Apalachin Bridge Boat Ramp

Quick Bits

Main Activities - Kayak, Fish, Hike, Birding
Distance - Upstream about  3 to 4 miles, based on river level.
Quiet - Road noise from Route 86
Surface - n/a
Elevation - n/a
Pets - Permitted
Address - Route 962J, Apalachin, NY 13732

Apalachin Boat Launch Map.JPG
Typical route, just over 6 miles.

In a Nutshell

The Apalachin Bridge Boat Ramp is a convenient spot to launch your kayak, or do some fishing, on the Susquehanna River. From here, you can paddle upstream (current depends on season and rain) 3 to 5 miles.  You can also go downstream some, again depending on water level.

Location and Parking

The boat ramp is located off the 962J, the road that connects perpendicularly routes 17C, 86, and 434. The bridge over the Susquehanna was built in June 2001. The ramp is on the south side of the River and to the west of the road. Google Maps has it as Apalachin Boat Launch. The gravel parking lot has room for 20 cars and trailers.

More details

The maintained ramp and the good space in the parking area makes this an easy place to drop into the river. The ramp is concrete and in good shape. There are no facilities here, so go before you go. I usually paddle upstream from here (eastbound) so that the river helps me on the way back. Apart from after heavy rains or very early in season, the current isn't bad. Typically, the strongest current is shortly after crossing under the bridge, maybe 100 yards. If you get past this stretch, you'll be able to handle the rest of it.

How far up you can go depends on the water level or your willingness to get out and portage. I can usually get to around the Tri-Cities Airport. Going downstream, you'll hit some shallows in under 2 miles.

The initial stretch 1.5 miles, you're fairly close to Route 17/86, so you'll get a lot road noise from there. After that, there is a bit more distance and less noise. The banks are fairly sparse, but you'll see a few houses and cottages scattered along the way.  There is a rail line that parallels the river on the north-side. It's relatively close as you near the Tri-Cities Airport area, so occasionally you'll glimpse a train if you're lucky.

Depending on the season and water level, you can go a little downstream as well. If you want to scout it out, there is a foot trail off the parking lot. If you take that trail, you may also be able to spot a pair of bald eagles. As you head downstream, west, from the parking lot, there is a cluster of three islands. If you look between the two islands on the south side, you'll see the third island on which the nest sits.  

Links of Interest