Hike and Paddle at Wawayanda State Park

Hike around the lake in Wawayanada State Park and then paddle the Wawayanda Lake. So it is a hike and a paddle! These two separate parts are independent of each other.

Part A involves the 3.0 hour hike (9:00 AM – 12:00) around the lake. The distance is 6 miles with an elevation of 390 feet. The Alltrails app considers this to be an Easy/Moderate hike for 2.5 hours. (We added extra time for some picture taking along the way.)

Part B is for experienced kayakers/paddleboarders (sorry, I don’t recommend this portion for anybody new to paddling). It would take about 2 hours (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) to complete a tour of the lake. You don’t need to be an expert but we will be paddling continually for 30-40 minutes at a time between rest breaks so you should have some experience with paddling of this duration beforehand. We will be starting at the Boathouse where the rental shack is located and start the paddle promptly at 1:00 PM.

So you will have the option of joining just the hike or just the paddle or doing both. Note: Between 12:00 and 1:00 PM we will use the picnic tables for a quick lunch for those that are doing both parts. There is not much for sale at the location so you would need to bring your own lunch.

Summary: Part A is for Hikers from 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Part B is for experienced paddlers from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. If we get bad weather, we won’t give up so easily. We will reschedule for Sunday. Keep an eye on COMMENTS before driving to the event.
Renters: See this company for rental rates at the location:
Flatwater Paddle Co.
Note: I have no affiliation with the rental service.

1. Posted time (9:00 AM) is the start time for the Part A hike. Part B paddle starts promptly at 1:00 and will end around 3:00 PM.
2. Keep notifications on for any pertaining updates or changes such as weather, water, or traffic conditions day of and hours leading up to the event.
3. SAFETY: You must have a PFD and whistle on board your vessel at all times as per state/ federal laws; however you are not required to wear it May 1- October 31. But I am personally requesting that you actually WEAR your PFD while on the lake.
4. If you plan to leave the group at any time during the trip, (ie turn back early, or need a break) please let someone know, ie call or whistle to get someone’s attention.
5. Inflatable kayaks such as Intex are not recommended for safety reasons. They are typically not meant for the distances this trip entails. iSUPs are ok but be prepared to kneel if the winds are significant.
6. ALL PADDLE ACTIVITIES ARE AT YOUR OWN RISK. This is an all-volunteer event and you are responsible for ensuring your own safety. Read the group rules closely before joining any of the events.
7. If your plans change and you cannot attend, please change your RSVP ASAP so we know not to expect you.

See you there!