Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Association – Launch site directory

Notice: as of September 23, 2005, the primary launch site is no longer available for Kayak launching. This appears to be a result of drought conditions. The alternate listed below is still open. If anyone has further updates or status change, please report this via launch site directory submission form.

Driving Directions:

• Interstate 84 to Exit 1.
• Follow signs for Route 6 West, Route 42, Route 97.
• In town Route 42 and 97 will start.
• Follow this for 2.7 miles until Route 42 splits off to right.
• Right on Route 42.
• Follow Route 42 North for 5.8 miles.
• Watch for following landmarks along the way (Small green sign stating "Rio"(4.2 miles), Quarry Hill Cemetery on right.
• After cemetery keep close eye out for Old Plank Road on LEFT just past this point. This is a very small road - Easy to miss! (If you go into Sullivan county, you went too far)
• Left on Old Plank Road.
• At .5 mile is Rio Dam Road on Left which leads to alternate launch site (listed below).
• Continue on Old Plank road for another 2.7 miles, and entrance to boat launch is on left.

Address:

Old Plank Road

Rio, NY 12701, Orange County

Land owner: State

GPS Coordinates: L 41^o 31' 18.4" N    Lo 74^o 45' 41.3" W

Water: Fresh

Water type: Lake

Launch area is: Ramp

Launch area surface is: Asphalt

Facilities: No Facilities At This Site

Launching considerations / restrictions:

This reservoir is only open April 1 through November 30. Important! There are many restricted areas that do not allow you to walk around due to a relatively large eagle population in the area. This area is a wildlife refuge.

Parking situation:

Parking for about 20 vehicles, with half of those allocated to vehicles with trailers.

Comments:

Reservoir area = 435 acres. Circumnavigation of Reservoir is about 7.5 miles. Decent size reservoir. Keep clear of dam and spillway. There is an excellent waterfall on the west side of lake midway, at GPS Coordinates: L 41^o 30' 20.3" N    Lo 74^o 45' 37.3" W. It's hidden back in woods, but when you get close you can see it. Keep off the property here as it is private.

Related Links:

Picture of sign at boat launch entrance. (pic.jpg 67k)

Picture of parking area. (pic.jpg 85k)

Picture of putin. (pic.jpg 58k)

Site about eagle population in local area.

contour map of lake depth.

TopoZone Topo map

Mapquest street map

Alternate Launch site:

• After turning on Rio Dam road (above) continue 1.2 miles on dirt road and cross over dam.
• As you are heading up hill parking area is on right.
• A short portage down gravel and loose dirt hill to water is required.
• GPS Coordinates: L 41^o 28' 39.8" N    Lo 74^o 45' 25.4" W
• Picture of sign at parking area (pic.jpg 76k)
• Picture of parking area (pic.jpg 63k)
• Picture of putin (pic.jpg 73k)
• TopoZone Topo map
• Mapquest street map
• Launch area is beach, dirt, rocks. No Facilities. Gravel parking area for about 5-6 cars.

Last Update: 10/7/2005

Copyright © 2008 by Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Association - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No warranties are expressed or implied.