Nissequogue River in New York

Trip Overview

Mostly a saltwater bay into which a small river empties. Bay starts out 1/4 to 1/2 mile wide, and steadily narrows to a mile-long freshwater river over the course of 5 miles. Then time the tides and return. This is a well-known and frequently recommended route.

You can always see some houses, but they are nice ones. Waterfowl included mute swans, egrets, herons, purple martins, canada geese, ducks, cormorants, shorebirds, etc. There is a least tern protected nesting area along the beach (where you can go swimming after your paddle.)

Reached White's Pond where there is a private spillway at the top of the river; there is no further access to the millpond above. Backtracked a couple hundred yards to wait out the tide, where there is a public park by Landing Av. (You could put in here if going downstream 1st).

Saw an outfitter there (Bob's) picking up livery clients.

Accommodations:

Very nice, paved launch. Parking is for town residents only, so park along the road. There is a restaurant right there (didn't try it).

Fees:

no

Directions:

North Shore Long Island. Northern State Parkway to Sunken Meadow St Parkway. Take Old Dock Rd to municipal put-in (if the tide is going in).

Resources:

Quiet Water Canoe Guide, New York (by Hayes and Wilson)