Come paddle with us! Since 1999 and continuing today, Hackensack Riverkeeper remains the only operator of canoe/kayak liveries in our watershed. Now fielding a fleet of nearly 100 kayaks and canoes, we look forward to giving you, your family & friends opportunities to enjoy and explore the Hackensack River, the Meadowlands and Overpeck Lake at your own pace, or on one of our Laurel Hill guided paddles.
Please note that our paddling activities are donations, as opposed to fees, and all funds raised help support the ongoing mission of Hackensack Riverkeeper.
Enjoy independent or guided paddling at our three paddling center locations:
- Laurel Hill Park Paddling Center
- Overpeck Park Paddling Center
- Van Buskirk Island Paddling Center
- Moonlight Paddles out of Laurel Hill
- Sunday Guided Paddle Tours at Laurel Hill
**PLEASE NOTE: For information regarding paddling center weather-related or emergency closures, please visit our Hackensack Riverkeeper Paddling Centers Facebook page. Weather conditions include, but are not limited to, heavy rain, lightning, excessive wind, excessive heat, unsafe water temperatures, etc. Occasionally, we close the centers due to special paddling events at other locations.
Private group paddling events for all levels can be arranged to take place at Overpeck Park. More advanced groups can arrange guided events at Laurel Hill Park.
Contact our Paddling Program Manager at paddling@hackensackriverkeeper.org for more info.
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Laurel Hill Paddling Center
Open weekends!
Laurel Hill County Park
1005 New County Road
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Phone: 201-920-4746
Fall 2023 Hours: Saturdays and, Sundays, 10 AM – 6 PM
(Last boat rental at 2:45 pm)*
Our Paddling Center at Laurel Hill County Park is located at the end of New County Road in Secaucus, NJ. It is easily accessible from NJ Turnpike (Eastern Spur) Exit 15X, Route 3 to Meadowlands Parkway, or via NJ Transit buses and trains to Secaucus Junction. The park is located on the east bank of the Hackensack River at the southern end of the New Jersey Meadowlands, directly across from the Saw Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Download printable directions.
*The Paddling Center’s season typically runs from early May until October 15. The center will be OPEN (weather permitting) on the standard dates/time of operation, and will also be OPEN on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Here’s how to enjoy safe, independent paddling out of Laurel Hill:
- Laurel Hill is open water with access to the marshlands, and more suited for experienced paddlers.
- We use the buddy system at Laurel Hill – SOLO PADDLING IS NOT PERMITTED.
- All single kayak paddlers must be age 16+ (with an adult in another kayak).
- All 2nd paddlers in tandem kayaks MUST be 14 years of age or older, with an adult in the back.
- All rentals must include one legal – and preferably experienced – adult, per under aged paddler.
- Paddlers MUST wear their Personal Flotation Devices at all times while on the water – NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a charged cellphone.
- Consider also bringing a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, snacks and a waterproof bag.
- Alcoholic beverages, cannabis and illegal drugs are NOT PERMITTED in our boats or in the park.
- Dogs are not allowed in boats.
- FISHING IS NOT PERMITTED.
KAYAK Donation RATES:
$30 per paddler for up to 4 hours
*(Note: paddling time reduces slightly after 2pm, all boats must return by 5:45)
- Single and tandem kayaks are available.
Guided Paddles out of Laurel Hill:
Moonlight Paddles:
Moonlight Paddles are a great way to explore the Meadowlands under the light of the moon. Enjoy a paddle through the Sawmill Creek Wildlife Management Area with experienced guides. Solo paddlers welcome on guided tours. All guided tours are approx 2-1/2 hours.
Registration: $35 per paddler / $20 per paddler with own boat
- Reservations are required for all Moonlight Paddles. Click on your preferred date listed below to register.
- Moonlight paddles are ADULTS ONLY (18+) events. EXPERIENCED PADDLERS ONLY, PLEASE. You must be able to keep up with the group.
- For more information, please contact our office at 201-968-0808. For your convenience, directions and required waivers are available on the registration page. Be sure to print, read, sign and bring your waiver form.
2023 Moonlight Paddles (weather permitting) – Registration Open Now!
Sat, 09/30 @ 6 PM – Post Full Moon
Sun, 10/1 @ 6 PM – Post Full Moon
Note: ALL “Mooners” take place on incoming tides.
Sunday Guided Tours:
High Tide Exploration Guided Paddle:
Hackensack Riverkeeper’s experienced paddling guides take you on an exploration of the Sawmill Creek marsh. Timed to the high tide, kayakers will be able to get into creeks and channels that are inaccessible – and often dry – during low tide. An added bonus is the opportunity to view both the Newark skyline and the entire Manhattan skyline from the Upper West Side to Lower Manhattan from a unique perspective: with a thousand acres of protected wetlands in your foreground. EXPERIENCED ADULT PADDLERS (18+) ONLY.
No more high tide dates available for 2023
Birding & Wildlife Watch Low Tide Guided Paddle:
Join Hackensack Riverkeeper’s experienced paddling guides on an excursion to seek out some of the common (and not-so-common) wildlife species of the Meadowlands. Among the birds you can expect to see on this low-tide trip during fall migration are: herons, egrets, sandpipers, plovers, waterfowl, raptors and wrens. You’ll also have a good chance to spot muskrats in the creeks and Diamondback terrapins basking on the mudflats. Be sure to bring your binoculars and register early because this event sells out. EXPERIENCED ADULT PADDLERS (18+) ONLY.
All guided tours are approx 2-1/2 hours.
Dates Available:
Sunday 10/18 @9am – Birding and Wildlife Watch
**A note on using your own folding or inflatable kayaks at Laurel Hill… In our experience, few foldable kayaks are appropriate for Laurel Hill. The model you own must be suited for choppy water– for example, the Bay St by Oru Kayak. Some folding kayaks are not sturdy enough, or too open, for live current/choppy water paddling. Inflatable kayaks may risk puncture by twigs in the marshlands and can be more difficult to control in windy conditions. If in doubt, please rent one of our kayaks for our guided tours.
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Overpeck Park Paddling Center
Open Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays!
Overpeck County Park / Teaneck-Ridgefield Park Area
County Route 33
Leonia, NJ 07605
Phone: 201-957-3085
Fall 2023 Hours: Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays– 10 AM – 6 PM
(Last boat rental at 4:45 pm)*
Call 201-968-0808 for the current schedule or check our Facebook page.
The calm, non-tidal waters of Overpeck Lake are perfect for novice paddlers and paddlers with children. Our Overpeck Park Kayak Center is most easily accessible via the park entrance at 50 Fort Lee Road, Leonia. Enter the park at the light and turn right at the traffic circle. After crossing over two wooden bridges, you will see the center and parking lot on your left. The park can also be accessed via NJ Transit buses.
*The Paddling Center’s season typically runs from early May until October 15. The center will be OPEN (weather permitting) on the standard dates/time of operation, and will also be OPEN on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Here’s how to enjoy safe, independent paddling at Overpeck:
- Paddlers MUST wear their Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’S) AT ALL TIMES while on the water – NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Alcoholic beverages, cannabis and illegal drugs are NOT PERMITTED in our boats or in the park.
- ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY, standing in boats, or switching seats on the water. Observed risky behavior can be subject to fines.
- Dogs are not allowed in boats.
- Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a charged cellphone.
- Consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, snacks and a waterproof bag.
- Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more. Boats are always subject to availability.
- Children 5 to 7 can ride FREE as a passenger in a canoe with TWO PADDLERS, one must be a parent/guardian.
- Children 8+ can paddle in a tandem kayak with one adult in the rear.
- Children 12 & up can paddle a single kayak, 10+ can paddle the front of a canoe.
- Anyone 16+ can paddle a Stand Up Paddle-board (SUP) while accompanied on the water by an adult parent/guardian on a 2nd SUP.
- All rentals must include one legal – and preferably experienced – adult, per under aged paddler.
- Only adults 18+ can arrange rentals.
KAYAK and CANOE Donation RATES:
$25 per paddler for up to 2 hours *(Note: paddling time reduces slightly after 4pm, all boats must return by 5:45)
$10 per paddler for each additional hour
$10 for a third canoe paddler (ages 8 and up)
- Single and tandem kayaks are available.
- You must have two paddlers per canoe.
- 1-2 children (ages 5-7) can ride FREE as canoe passengers.
- FISHING: permitted, $10 surcharge per boat
STAND-UP PADDLE BOARD Donation RATES:
$25 per paddler for up to 2 hours *(Note: paddling time reduces slightly after 4pm, all boats must return by 5:45)
$10 per paddler for each additional hour
- Aqua shoes are recommended but not required.
- MUST be able to swim.
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Lessons at Overpeck!
Memorial Day through Labor Day
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Kayak Mondays
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- Aqua shoes are recommended but not required.
- MUST be able to swim.
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Van Buskirk Island Paddling Center
Open! Weekends and Holidays
Van Buskirk Island County Park– across from the historical Hackensack Waterworks building
200 Elm Street (at New Milford Avenue)
Oradell, NJ 07649
Phone: 551-341-0170
Fall 2023 Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM – 6 PM
(Last boat rental at 4:45 pm)*
Call 201-968-0808 for the current schedule or check our Facebook page.
Spend an enjoyable time paddling the calm forest-lined waters of the Hackensack River from Bergen County’s newest park. This clear, freshwater stretch of river is located just downstream of the Oradell Dam and above the head of tide. Like Overpeck, Van Buskirk Island Park is perfect for novice paddlers, families and the out-of-practice. The safety notes and rules are the same as those at Overpeck.
*The Paddling Center’s season typically runs from early May until October 15. The center will be OPEN (weather permitting) on the standard dates/time of operation, and will also be OPEN on the following holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Here’s how to enjoy safe, independent paddling at Van Buskirk:
- Paddlers MUST wear their Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’S) AT ALL TIMES while on the water – NO EXCEPTIONS!
- Alcoholic beverages, cannabis and illegal drugs are NOT PERMITTED in our boats or in the park.
- No dogs allowed in boats.
- Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a charged cellphone.
- Consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, snacks and a waterproof bag.
- Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more. Boats are always subject to availability.
- Children 5 to 7 can ride FREE as a passenger in a canoe with TWO PADDLERS, one must be a parent/guardian.
- Children 8+ can paddle in a tandem kayak with one adult in the rear.
- Children 12 & up can paddle a single kayak, 10+ can paddle the front of a canoe.
- All rentals must include one legal – and preferably experienced – adult, per under aged paddler.
- Only adults 18+ can arrange rentals.
KAYAK and CANOE Donation RATES:
$20 per paddler for up to 2 hours *(Note: paddling time reduces slightly after 4pm, all boats must return by 5:45)
$10 per paddler for each additional hour
$10 per third paddler in canoe (ages 8 and up)
- Single and tandem kayaks are available.
- You must have two paddlers per canoe.
- 1-2 children (ages 5-7) can ride FREE as canoe passengers.
- FISHING: permitted, $10 surcharge per boat