Hudson Valley Attractions | ||
Rockland CountyBoat Launch |
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All Bear Mountain - Rockland County Listings
Bear Mountain - Rockland County Boat Launch |
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Bear Mountain State Park | 845-786-2701 | |
Bear Mountain State Park is located on the west side of the Hudson River in both Orange and Rockland counties in New York State. The 5,067-acre (20.51 km2) Bear Mountain State Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged mountains and is just 50 miles north of midtown New York City (via Palisades Interstate Pkwy North), in the historic and beautiful Hudson River Valley.
Things to Do at Bear Mountain State Park photos, website and more . . . | ||
Hessian Lake in Bear Mountain Park | 845-786-2701 | |
Click
to enlarge photo of Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain State Park.
Hessian Lake offers a dock on the Hudson River for mooring small craft, rowboat rentals on the lake, and Hudson River Fishing. Add Bear Mountain Park to your list of Things to Do in the Summer . Plan a picnic, launch your kayak or canoe, and go Boating at Bear Mountain Park. photos, website and more . . . | ||
Photo Opportunities at Bear Mountain | ||
Click to enlarge photo of an Early Evening Swim in Hessian Lake. Photo opportunities abound at Bear Mountain State Park located in the Bear Mountain Region of New York State. Bear Mountain offers the photographer stunning scenery and landscapes throughout the year. The photographic artist has opportunities to build their own portfolio of artistic impressions at one of many scenic spots just waiting to be photgraphed. Things To Do at Bear Mountain Park more . . . |
All Congers Listings
Congers Boat Launch |
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Boat Launch Site at Rockland Lake | 518-402-8920 | |
Boat Launch Site at Rockland Lake
A Hudson River boat launch is located at Rockland Lake in Congers, NY in Rockland County Features Hand launch Electric motors website and more . . . |
All Haverstraw Listings
Haverstraw Boat Launch |
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Boat Launch Site at Minisceonga Creek | 518-402-8920 | |
Minisceonga Creek Boat Launch
A Hudson River boat launch is located at Minisceonga Creek in Haverstraw, Rockland County. website and more . . . | ||
Boat Launch Site Haverstraw | 518-402-8920 | |
Department of Environmental Conservation
A boat launch on the Hudson River is located in Haverstraw, Rockland County. website and more . . . | ||
Haverstraw Bay Park | 845-364-2670 | |
Haverstraw Bay Park, 27-acres in size, is located at 21 Gagan Road, West Haverstraw, NY 10993 in Rockland County.
"The Park borders the Hudson River and provides water-based recreational opportunities. The site has a protected area to launch boats. There are also picnic facilities, an open air pavilion, playgrounds, nature and walking trails, Parks office, fishing piers, three which are located on a freshwater pond, and the Rockland County September 11 Memorial." website and more . . . |
All Nyack Listings
Nyack Boat Launch |
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Municipal Boat Launch Ramp in Nyack | 845-358-3851 | |
Call for location of boat launch ramp, fees, and more information about the Nyack Municipal Boat Launch Ramp in Nyack, NY. website and more . . . | ||
Nyack Beach State Park | 845-358-1316 | |
Nyack Beach State Park is located at 698 North Broadway, Upper Nyack NY 10960, Rockland County in the Hudson Valley. Nyack Beach Park boasts 61-acres of riverfront along the Hudson in Rockland County. The most popular activities are picnicking, hiking, bicycling and fishing. Trails are open for cross-country skiing in winter. website and more . . . |
All Piermont Listings
Piermont Boat Launch |
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Boat Launch Site Piermont | 518-402-8920 | |
Department of Environmental Conservation
A boat launch on the Hudson River is located in Piermont, Rockland County. website and more . . . |
All Rockland County Listings
Rockland County Boat Launch |
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7 Lakes Scenic Drive - Rockland County | ||
7 Lakes Drive, Orange and Rockland counties
Hudson River Valley, New York State 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake. Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, approximately 41-acres in size, is located in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, a tributary of Lake Skannatati River in Orange County, is surrounded by hiking trails offering beautiful vistas and great hiking. photos and more . . . | ||
Beaver Pond Campgrounds | 845-947-2792 | |
Beaver Pond Campgrounds adjoin the Lake Welch Recreation Area within Harriman State Park. The campgrounds include tent and trailer sites as well as accommodations for larger vehicles. Comfort stations, showers, laundry facilities, and a dumping station are part of the campgrounds. In 2005, this parks facility was named one of Reserve America's Top Outdoor Locations. website and more . . . | ||
Harriman State Park - Rockland County (and Orange) | 845-786-2701 | |
Harriman State Park, is located at Seven Lakes Dr / Bear Mountain Circle, Ramapo, NY 10974 in both Orange and Rockland counties. Harriman Park is the second-largest park in the parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. The park includes Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds. website and more . . . | ||
Hudson Highlands | 845-225-7207 | |
Click
to enlarge photo of the Hudson Highlands.
The sign reads: "For much of its 315-mile course, the Hudson River flows straight and broad. But at the Highlands, the Appalachian mountain chain intersects the river to create a fifteen mile stretch of rugged, mountainous landscape. This area contains the river's narrowest and deepest points, as well as its fastest currents. The Hudson River is an estuary, a mixture of salt and freshwater, and the saltwater line extends just north of Beacon. The River is tidal all the way up to the Troy Dam above Albany." website and more . . . | ||
Lake Kanawauke - Harriman State Park - Rockland | ||
Lake Kanawauke is a 186-acre reservoir (mostly man made) in Harriman State Park. The lake is located in the Town of Tuxedo, Orange County, and in the Town of Haverstraw, Rockland County, NY. Lake Kanawauke is comprised of three parts, the lower, middle, and upper lakes. more . . . | ||
Lake Sebago Beach - Harriman State Park | 845-351-2583 | |
The boat launch on Lake Sebago remains open. Boaters must obtain a boat permit for the season. Please call (845) 429-8257.
Lake Sebago Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Rockland County, New York. Lawns, fields and picnic areas surround the beach. In addition to swimming on the sandy beach, anglers can fish for bass, perch, sunfish and more. website and more . . . | ||
Lake Welch Beach - Harriman State Park | 845-947-2444 | |
Lake Welch Beach State Park is located at 800 Kanawaukee Road, Stony Point, NY 10980 in Rockland County. Lake Welch, a man-made Lake in Harriman State Park, offers a half-mile-long sandy beach in the wooded hills of the Ramapo Mountains, and is the largest beach in Harriman State Park. Originally a small body of water with farmland around the edges, Lake Welch became the large lake that it is today when a dam was completed in 1942. The park offers cool breezes, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping in adjacent Beaver Pond Campground. During the hot days of summer enjoy a great day swimming at the beach. website and more . . . | ||
Long Path Trail 1 - 4: Hiking / Biking Hudson Palisades | ||
Long Path Trail 1 - 4: Hiking / Biking Hudson Palisades
"The southernmost sections of the Long Path follow the Hudson River and the Hudson Palisades north, staying close to the river and to civilization. Although the trail does have some quiet forests and lakes, the majority of its scenic vistas look out over the Hudson River and the works of civilization. Its most impressive views encompass towns and villages along the way, but the most conspicuous ones are of the cities and villages on the east side of the Hudson River, not the least of which include the Borough of Manhattan and the City of Yonkers. On most days, it is possible to see barges and tugboats plying the river, and occasionally a small freighter passing as it connects points along the navigable portions of the Hudson River, from Albany south to the great port of New York City. These southernmost sections of the Long Path are the main ones easily accessible by public transportation, making them attractive and easily reachable weekend jaunts into nature for those who live in New York City." website and more . . . | ||
Silver Mine - Harriman State Park | 845-351-2568 | |
Silver Mine is part of the beautiful and scenic Harriman State Park, located in Bear Mountain in Rockland County. The Silver Mine area of Harriman State Park offers biking, fishing, hiking, picnic grounds and a boat launch site. website and more . . . |
All Sloatsburg Listings
Sloatsburg Boat Launch |
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Boat Launch Site Sloatsburg | 518-402-8920 | |
Department of Environmental Conservation
A Hudson River boat launch is located at Lake Sebago, Rockland County. website and more . . . |
All Stony Point Listings
Stony Point Boat Launch |
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Boat Launch Site at Lake Welch - Stony Point | 518-402-8920 | |
Department of Environmental Conservation
A Hudson River boat launch is located at Lake Welch in Stony Point, Rockland County. website and more . . . | ||
Stony Point Bay Marina and Yacht Club | 845-786-3700 | |
Call for location of boat launch ramp, fees, and more information about the Stony Point Bay Marina and Yacht Club in Stony Point, NY. website and more . . . |
All Upper Nyack Listings
Upper Nyack Boat Launch |
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Boat Launch Site Upper Nyack | 518-402-8920 | |
Department of Environmental Conservation
A Hudson River boat launch is located in Upper Nyack, Rockland County. website and more . . . |
All Valley Cottage Listings
Valley Cottage Boat Launch |
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Rockland Lake State Park | 845-268-7275 | |
Rockland Lake State Park, 1,133 acres in size, is located in the hamlets of Congers and Valley Cottage in the Town of Clarkstown. The address of the park is 299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage NY 10989 in Rockland County. Although the main entrance to Rockland Lake Park is in Valley Cottage, the park is accessible from Haverstraw, Congers, and Valley Cottage.
About Rockland Lake State park: "Rockland Lake State Park's lake is located on a ridge of Hook Mountain above the west bank of the Hudson River. The park offers a huge 24,140 square foot swimming pool with diving boards - the pool is more than 10,000 square feet larger than an Olympic size pool. A kiddie pool is also available for young children. The park also offers picnic tables; grills, a car top boat launch dock, hiking trails with breath-taking views of the Hudson Valley, six tennis courts and the Rockland Lake State Park golf courses, featuring two 18 hole golf courses. Anglers can fish Rockland Lake for bass, perch and norlunge. Walkers, joggers, roller bladers, and bicyclists can enjoy the 3.2 mile non-motorized use paved trail around the lake. website and more . . . |
All West Haverstraw Listings
West Haverstraw Boat Launch |
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Haverstraw Marina | 914-429-2001 | |
Call for location of boat launch ramp, fees, and more information about the Haverstraw Marina in West Haverstraw, NY. website and more . . . |
More Hudson Valley Boat Launch |
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Albany County [14 listings over 8 locations]
Columbia County [6 listings over 5 locations]
Dutchess County [10 listings over 6 locations]
Greene County [5 listings over 3 locations]
Orange County [10 listings over 5 locations]
Putnam County [3 listings over 2 locations]
Rensselaer County [9 listings over 9 locations]
Saratoga County [2 listings over 2 locations]
Schenectady County [1 listing over 1 location]
Ulster County [9 listings over 4 locations]
Westchester County [10 listings over 9 locations]
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Select a boat launch site from our list of boat launches in the Hudson Valley. Call for the exact location of the boat launch ramps, for fees, and specific hours of operation.
Trailering and Launching Boats
Trailering
Back the tow vehicle up to the trailer. If you have help, have your partner stand beside the trailer tongue to help with alignment on the hitch ball. One system that works well is to have your partner hold a "thumbs up" when the hitch ball is in line with the tongue. If off to left or right, point in the direction the tow vehicle needs to go to get on line. If necessary, raise the tongue with the jack wheel to clear the ball. When the tongue is on the ball, close the spring lock that keeps the coupler secure on the ball and put the hitch pin or bolt in so it can't pop off. The rig may need to be pulled forward for the tongue to set fully down on the ball. Raise the jack wheel so it is out of the way. Hook the chains diagonally across (left to right, right to left) to the tow vehicle. If this part of the hitch system fails, the idea is for the chains to catch the tongue to keep it from driving into the ground. Hook the chain for the surge brake system to the tow vehicle. Connect the lights and make sure they work. Check running, brake, turn signals and emergency flasher lights. Check to make sure that the winch cable and safety chain are secured tightly to the boat.
Launching
Load personal gear into the boat. Put gear from the boat (canvas cover, straps, etc.) into the tow vehicle. Turn the blower on to ventilate the bilge area. Open the engine compartment to help the process. Use your nose to smell for fumes; nothing works better than your sense of smell for detecting the odor of gasoline. Put fenders out where appropriate to protect the boat when it is being launched. Prepare any lines that will help tie the boat off once it's in the water. Check the lower unit to make sure the gear oil is topped off. If the oil is foamy, water is mixed with the oil. The oil needs to be replaced and gaskets replaced on both the fill and air vent holes. If the boat is an inboard outdrive and the lower unit is down, raise it before moving the trailer. Put the drain plug in. If it is already in, check to make sure it is tightly in place. Approach the ramp and back your trailer to the edge of the water. If you have two people, put one on board to help the driver judge when the trailer is in the right depth of water. Unplug the lights. Remove the straps that hold the boat on the trailer at the stern and/or amidships area of the boat if you have not done so already. Store in the boat for easy access when pulling the boat out. Do not remove the winch and safety chain hooks on the bow eye until the boat and trailer are in the water! Back the trailer into the water. If there is someone on board, they can signal when to stop with the horn. A good rule of thumb is to back the trailer in until the trailer wheel hubs are just above the surface of the water. This might not work depending on the gradient of the ramp and how quickly it drops off. All ramps are different, so trial and error will play a big part in learning the ramps in your area. Note: Mechanics who work on trailer brakes recommend that trailer hubs never be submerged in salt water. If they are dunked, make sure they are rinsed off with fresh water at the end of the day and expect major brake work a minimum of every two years. Chock the wheels of the tow vehicle. Lower the inboard/outdrive -- Check clearance for the lower unit to avoid damage. Start the boat and warm it up for two to five minutes. Remove the winch hook from the bow eye, release the lock or ratchet and remove the hooks. If the boat doesn't roll off the trailer, it will need to be put in forward gear to take tension off the cable. Put the throttle in forward gear when the engine is warmed up with just enough power to take tension off the cable. The partner can take the hook off and give the "O.K." hand signal to the operator. Communication between partners is essential to avoid injuries. Sometimes the weight of the boat is not enough to pull the cable out. Sometimes the gradient of the ramp is not steep enough for the boat to roll off. Put the boat in reverse, release the lock or ratchet, and back off two or three feet. Once the cable pays out, put the boat in neutral and remove the hook. It may help to throttle forward a short distance to slacken the cable. Remove the hook and back the boat away from the ramp to a waiting area. Keep the boat clear of launch/retrieval area so other boaters can use the ramp.
Retrieving the boat
Check to see that all straps and cables are tight. Raise the lower unit. Plug lights in and check to see that they are operational. On a regular basis, nuts and bolts should be checked to make sure they are tight. Tires should be checked regularly and rotated. If your trailer is big, consider having it x-rayed once every 2-3 years for structural damage. This article is credited to Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |