PADDLING ITINERARY
Sidney to BainbridgeSidney NYS DEC Fishing Access to General Clinton Park
A fairly easy route for paddlers of all ages, this itinerary follows the route of the Generation Gap race of the General Clinton Regatta. Held annually during Memorial Day weekend, the race pairs kids and adults for the paddle from Sidney to the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. Kids of all ages participate in the race, so you can rest assured that this paddle is easy for just about anyone.
If you happen to be visiting Regatta weekend, in addition to a weekend of canoe racing, there are host of activities at the park including a carnival, craft fair, axe throwing, hot air balloons, BBQ, and live entertainment.
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
DIFFICULTY: Easy
MILEAGE: 3.25 miles
HAZARDS: Bridge
ACCESS POINTS:
Sidney NYS DEC Fishing Access
- Once you launch, there will be a fairly decent current with a few sets of shallows and gravels bars to navigate.
- About two miles from launch, there is an island under the railroad bridge. Paddle the left channel past the island and then to the right of the small island just beyond it.
- A short distance beyond that island there will be a sharp turn in the river, and then a more subtle turn to the left.
- After that the rivers narrow from a brook inlet, and then gets wider just beyond that.
- A short distance down the river, you will see a steep bank with a building on top that is located at the park. The take-out will be river right, just past the building. There is a small trail up a hill to the park.
ACCESS POINT 1:
General Clinton Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 392.44
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Right Side
ADDRESS:
2518 Route 7
Bainbridge, NY 13733
https://www.townofbainbridgeny.org/parks-recreation
From the water, take-out is just past the buildings at the top of the bank. There is a small trail up a hill to the park. The parking area is located at the top of the hill, just west of the buildings. Regatta weekend, a dock is installed for easy exit from the water, but is removed after the event.
From the road, the General Clinton Park is accessed from one of two entrances on Route 7. From either one, pull in, turn right, then make a left onto the roadway past the tree-lined road. Follow to the end, near the walking path. The launch will be to the left, down a hill. Parking is permitted here, with space for hundreds of cars. Just be sure not to park on the trail that encircles the park.
General Clinton Park has restrooms with showers, a pavilion, camping, little league baseball fields, playground, and one-mile walking path.
NOTE: There is a USGS Gauging Station at this location. Generally 3-4 feet is optimal for paddling. Below 2.1 feet, the river is too low. Above 5 feet, the river is very fast and should only be accessed by experienced paddlers. Above 8 feet, everyone should stay off the water!
ACCESS POINT 2:
Sidney NYS DEC Fishing Access
WATER TRAIL MILE: 395.74
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Right Side
ADDRESS:
Route 7
Sidney, NY 13838
There are two options for put-in at this site. From the parking lot, there is a fairly short path at the NYS DEC sign that leads through the woods to a flat gravel bank in shallower water. The second put-in is a set of stone steps leading to the water’s edge at the end of the parking lot. After periods of high water, both launches can be muddy and slippery
From the road, a NYS DEC sign on Route 7, just west of the Route 8 intersection, marks the entrance to the dirt road leading to the parking lot. There is space for at least 20 vehicles. Across the road from the entrance is a gas station, convenience store and coffee shop at the intersection.
