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The Paddling Center at Laurel Hill Park Still the ONLY small boat livery service on the Hackensack River! After an absence of more than fifty years, Hackensack Riverkeeper restored river-based recreation to the region in 1999. Now featuring a fleet of twenty-six canoes and kayaks, we look forward to giving you the opportunity to enjoy and explore the river and the Meadowlands through our rentals and guided tours. Our paddling activities originate from our Paddling Center at Laurel Hill County Park (which also serves as Hackensack Riverkeeper's field office) The park is located at the end of New County Road in Secaucus, NJ and is easily accessible from NJ Turnpike Exit 15-X (Eastern Spur) and the train station at Secaucus Junction. The park is situated directly on the river at the southern end of the New Jersey Meadowlands. Across the river from the park is the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area – a terrific place for exploration and wildlife viewing. Here's how to enjoy it: Canoe/Kayak Rentals ~ Guided Paddles ~ Frequent Paddlers ![]() Canoe & Kayak Rentals Beginning on Saturday, April 25 the Paddling Center will be open weekends from 9AM until 6PM through the end of October, weather permitting. We will try to accommodate mid-week appointments for groups, but reservations are required and subject to availability. Please call 201-968-0808 to inquire. The Paddling Center will be OPEN on Memorial Day, Labor Day and July 4th. CANOE RATES (per day): $25 per paddler $10 per passenger You must have two paddlers per canoe. At least one (preferably experienced) paddler must be a legal adult. Teens 15 and older may substitute for the 2nd adult paddler. Up to three adults, or two adults with one or two children is a comfortable fit. KAYAK RATES (per day): $25 per paddler No passengers. You must have at least one (preferably experienced) legal adult paddler per kayak. Teens may paddle in a tandem kayak if the other paddler is an experienced legal adult. We have single and tandem kayaks. NO solo paddling is permitted so if you want to paddle a single kayak, bring a buddy for a second boat. Each paddler will be provided with a whistle, paddle and laminated map in addition to a short paddling lesson and river orientation. Everybody weighing about 70 lbs and up will be issued and must wear a Personal Flotation Device. Smaller participants must have their own US Coast Guard-approved PFD. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, field guide, snacks and anything else that will make your day more enjoyable. If possible, carry your gear in a waterproof bag. Please Note: Reservations are not required but encouraged and can be arranged by calling Nick Vos-Wein during the week at 201-968-0808. On weekends, we recommend you call the Paddling Center at 201-920-4746 to check on vessel availability. ~^~~~^~~^~~~^~~^~~~^~~^~~~^~~^~~~^~ Guided Paddles are a great way to experience the Meadowlands. Enjoy a leisurely, two-hour paddle through the marshes of the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area with an experienced guide. In addition to sightseeing and wildlife watching, you will learn a good bit about the natural and human history that has shaped the region. Generally, low tide trips are best for wildlife-watching and high tide trips are best for sightseeing. This year we are also offering three Sightseeing Guided Paddles, which will feature a tour of the Hackensack River proper The Sightseeing Tours will take you either upstream to the Anderson Creek Marsh (High Tide) or downstream to the Osprey Platform in Jersey City (Low Tide). We are also offering a late-summer sunset Guided Paddle, and a Father’s Day Guided Paddle on the Overpeck Creek. COSTS: $30 per paddler / $15 per canoe passenger / $10 per paddler with own boat Reservations are required for all Guided Paddles and must be secured with a credit card. To make reservations or to get more information, please contact our Program Director Hugh Carola at 201-968-0808. Upon reserving, your trip confirmation and directions will be mailed to you.
~ 2009 Staff & Volunteer Application ~ See you on the river! |
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