PADDLING ITINERARY
Lowman to WaverlyToll Bridge Park to White Wagon Boat Launch
This lengthy paddle along the Chemung River will dip into Pennsylvania across the border for a short distance and then loops back into New York. More experienced paddlers seeking a longer trip along the river will enjoy this route. Along the nearly 11.5 mile route, there is one stop, where you can get out and stretch your legs.
WATERWAY: Chemung River
DIFFICULTY: Experienced
MILEAGE: 11.45 miles
HAZARDS: Bridges
ACCESS POINTS:
White Wagon Boat Launch
Toll Bridge Park NYS DEC Fishing Access Site
- From the concrete ramp at Toll Bridge Park, put in the water and paddle to the left, away from the Lowman Crossover Road Bridge.
- Not too far after the launch is a small island. The river then turns toward the highway, runs along it and turns away. Stay in the main channel on the right side through two braids, the second of which is crossed by I-86.
- After a fairly straight segment, the river turns south and is again crossed by I-86. About 5.75 miles from the launch, just under the Wyncoop Creek Road/Route 427 overpass, there is an unofficial access point where you can pull over to get off the water for a break.
- Back on the water, the river dips south into Pennsylvania and then turns north where it is crossed again by I-86 just over the border back into New York.
- The wide concrete ramp of the White Wagon Boat Launch will be river right, beyond the I-86 bridges. It is the last launch area in New York before the river heads south into Pennsylvania to meet up with the Susquehanna River.
ACCESS POINT 1:
White Wagon Boat Launch
WATER TRAIL MILE: 8.6
WATERWAY: Chemung River
Right Side
ADDRESS:
153 White Wagon Road
Waverly, NY 14892
This is the last launch site for take-out in NY before the Pennsylvania border. The launch includes a concrete ramp and is an easy place to get on or off the water. Amenities include: restrooms, running water, benches, and a pavilion with picnic tables.
The gravel parking lot includes space for 20 vehicles, including trailers.
Unveiled in the summer of 2023, the White Wagon Nature & Education Trail was constructed by Eagle Scout Jacob Miller. This mile-long trail, located at the White Wagon Boat Launch in Waverly, NY, is an educational walking trail featuring four double-sided interpretive signs with information on the history and geology of the area.
ACCESS POINT 2:
Wyncoop Creek Road Landing
WATER TRAIL MILE: 12.52
WATERWAY: Chemung River
Left Side
ADDRESS:
Wyncoop Creek Road
Elmira, NY 14901
There is an area under the Wyncoop Creek Road Bridge that can be used to pull over and rest.
ACCESS POINT 3:
Toll Bridge Park NYS DEC Fishing Access Site
WATER TRAIL MILE: 18.94
WATERWAY: Chemung River
Left Side
ADDRESS:
420 Lowman Crossover Road
Lowman, NY 14861
Just past the Lowman Crossover Road Bridge is a concrete ramp launch. Amenities at the launch area include a portable restroom, hibachi grills, and a pavilion with picnic tables.
The paved parking lot has space for 16 vehicles, including trailers.
Food and shopping is just over the Lowman Crossover Road bridge on Front Street.
CAUTION: In times of high water or flooding, gates close off access to Lowman Crossover Road and the launch.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
Newtown Battlefield State Park
Located along the bank of the Chemung River, the Newtown Battlefield State Park was the site of the Battle of Newtown fought in 1779, the only major battle of the Sullivan expedition to end the Iroquois aggression, which was decisively won by the American forces. Today, the Newtown Battlefield Monument, a tall granite column, sits atop Sullivan Hill. The 2,100 acre battlefield is a National Historic Landmark, and 372 acres is a state park offering camping. It is located 4 miles from the Launch at Toll Bridge Park.
Two Rivers State Park
Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area offer hiking and mountain biking trails in natural rugged setting that any nature lover will enjoy. A beautiful hilltop vista overlooks the Chemung and Susquehanna River valleys below, while the small babbling brooks beginning their journey into the rivers and then on to the Chesapeake Bay. The trails connect to the Village of Waverly Park, Waverly Glen, which is home to a lovely waterfall, picnic shelters, and other park amenities.