Water Trails
Over 50 Places to Explore Rochester’s Waterways
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, 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 an excellent 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 a life vest, water, snacks, 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 the Pittsford Rowing Club, 10 cars and trailers
Genesee River
On Route 251, 2 miles southeast of Scottsville, seven 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 the Hamlet of Scottsville, 12 cars, hand launch
Black Creek
On Black Creek Road, off Route 252, 1/4 mile 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, six 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, three 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 the Hamlet of Mumford, six 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 a 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)