Annsville Creek

[edit] Annsville Creek

[edit] Where Is It?

At the traffic circle at the intersection of state routes 6 & 9. Go north on 9 about 30 yards and look for the blue/gray building with a kayak hanging on the wall.

[edit] Facilities

Good parking area, launch from a floating jet ski dock (no jet skis), 1 enviromentally friendly toilet, PaddleSports Center (see below)

[edit] On the Water

At high tide Annsville Creek offers lake-like paddling and a chance to explore a ways up the creek. At low tide the best bet is to paddle out into the main river. On the Hudson the town of Peekskill is just to the south, followed by the Indian Point nuclear facility. Post 9/11 a 300 yard buffer zone around the facility is marked and enforced. In addition to normal Coast Guard and local police enforcement, rumor has it that the plant is protected by SAM missiles. To the north on the west bank is Iona Island which has a nice marsh between it and the western shore. Both shores of the Hudson have rail lines on them and to enter the marsh it is necessary to paddle under the rail trestle. Use caution. Further north is Bear Mountain Bridge and just north of that, also on the west bank is Popolopen Creek. Paddle under the rail trestle into the creek. You can land near the silver suspension footbridge on the south side and walk across to the north side - Fort Montgomery - where there are plaques explaining the Revolutionary War battles and battlements in the area. The views of the Hudson from Fort Montgomery are worth the hike. If you take the path leading south from the bridge, you'll come to a small zoo maintained by Bear Mountain State Park. Further up the creek is a pleasant waterfall, but you have to get out of your boat and walk a little way to see it well. Back on the Hudson heading north is West Point Military Academy, which post 9/11 is a look, don't touch site. Next on the east bank is Constitution Marsh, followed by the village of Cold Spring which might make a nice destination on a point-to-point paddle. See the October 2003 issue of Sea Kayaker magazine for more on this part of the Hudson.

[edit] Cautions

Indian Point nuclear power facility to the south is a restricted area. Boat traffic, both commercial and pleasure boats on the Hudson.

[edit] Annsville Creek PaddleSports Center

The Center is part of New York State's Hudson Highlands Park. It provides free launching and parking for hand carried boats. The concession, run by Atlantic Kayak Tours, has kayaks for rent and for sale. It's an ideal place to test boats before buying. They also have kayak accessories and clothing for sale, especially items that serious paddlers look for. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.