Strap on your life vest, grab a paddle, and get ready to tour Ulster County like you haven’t before atop the waterways that wind through our rural communities.

Whether you prefer a canoe, kayak, row boat, or paddle board, cruising down the current is a great way to witness unseen corners of the country while exercising at the same time. Make sure to pack sunscreen, some water, and let someone know about your plans for the safest experience.

To help with voyage, the Shawangunk Journal scoured our sources to find some of the easiest places to enjoy a fun day on the water. While these areas are ideal for above-water journeys, we wouldn’t recommend taking a dip in most of them.

Kerhonkson

Canoes, kayaks, and small boats can be launched on the north end of Lake Minnewaska at a spot called “Divers Cove,” in the Minnewaska State Park Preserve (5281 Route 44/55, Kerhonkson). While you’re there, try exploring the 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths that lead to stunning views, dense forests, and other beautiful, natural features. For more information, you can contact the park at 845-255-0752.

Wurtsboro

The beautiful Bashakill can be explored by non-motorized boat, canoe or kayak. A variety of wildlife can be found, including bald eagles, turtles, bass, and a host of water lilies. Watercraft can be hand-launched from several locations, including the boat launch directly across from Bashakill Vineyards (131 South Road, Wurtsboro), one off Haven Road, and a couple off the D&H Canal Trail.

Shawangunk

Pop your boat in the Wallkill River at Popp Memorial Park, located at 3081 Route 208 in the Hamlet of Wallkill. Traveling south, the river takes you to the start of the Walden-Wallkill Rail Trail, while journeying north will take you to the far edges of the hamlet and beyond. This 5.5-acre park offers a pavilion, barbecue pits, and fishing areas; it is perfect for children, pets, and group gatherings. For more information, call 845-895-2611.

Rosendale

Just seven minutes from the heart of Rosendale, you can launch your vessel into the Wallkill River at a DEC-owned boat launch, located at 365 Springtown Road. This area doesn’t have room for trailer launches, so all vessels must be launched by hand. The river will take you through stunning farm landscapes and under the red bridge on Route 213 that you cross while driving from New Paltz to Tillson. The parking lot for this site has room for 15 cars.

Some folks also launch their boats from Perrine’s Bridge Park, which is located in a small, dirt parking lot on the side of the red bridge in Tillson. From this point, the water takes you beneath Perrine's Bridge, a covered bridge that looks like it's straight from the Headless Horseman folktale. Be wary about venturing too far beyond that point on account of the dangerous waterfall that lies downriver.

A 10-minute drive from Rosendale’s Main Street will take you to a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)-owned boat launch that leads into the Rondout Creek, close to the Hamlet of Bloomington. The DEC did not provide an exact address, but you can search these coordinates: 41.884835°N, 74.030165°W. To the north, the river leads to Eddyville and the southern trek eventually feeds into the Sturgeon Pool near Rifton. The parking lot has room for five cars and trailers.

New Paltz & Gardiner

There are two ways to access the Wallkill River from the New Paltz area. One is located at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, which has room for three cars. The other site is located at 39 Plains Road, and neighbors the Sojourner Truth Park. This location has room for five cars. Both locations don't have room for trailer launches, so all vessels must be launched by hand.

Folks can also rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and boats, and rowboats from the Mohonk Mountain House (1,000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz). Lake Mohonk is a half-mile long glacial lake (a lake that forms in the footprint of a melted glacier) surrounded by expansive forests and dramatic overlooks. For more information, contact Mohonk at 844-207-8368.

Tillson Lake is actually a part of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve and is another popular destination for non-motorized water vessels, located on Lake Road in Gardiner. The exact coordinates for the lake are: 41.671697°N, 74.252371°W. This is another hand-launch-only site, and the parking lot has room for at least 10 cars.

Be sure to thoroughly wash your vessel after you leave the waterway so you don’t bring any invasive species to your next trip. You can learn some cleaning tips from the DEC here: on.ny.gov/3oloMfr.

If you’re looking to rent a vessel for your summer fun, you can find a list of vendors by visiting ulstercountyalive.com and exploring the “play” tab. Have we missed your favorite boat launch site? Feel free to add it in the comments below.