KAYADEROSSERAS CREEK paddling, Saratoga County NY
One can paddle the Kayaderosseras (most folks pronounce it Kay-duh-ross) as a one-way downstream trip or do an up and back trip from one launch spot. Spring water levels are usually good and there is some current – it may be a bit more work paddling upstream but you can be assured that the return downstream will be easier.
Before you paddle the “K”, check out the website of the Friends of the Kayaderosseras (https://kayadeross.org/) for any updates and information on their spring clean-up days on April 28 and May 4.
From Rock City Falls to Ballston Spa, the creek is mostly whitewater of up to Class 3 – it is not paddled often due to its many strainers (downed trees). From Kelly Park in Ballston Spa to Saratoga Lake, the creek is mostly flatwater for over 10 miles with a couple of sections of quickwater. In the first two miles from Kelly Park there may be some blockages that require getting out of the boat, hence paddlers may find it easier to start from Gray's Crossing a bit further downstream – from Route 50, drive east on Northline Road for 0.7 miles and look for a sign on the right; parking is in a field that also serves the Burl Trail for hikers – this is a section of Saratoga Spa State Park. Below Gray's, the creek splits around an island - the R is blocked,the L route may need some maneuvering to avoid a partial blockage (2020). Mileages stated below are from Kelly Park.
At 4.5 miles, Geyser Brook comes in from the North – in spring high water and with the willingness to lift over beaver dams, it may be possible to paddle up it to within view of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center – I have only gone a very short distance along it myself.
Before reaching the Driscoll Road put-in at the 6-mile-mark, you may experience a drop through the remains of an old dam and then a stretch of quickwater. It is a bit of a carry (wheelable) from the parking area to the water here but a stream-side picnic table makes it a good place for lunch or a rest break.
Soon after Driscoll Road, one passes under Route 9 then, after going another 1.2 miles, one goes under I-87, the Adirondack Northway. Then comes the Nelson Ave Ext bridge & a launch spot on river L downstream of the bridge - a short 150' carry on a smooth trail gets you to the water.
As one continues downstream, it is nice to leave the traffic noise behind. 2 more miles of pleasant winding stream leads to the narrow outlet of Lake Lonely – it is possible and highly recommended to paddle the 0.9 miles to the lake.
From the mouth of Lake Lonely Outlet, it is another 1 mile to Saratoga Lake. Logs and debris often jam in this section and you may have to squeeze past some downed or overhanging trees or, at worst, get out and portage around. Turtles like to sun themselves on the logs; inevitably, they will plop into the water before you get too close. Look for the orange of orioles flitting about, as well as the ubiquitous kingfishers, wood ducks and great blue herons.
The shores of Saratoga Lake are fairly developed and, in summer, can be buzzing with motorized watercraft, however, things are quieter in spring, especially on weekdays. A tour of the lake's circumference is about 12 miles. 2,000 feet of the lake's northwest shoreline, the Manning Cove Preserve, is undeveloped – in summer, the shallow sandy-bottomed area is attractive to motor-boaters who moor here and swim from their boats.
The best launch spot for paddlers on Saratoga Lake is Waterfront Park on Crescent Avenue – this is on the north end of the lake and about 1 mile from the mouth of the Kayaderosseras. At the south end of the lake, but well away from the Kayaderosseras, another good launch spot is at Brown's Beach.
Fish Creek is the outlet of Saratoga Lake and, in essence, is the continuation of the Kayderosseras as it makes its way down to the Hudson River. It does see some motorized traffic but it also does have some interesting shoreline and tributary creeks to explore. From the state boat launch, it is 4.5 miles down to Bryants Bridge, which makes for a good turn-around point since there is a dam not far downstream.
A quieter section of Fish Creek can be accessed from Mennen Road in Victory Mills where one can paddle upstream for 3.8 miles to the dam in Grangerville. There are signs of civilization at the bridges but much of the route passes by low, undeveloped shores of willows and silver maples. In spring, the current is noticeable but, as mentioned earlier, it will be an easy return back to your car.
Further upstream, at Rock City Falls:
Mar 15, 2020 walks at Driscoll Rd & the Burl Trail at Grey's Crossing.
Nov 18, 2012 - KAYADEROSSERAS CREEK from Waterfront Park, Crescent Ave on Saratoga Lake. Temp in 40s, lots of sun, little wind. Water level low. Upstream to Driscoll Rd access (picnic table) & back - noticeable current, some shallow sections, bit of work going up but a nice cruise on return. 3 minor obstructions. Mostly undeveloped altho noisy at Northway & Rt.9 bridges. Pair of loons on the lake, also float plane practicing landings & take-offs. 5 hours.
?? - through paddle from Kelly Park in Ballston Spa to Saratoga Lake.
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