Paddle along Rochester’s water trails using these launches for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft. Check out the Go Paddling App for comprehensive trail information.
Rent a kayak or canoe
These businesses may offer rentals, excursions, tours, and shuttle services upstream. Call ahead to check availability in all cases, as you may need to make a reservation.
- Erie Canal Boat Company with locations in Fairport & Lockport. In addition to traditional watercraft, the ECBC partners with Rochester Accessible Adventures to offer water experiences for people of all abilities. This makes for a great opportunity for families to paddle together. Learn more about their Adaptive Paddling and Cycling Center.
- Genesee Waterways – Genesee River in Genesee Valley Park and Lock 32. Lock 32 Whitewater Park offers several events.
- BayCreek Paddling Center – Penfield at Irondequoit Bay, with shuttle service to Ellison Park, 3-4 hour paddle downstream to BayCreek
- Sodus Bay Outfitters – Rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and beach bikes in Sodus Point.
- Oak Orchard Canoe & Kayak – Waterport on Oak Orchard Creek, with a shuttle service upstream.
Places to launch your own boat
Remember to bring your canoe or kayak, a life vest, food and drink, sunscreen, a hat, zip-lock bags, and a camera.
State Launch Sites in Monroe County
Erie Canal
- Route 250 to Ayrault Rd. It is located just before Ayrault Rd. bridge on the right, 20 cars, and trailers
- The lower side of Lock 32 by the Clover St. Bridge next to Pittsford Rowing Club, 10 cars and trailers
Genesee River
- On Route 251, 2 miles southeast of Scottsville, 7 cars, hand launch
- At the end and west of Lake Avenue in the Charlotte Beach area, 40 cars and trailers
- On County Route 253, 2 miles east of Hamlet of Scottsville, 12 cars, hand launch
Black Creek
- On Black Creek Road, off Route 252 1/4 miles west of Route 383, 10 cars and trailers
Honeoye Creek
- On Fishell Road, off US Route 15, 1 mile south of Route 251, 12 cars, hand launch
Irondequoit Bay
- On Empire Blvd at the southern end of the bay, 6 cars, hand launch
Lake Ontario
- Irondequoit Bay State Marine Park. At the intersection of Route 590 & Culver Road, 28 cars and trailers
- Westpoint Marina at Braddock Bay. 10 miles west of Rochester off Lake Ontario State Parkway, 50 cars and trailers, 50 cars
- Town of Greece. On Edgemere Drive, 2 miles west of Genesee River mouth, 80 cars
- Hamlin Beach State Park. Route 19 and Lake Ontario State Parkway, 3 cars, cartop launch
- Along Lake Ontario State Parkway near the Route 19 intersection in the Town of Hamlin, 50 cars and trailers
Mendon Ponds
- Off Route 65, one mile south of NYS Thruway. Four launches on three ponds, Adequate parking, hand launch
Oatka Creek
- At the intersection of Route 36 & Route 383 in Hamlet of Mumford, 6 cars, hand launch
State Launch Sites in Greater Rochester
- Genesee County Launch site in Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area
- Livingston County Several places on Conesus Lake, Hemlock Lake, and the Genesee River
- Ontario County Places include Canadice Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Honeoye Lake, and Seneca Lake
- Orleans County Launches along the Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, Lake Alice, and Glenwood Lake
- Seneca County Access to Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, and the Seneca River
- Wayne County Several water trail launches along the Erie Canal and Lake Ontario
- Wyoming County Launch on Silver Lake
- Yates County Launches on Guyanoga Creek, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, and West River
Monroe County Parks
- Black Creek Park launch near Sunnyside Lodge
- Durand Eastman Park kayak both Durand Lake and Eastman Lake
- Ellison Park access to Irondequoit is located near Circle Shelter
- Churchville Park access Black Creek from the launch located towards the end of Park Road, at Tim Quayle Circle.
- Irondequoit Bay Park West parking lot, with parking along the Bay Front S
- Lucien Moren Park kayak along canals meandering through wetlands (previously known as Ellison Park Wetlands)
City of Rochester
- Petten Street launch off Lake Ave.
- Turning Point Park off Lake Ave. Requires 0.2 mile carry-in down a steep, paved trail
- River Commons Park Mount Hope at Gregory Street. Carry in from the parking lot.
- Corn Hill Landing, carry-in from the parking lot. Great spot to tie up and enjoy a meal before heading back upstream.
Canalway Water Trail
The Erie Canalway Water Trail is part of a growing system of water trails across New York State. In addition to the state launches above, from east to west:
- Widewaters Canal Park Boat Ramp Cars (15) / Cars with Trailer (5)
- Palmyra Boat Ramp Cars with Trailer (6) (on-road)
- Port of Palmyra Kayak Launch Cars (30)
- Palmyra Macedon Aqueduct Park Boat Ramp Cars (20) / Cars with Trailer (10)
- Lock E30 Canal Park Boat Ramp and Kayak Launch Cars (25) / Cars with Trailer (15)
- Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 60
- Fairport Kayak Launch Cars (10)
- Bushnell’s Basin Kayak Launch Cars (15)
- Great Embankment Park Cars (20)
- Brighton Reserve Kayak Launch Cars (30)
- Henpeck Park Kayak Launch Low wall, Cars (40)
- Arrowhead Boat Ramp Cars (10) / Cars with Trailer (10)
- Brockport South Wall Kayak Launch Cars (10)
- San Soucie Park Boat Ramp Cars (20) / Cars with Trailer (10)
- Holley South Wall Kayak Launch Cars (20)
More water trails
- Canoe Trails Map Greece
- Genesee River Wilds upstream toward Belmont, NY. They are stewards of the Upper Genesee River.
- Heritage Park Ogden
- Oatka Creek Leroy on either side of the Munson St. dam
- Panorama Valley Park Penfield
- Salmon Creek Preserve There are no trails on the preserve – it is accessible by water only. Launch at Braddock Bay Tavern & Grill on Manitou Beach Road. Rentals are also available here.
- Sandbar Park, West Webster, Irondequoit Bay side
Explore More
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Paddle, Pedal, and Trek Along Rochester’s Waterways
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Unlock the Wonder: 12 Ways to Fully Experience the Erie Canal
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Where are your favorite water trails near Rochester?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
I love kayaking and swimming. and walking/hiking in parks. This has been an eye opener for all of those things. I never knew the Rochester area had so much to offer. Thank you for compiling such extensive lists. Looks like I can be more active at new sites. Thank you!!
Barb, thank you so much for sharing that! I hope you’re able to explore a few new places. Feel free to send me a note if you do!
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As of today’s date (7/30/20) #18 says “Town of Greece. On Edgemere Drive, 2 miles east of Genesee River mouth, 80 cars”
East of the Genesee River is Irondequoit, not Greece.
West is probably what was meant to be said.
Thank you for catching that typo, Michael, and for taking the time to let me know!
Black Creek launch off union st in churchville is nice until you get about a mile and a half down stream going towards the Genesee junction. Lots of downed trees. Hard to pass at a certain point.
FYI the .2 mile carry in at Turning Point is all down hill and really steep so the carry out could be tough depending on what shape you are in.
That is true, Clesson. I’ll add an advisory.