Hudson River in New York

Trip Overview

The warm winter made me decide to try winter Kayaking and Wappinger Falls creek was my choice. The creek is only about 2 1/2 miles long and towards its beginning on the edge of a restored factory district is a boat ramp provided by the town with plenty of room to park.

There were still some ice patches with ducks and pigeons on them. I went all the way to the beginning of the creek and then out to the Hudson River. The weather was calm so I proceeded across the Hudson and explored the west side of the river a little before having to head back to my car.

The Hudson River was a little rougher than the creek and I went across several distinct different currents and surface patterns. The freight trains along the west side made a surprising amount of noise. Although I live ten miles away I often hear these trains rumbling along the tracks. Going in and out of the Hudson required going under a very low railway overpass.

The temperature was about 60 and although it was cloudy I was quite warm and enjoyed my two-hour trip. I was surprised that I never saw another boat either on Fishkill Creek or the Hudson. It gave me a chance to know what swells and waves were created by the winds and currents and not boats. I found wearing boots made getting in and out of my Perception, Acadia DT Kayak a lot easier than trying to avoid stepping in the water. All in all it was an enjoyable trip and a good workout.

Directions:

Wappingers Falls is in Dutchess county located to the west of routes 9 and 9D.