There’s something about being on the water that just slows everything down. The rhythm of the paddle, the reflection of the hills in the current, a great blue heron lifting off the bank ahead of you — it’s the kind of morning that makes you wonder why you don’t do this every weekend.
Here in Owego, the Susquehanna River is practically at your doorstep — and it’s far more than just a pretty backdrop. Whether you’re a first-time paddler looking for a relaxing float or an experienced kayaker ready to explore a storied stretch of one of the oldest rivers in North America, this region has something waiting for you on the water.
As your hosts at The Belva Lockwood Inn, we’re happy to point you in the right direction — paddles up, eagles overhead.
You don’t have to travel far for a stunning hike. The Susquehanna River is North America’s oldest river by geological age, and the stretch that flows through Tioga County is one of its most scenic. Nestled between tree-covered hillsides, this section of the river is calm, accessible, and genuinely beautiful — the kind of paddle that feels effortless even when you put in a few miles.
This stretch is part of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail, also known as Paddle the 607 — a 190-mile water trail connecting river communities through eight New York counties. The trail offers designated launch points, sample itineraries, interactive maps, and safety resources at paddle607.com, making it easy for first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike to plan a great day on the river. Owego offers numerous escapes.
Several put-in spots are within easy reach of the Inn:
Valley View Drive Bridge / Apalachin NYS DEC Boat Ramp — A wide concrete ramp with ample parking for vehicles and trailers, located right along the river in Apalachin. This is the starting point for Paddle 607’s Itinerary #7, one of the most popular local routes.
Marshland Road Boat Launch — Situated directly across from Hiawatha Island (more on that in a moment), this paved ramp is perfect if you want a shorter outing or plan to paddle loops around the island. Parking for about 12 vehicles.
Hickories Park — A great take-out point (or launch) in Owego with a concrete ramp, camping, restrooms, pavilions, and picnic facilities. If you’re doing a point-to-point paddle, this is a lovely place to end the day.
If you only do one thing on the Susquehanna this trip, make it a paddle to Hiawatha Island — and honestly, it might be the most memorable part of your stay.
At 112 acres, Hiawatha is the largest island in the New York stretch of the Susquehanna. Today it’s a protected nature preserve owned and managed by the Waterman Conservation Education Center, and it’s teeming with wildlife — including a resident nesting pair of bald eagles you can often spot high in the pines.
But the island has a layered history that makes it worth lingering over. In the 1870s, an entrepreneur known as “Old Joe” transformed it into a tourist destination called Hiawatha Grove, complete with small arbors, a restaurant, and eventually a full hotel that operated for 20 years. Guests arrived by steamboat traveling between Owego and Binghamton, drawn in part by Old Joe’s colorful (if largely fabricated) tales of Haudenosaunee history on the island. Later it became a working farm. Rustic trails still wind through the preserve, and remnants of the farm buildings remain — a little like wandering through a time capsule with birds instead of tour guides.
Access is by kayak or canoe only — there is no bridge to the island. Launch from the Marshland Road Boat Launch and you’re just a short paddle away. Keep your binoculars handy.
For a trail map and more details, visit the Waterman Center’s Hiawatha Island page.
If you want a fuller day on the water, Paddle 607’s Itinerary #7 is one of the standout local routes. Here’s the short version:
You’ll paddle past wooded hillsides and wide river bends, pass alongside Hiawatha Island (keep an eye out for those eagles), and finish at Hickories Park, where you can stretch out, picnic, or even camp if you’re making a weekend of it.
Download the full Itinerary #7 PDF from Paddle 607 for maps, access point details, and what to watch for along the way.
No kayak? No problem. Two local outfitters make it easy to get on the water without hauling your own equipment:
Owego Row ‘N’ Ride — A local favorite for kayak and canoe rentals right in Owego. Check their Facebook page for current availability and rental details.
Kayak and Canoe Rentals with Hiawatha Road Access — Launching right from Hiawatha Road with direct river access, rentals are $30 per person for up to 3 hours — a great deal for a morning or afternoon on the water. To book or get more information, call or text Kathy at 859-358-0164.
Both are a short drive from the Inn, so you can be on the water within minutes of finishing your morning picnic basket breakfast.
The Fred L. Waterman Conservation Education Center in Apalachin deserves its own afternoon, honestly. Just about 7.5 miles from the Inn, Waterman manages six distinct nature preserves in the area — including Hiawatha Island — and serves as a genuine hub for conservation education in the Southern Tier.
Visit the interpretive center and meet their ambassador animals Ted, Sal, and Sophie. Browse the library, explore the exhibits, or join one of their Saturday drop-in guided hikes. Their trails wind through diverse habitats including ponds, forests, shrublands, and a lovely stream gorge — with a hidden climbing wall tucked in for good measure.
If you find yourself falling in love with this river and this landscape (and you will), consider becoming a member. Supporting the Waterman Center is one of the most direct ways to help keep these preserves wild and accessible for everyone.
A few things worth knowing before you head out:
The river is calm and beginner-friendly. This stretch of the Susquehanna has a gentle current and no significant rapids, making it genuinely accessible for paddlers of any experience level, including families with kids.
Wildlife is abundant. Great Blue Herons, egrets, osprey, and bald eagles are common sights. Bring binoculars — you won’t regret it.
Check conditions before you go. Water levels can change after heavy rain. Paddle 607 maintains a live River Conditions page that’s worth a quick check the morning of your trip.
Wear your PFD. Life jackets are required by law in New York for children under 12 and strongly recommended for all paddlers. Owego Row ‘N’ Ride can equip you properly.
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Especially in spring and early fall, the river can be cold. A wet or dry suit may be worth it.
Parking is easy. All the boat launches mentioned have dedicated parking, including space for vehicles with trailers.
The Belva Lockwood Inn sits right on the Susquehanna River — you’re not driving to the water, you’re waking up next to it. Start your morning with a picnic basket breakfast delivered right to your room with river views, then step out and get on the water. By afternoon, you’ve earned a wander through Owego’s historic downtown and maybe a well-deserved dinner out.
It’s the kind of day that’s hard to improve on.
We’re happy to help point you toward the best launch spots, current river conditions, or rental contacts — just ask when you check in. We love this river and love sharing it.
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