Cohocton River in New York

Trip Overview

Our canoe trip on the Cohocton River began in Cohocton and ended approximately 18 miles downstream in Bath. The weather was very pleasant, temperature in the low eighties, light breezes, and plenty of sunshine. The river bottom is made up of rocks of all sizes and the water was as clear as glass. The river bends back and forth many times through a shoreline that is made up of plush farmland and rolling hills covered with thick forest.

We saw a large number and variety of waterfowl, birds, and even some whitetail deer taking an early evening swim. We passed about a dozen beaver dams along the way. Despite a very dry summer, we paddled through several areas of whitewater and encountered very few slow moving sections of the river. The lack of rain had taken its toll however and at times made taking full paddling strokes extremely difficult. We had to portage short distances through shallow water about three dozen times, but never had to leave the waterway. I can only recall one instance of a fallen tree actually blocking our passage but we we're able to maneuver the canoes over it.

The trip took about seven hours to complete, but I would guess that time would easily be cut in half when water levels are higher. In fact, we intend to return in the spring and repeat the trip. We had little trouble finding peaceful locations along the shoreline to take short breaks, and we even stopped to eat lunch on an island in the middle of the river. Because of its close proximity to and occasional passage underneath Routes 390, 17 and 15, the sounds of vehicles traveling the highway could be heard for most of the journey, but it did not hinder our enjoyment of the day, the beautiful scenery, the thrill of paddling and the camaraderie of friends. Given the current level and seemingly downhill nature of the river between these points, this is very much a one-way trip. We took two vehicles, and left one at the destination point prior to putting in. I would recommend this trip to anyone.

Directions:

Take I390 to Cohocton exit at Rt 415. Take 415 south to Wentworth Rd. At that intersection there is a parking area for anglers and paddlers. Exit when Rt 10 crosses the river just south and east of Bath.