This is my favorite paddle of the season! I just love kayaking along a swiftly flowing river with intermittent rapids. We saw plenty of wildlife: herons, red-wing blackbirds, and more.
The Canandaigua Outlet runs for 38 miles from the north end of Canandaigua Lake until it merges with the Erie Canal at Lyons. The best time to go is in the spring when the water level is high enough to kayak. Today we will do the 6.2 mile stretch from Stryker Road to County Route 6, both in Phelps. The river alternates between fast shallow sections with riffles and chutes and slow, deep sections. This is not a trip for first timers! You need to be experienced enough to change direction quickly as needed to avoid the very shallow water and large rocks in your way. Mostly we will be in remote wooded areas where birds and wildflowers proliferate. With stops, we will be out for about 2 hours. This will be a one-way trip, and we will need to spot cars at the take-out, so RSVP soon.
Bring: kayaks and all gear, plenty of water, sunscreen, bug protection, hat, and quick dry clothes. Also wear shoes that can get wet in case we have a short portage due to low water. Optional: camera, binoculars, lunch or snack.
Note: Your kayaks may hit/scrape bottom in spots, so plastic kayaks are best suited for this trip.
This free event is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are invited to join us on two events to see what you think. The third time's a charm - we'll ask you to join Women Outdoors at that point. You can join now by clicking on Join Us.
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