Recreation Program
The Recreation Program works to introduce the community and interested groups to the river and the developing Greenway through canoeing, kayaking, and bicycling. Operating hand-in-hand with Education, Ecology, Greenway, and Outreach programs, Recreation offers an opportunity for an intimate experience with the river corridor to incorporate lessons, projects, and programs.
Offering a full calendar of public canoe tours along all eight miles of the Bronx River within the Bronx, and adding for the 2007 season, gentle-paced bicycle tours along the protected Greenway, the second Sunday of every month May-October. Private tours for groups and individuals are available as well.
Calendar Page May 5th kicks off the summer season with the _th annual Bronx River Flotilla, open to experienced paddlers only, our biggest canoe event of the season will run from the border to the mouth, finishing at the brand new Hunts Point Riverside Park.
May 13th, the inaugural Second Sunday Cycling event, offers an opportunity to develop confidence on your bicycle while exploring the developing Bronx River Greenway.
May 19th features Pedal & Paddle. In honor of May’s Bike Month, we have combined biking and canoeing into one event.
June 2nd will be a full river trip exploring the freshwater and estuary sections of the Bronx River.
June 10th Second Sunday Cycling tour along the Bronx River Greenway.
June 23rd Canoe the upper river and arrive in style at river park for our Family Day celebration.
July 7th Explore the estuary section of the Bronx River on this Tidal Paddle.
July 8th Second Sunday Cycling tour along the Bronx River Greenway.
July 21st A full river trip along the beautiful Blueway.
August 4th Begins where the tide ends, visit a community garden and head south on this lower river run.
August 11th A border to the mouth run along the emerald trail of parks in the Bronx River corridor.
August 12th Second Sunday Cycling tour along the Bronx River Greenway.
August 25th Ride the tide on this estuary exploration in the South Bronx.
September 8th Explore the urban wilderness on this upper river run.
September 9th Second Sunday Cycling tour along the Bronx River Greenway.
September 15th A full river trip through the urban wilderness and the industrial salt marsh of the Bronx.
September 29th Celebrate the end of summer with our _th annual Golden Ball Festival.
October 13th Pedal the Greenway and paddle the Blueway on a crisp fall day.
October 14th Second Sunday Cycling tour along the Bronx River Greenway. What to expect-
Canoeing the Bronx River is a unique and interesting way to explore the only freshwater river in New York City. Because of the historic features and urban influences, we have put together a few notes to enlighten paddlers before they embark on one of our excursions.
For all Bronx River trips (Border to mouth, Upper & Lower River Runs and Tidal Paddles) you should bring snacks and bottled water, as there are no stores on the banks of the river. We advise that you bring sunscreen and insect repellent to ensure your comfort. As New Yorkers know, it is important to dress appropriately for occasions and our trips are no different. Wear sport sandals or old sneakers to protect your feet and offer you sure footing during portages. Wear light, quick drying clothes in case you get wet. Take note of the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the temperature and weather. We are able to provide a dry bag to each canoe, but bring only what is essential to prevent loss or damage to your things. Ziploc bags protect water sensitive belongings like cameras, cell phones, and wallets. While 95% of paddlers keep their boats upright, there is always a chance for event the most experienced paddlers to tip over. When weather events bring heavy rainfall, the river swells and trips may be cancelled if it is deemed dangerous to paddle.
Upper River Runs involve three portages around the waterfalls in the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo. The first portage is about two tenths of a mile and we use carts to carry the boats. The second portage is very short but occasionally challenging to paddlers that are less than sure-footed. The final portage is also short but involves climbing (or sliding) down a rock wall. All of the paddlers to date have been successful at each of the portages and declare that it just adds to the adventure!
Tidal trips are run in the estuary section of the river, which is affected by the tide. This means that twice a day the level of the river rises and falls approximately eight feet. At low tide, the bottom of the river is exposed, just as the beach “grows” when the tide is out. The exposed areas are muddy and occasionally have a strong smell. This is a very interesting part of the trip as it exposes crabs and other organisms. When the tide is on its way in, the current runs upstream. When the tide is on its way out, the current runs downstream. The current is never exceptionally strong, however when traveling against the current, consistent paddling is necessary to gain distance.
Most importantly it is important to bring a smile. Our trips are as much for public education as they are pure recreation and enjoying this hidden gem of the city.