offer easy access to and from the water.
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
DIFFICULTY: Easy
MILEAGE: 4 – 7 miles
HAZARDS: Bridges
ACCESS POINTS:
Sandy Beach Park
Sullivan Park
Kirkwood Veterans River Park
- At the first access point at Kirkwood Veterans River Park, there is a paved ramp that leads to a gravel bank from which you will launch. When paddling from this site, head out into the main channel of the river, left of Berkalew Island, which is adjacent to the park. In times of low water, the gravel bank is fairly wide, and your only option will be to paddle into the main river channel.
- Approximately 1.5 miles from the launch you will approach Moore Island. The main channel is river left. Just past Moore Island, Schnurbush Park will be river left. There is no access and the park may not be visible through the brush, but in low water watch for a pipeline crossing the river toward the end of the park. It is located about a third of a mile past Moore Island.
- In an additional 1.5 miles there will be another island, stay in the left channel as the river bends left.
- Beyond that island, the river bends right. The photo above is taken from at this bend in the river.
- The next access point at Sullivan Park will be just beyond the bend, river left. Look for a gravel ramp if you are planning to stop and rest or exit the water.
- If continuing on, shortly after the launch there will be a bend in the river with a gravel bar that makes the channel very narrow.
- Just beyond that the river will straighten out for a short distance as it passes under the Conklin Kirkwood Bridge, which is 1 mile from the Sullivan Park. A short distance further, there is a gravel bar, another gravel bank where the channel narrows and one more island. Stay in the right channel past the island.
- The next access point at Sandy Beach Park is only a little further. The wide open gravel bank will be easy to spot, river left. The landing and ramp to the parking lot are lined with geotextiles. Watch for sections that have broken off in the water near the launch area.
ACCESS POINT 1:
Sandy Beach Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 332.64
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Left Side
ADDRESS:
549 Conklin Avenue
Binghamton, NY 13903
This launch site offers easy water access. Landing is a gravel shoreline with dirt ramp to the parking area. There is a picnic table at the top of the ramp, as well as a pavilion with another picnic table and a hibachi grill. A gas station, coffee shop, and restaurant are within walking distance on Route 7.
From the road, access to the parking lot is just north of a gas station and clearly identified with a large blue sign. There is parking for 5 cars.
ACCESS POINT 2:
Sullivan Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 335.56
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Left Side
ADDRESS:
963 Conklin Road
Binghamton, NY 13903
From the road, access to the parking lot is marked with a blue sign at the entrance, with parking for 50 cars.
Note: Rock Bottom Dam is 2 miles downriver from this launch, so there is a portage and several bridges before the next access point at the Washington Street Pedestrian Bridge, where there is another dam and the confluence with the Chenango River, making paddling from this access point suitable for experienced paddlers only.
ACCESS POINT 3:
Kirkwood Veterans River Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 339.56
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Right Side
ADDRESS:
311 Main Street
Kirkwood, NY 13795
This is an excellent launch site with a paved ramp leading into a gravel beach launch. In times of low water, the gravel landing is much further from the paved ramp. The parking lot is up the paved ramp and has space for 25 vehicles.
There are portable toilets, a pavilion, picnic tables and hibachi grills nearby the parking area. The park also includes a playground, soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, and baseball and softball fields (concessions may be available if games are being played).
From the road, enter park and turn left to reach the parking area near the launch site. The park entrance has chain link fence on either side of the road and both sides are marked with a brown sign.
