PADDLING ITINERARY
William Hill Park to Grippen ParkWilliam Hill Park, Harold Moore Park, Riverview Park, Grippen Park
A fairly easy paddle with minimal obstacles, this full itinerary takes you to four parks in the Johnson City–Endicott area. The river is wide with gentle currents in this area. Your paddle can be broken up into shorter segments, with put-ins at any of the first three access points.
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
DIFFICULTY: Easy
MILEAGE: 2.35 – 6 miles
HAZARDS: Bridges
ACCESS POINTS:
Grippen Park
Riverview Park
Harold Moore Park
William Hill Park
- William Hill Park has an easy launch from the river’s gravel bank. After launching, there is a large braid as the river bends left through it. The main channel is center then right as you go around the turn.
- After straightening out, there will then be an island with a building on it, and Patterson Creek enters, river right.
- Just past the gravel bank of the creek inlet, there is a small island, river left. The next access point is Harold Moore Park just left of the island. (This is 2.37 miles from William Hill Park.) The photograph above was taken near this access point.
- If continuing on from here, the river will make a right turn and you will then pass under the Route 17 Bridges. The river will bend left and straighten out for a distance.
- Just before the McKinley Avenue/Route 26 Bridge, the next access point, Riverview Park, will be river right. This access has concrete steps leading to and from the water, so this access site is best utilized by more experienced paddlers.
- If continuing on, you pass under the Route 26 bridge. Genna Point Island is about a half mile further, followed by Vestal Avenue Bridge, and the Choconut Creek inlet (river left).
- Once past the creek inlet, you’ll go around a slight bend and the river will straighten out a bit before it flows through a large braid. The next access site, Grippen Park, is in the far-right channel of the braid. The islands may obstruct view of the ramp, but the main channel is left, so paddle right, following the shoreline, if aiming for Grippen.
ACCESS POINT 1:
Grippen Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 319.9
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Right Side
ADDRESS:
607 S Grippen Avenue
Endicott, NY 13760
This is an easy access site with a concrete ramp.
From the road, the park is at the end of Grippen Avenue. There is a large sign at the entrance. The launch is straight back through the park. You will pass through the large parking area, so plan to drop your boat, and go back to the parking area to park your vehicle.
Paddling from here, the Nanticoke Creek Inlet will be river right, just after the launch, then the river makes a few wide turns before the inlet for Appalachin Creek and the Valley View Drive/Route 962J Bridge. The next access point, Valley View Drive/Applachin Boat Launch, will be river left, just after the bridge.
ACCESS POINT 2:
Riverview Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 321.92
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Right Side
ADDRESS:
Riverview Drive
Endicott, NY 13760
This small access site has deep rock steps that lead into water, and the bottom step/landing is relatively small, making it better suited for more experienced paddlers.
From the road, the hill that leads to the parking area has no signage, although there is Two Rivers Greenway signage near the launch area. There is also a picnic table and a small path that leads to the launch steps.
ACCESS POINT 3:
Harold Moore Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 323.5
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Left Side
ADDRESS:
2801 Vestal Road
Vestal, NY 13850
This is an easy launch with a concrete ramp. There are boat racks, a picnic table, and hibachi grill at the top of the ramp. The building near the park entrance houses the restrooms.
The entrance is marked with a bronze plaque mounted to a large rock at the road, so it can be difficult to spot if unfamiliar with the location.
The launch is not far from Vestal Parkway, where there are ample amenities, including restaurants and shopping. And the Rail Trail is also nearby.
ACCESS POINT 4:
William Hill Park
WATER TRAIL MILE: 325.94
WATERWAY: Susquehanna River
Right Side
ADDRESS:
Elbon Street
Johnson City, NY 13790
This is an easy launch from a gravel bank, just downriver from the Goudy Power Station. The park has a pavilion with a picnic table at the far end of the parking lot.
To access the park, from Elbon Street, you will see the Johnson City Water Department to your left and the entrance to the parking area will be straight ahead. If you are coming from Carmen Street, take a right into the park entrance. There is no signage from the road, but signage for Two Rivers Greenway is visible inside the park.
The parking area has space for 6 vehicles and the launch is down the left path over a grassy bank to the river. It is a 350-400 foot carry from the parking lot.
Dick’s House of Sport is located 1.2 miles from this launch.
