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Marshland Road

PADDLING ITINERARY

Marshland Road
Round Trip circling Hiawatha Island

This is a good launch for a short trip around Hiawatha Island for some birdwatching or paddle around the island, down to Hickories Park and back.

WATERWAY: Susquehanna River

DIFFICULTY: Easy

MILEAGE: 2+ miles

ACCESS POINTS:
Marshland Road Boat Launch

ITINERARY 8
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  • From the launch at Marshland Road, you can paddle in either direction to circle Hiawatha Island. Paddling to the right will take you upriver, and to the left will take you downriver.
  • If you are interested in exploring the island, the entry point to the island trails is on the North side of the island (see map).
  • You can also paddle around the island, and then head to Hickories Park for a picnic. Once you pass the end of Hiawatha Island, the concrete ramp at the next access point at Hickories Park launch will be river right, just before the NY-434 Connector Bridge.
  • When you are ready to get off the water, paddle back to Marshland Road for take-out.

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/

Camping Allowed Has Restrooms Has Pavilions Has Picnic Facilities Has Potable Water

A tent, a kayak and a canoes at a campsite set up along the Susquehanna River in Hickories Park in Owego. Aerial view of the Susquehanna River looking upriver with Hickories Park on the right side. The Route 434 Connector is seen midway up the river. I-86 is on the left. Concrete ramp between two grassy banks with trees at the end lead to the launch area in Hickories Park along the Susquehanna River. At the corner of a wide right turn on Hickories Park Road, a green At the first intersection in Hickories Park, a blue sign with a tent and a forward pointing arrow are on the right side of the road just after the intersection. There is also a white speed limit sign noting

ACCESS POINT 2:

Marshland Road Boat Launch

WATER TRAIL MILE: 310.26

WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Left Side

ADDRESS: Marshland Road
Apalachin, NY 13732

Boat Ramp

VIEW ON MAP

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.

Aerial view of the western tip of Hiawatha Island looking up the Susquehanna River in Owego. I-86 runs along the bank on the right side of the image. Wide concrete ramp leads to launch area along the Susquehanna River across from Hiawatha Island in Owego. A brown wooden An eagle flies in to join another eagle perched in a pine tree high above Hiawatha Island.

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.

Hickories Park

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.

The current is relatively gentle, making it easy to paddle to and from the same access points. The river depth in this area is also 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.