Submitted by Chet Bates

Scroll down to find useful information on paddling the Chadakoin River, Cassadaga Creek and Conewango Creek in western New York State.

Chadakoin River: Falconer - Levant

Activity Type: Flatwater Paddling & Canoeing

Nearby City: Falconer, NY

Length: 2 miles by water

Skill Level: Class I+

Season: From early spring through late fall

Although this section of the waterway trail is only two miles water distance from put-in to take-out, it provides diverse water conditions. The upstream launching site is located at Falconer Millrace Park adjacent to Route 55 in Falconer. The parking area is tucked behind the Fancher Chair factory. Here you will find ample parking for 15 cars, a picnic area, and a dock that may be floating. The Chadakoin is very rain sensitive and controlled by a dam upstream. Be sure to check the USGS real time water flow

There is a footbridge about 300 yds. downstream of the launch site. Clearance for the bridge is normally not a problem however a small orange rectangular reference mark on the stone wall opposite the floating dock indicates the headroom available.

Uprooted trees together with one narrow sluice and a sharp 90-degree turn may pose a threat to the unaware boater. This 90-degree turn will require aggressive paddling. The lower half of this waterway is flat and wide. Remember that both high and low water levels will change the degree of difficulty for any stream. In dry seasons this entire watercourse may become unnavigable.

The take-out site is located at the Cassadaga Confluence, located 100 yds. upstream of Rt. 65 bridge in the hamlet of Levant. There is a stairway type launch dug into the south bank. This site has a picnic area, an authentic 1883 iron Railroad Bridge and parking for approximately twenty cars.

Cassadaga Creek: Kabob - Conewango Confluence

Activity Type: Flatwater Paddling & Canoeing

Nearby Town: Sinclairville, NY

Length: 28 miles by water

Skill Level: Class I

Season: From ice out through late fall

The maintained portion of Cassadaga Creek has approximately 28 miles of flat water with four official launch sites and two Adirondack type lean-to's. The first maintained launch site on the upper section is located at the east end of a bridge just north of the junction of County roads 71 and 54. There is parking for about six cars. Canoeing and kayaking is generally easy over slow moving flat water, but problem trees can be encountered. Each year large trees topple into the water and become dangerous obstacles until they are removed. Keep this in mind, and you'll be just fine. Although water levels change throughout the year, minimal levels are maintained on the upper creek by several beaver dams in the Kabob and Cassadaga areas.

About three miles downstream is the second launch site. This is a step type launch and it is located on the east side of the creek upstream of the bridge at Red Bird, the junction of Routes 52 and 380. There is parking for about ten cars.

Eight miles down stream the creek flows under Rt. 60 in the hamlet of Kimball Stand. Approximately 200 yards upstream from Rt. 60 there is a natural pull-out on the east bank. This can be recognized from Rt. 60 by the Gerry Fire Department's distinctive wet -well water-point.

Beyond Kimball Stand, the Cassadaga is crossed by a snowmobile bridge approximately ½ mile downstream of Rt. 60. This wooden structure may make a short portage necessary.

Two miles downstream from Kimball Stand, look for two Adirondack type lean-to's on the west bank. Access to these lean-to's is possible from the water or the road. If you look behind the lean-to's you can see Route 380 about 75 yards up the hill.

The next launch site is located about a mile downstream of the lean-to's, just beyond the Ross Mills Bridge. Look for a steep path on the east bank. You will be at the junction of Routes 380 and 63. There is a prepared parking area for about eight cars at this site. From here it is 5 miles to the Chadakoin Confluence. Immediately after you join the Chadakoin, there is a stairway type launch area on the south bank. There is also a fine picnic area and parking for approximately twenty cars. If you are a railroad buff you may be interested in the authentic 1883 iron Railroad Bridge displayed here.

The Cassadaga continues for another 7 miles of slow moving, meandering to the Conewango Confluence. There are no maintained launch sites between your present location at Levant and Frewsburg, a distance of 11.7 miles. If the distance between maintained launch sites is too great, there are possible access points where bridges cross the river.

Conewango Creek: Kennedy - PA

Activity Type: Flatwater Paddling & Canoeing

Nearby City: Kennedy, NY

Length: 25 miles by water

Skill Level: Class I

Season: From early spring through late fall

(Check the USGS water level at Russell PA.)

Conewango Creek is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) of flat deep water. The maintained portion of this waterway has four launch sites and one picturesque island, complete with two Adirondack type lean-to's. Watch for river otter that have been reintroduced to the stream.

The first official launch site is along Route 42, just south of the Southern Tier Expressway. The stair type launch is found just upstream of the bridge. The banks of this portion of the Conewango are very steep with freshly uprooted trees common place. There is only one area of easy swift water in this section of the river. If the distance between maintained launch sites is too great, there are two possible access points where bridges cross the river between launch sites.

The distance to the next site is approximately 11 miles. The first Frewsburg site is located on the east bank, down stream of the Route 55 bridge. The remains of an old concrete bridge pier will alert you to this first of two pull-outs at Frewsburg. Look for a negotiable but steep bank on your left as you pass under bridge. There is parking for about four cars at this site.

If you proceed downstream 2 miles from the first Frewsburg site there is a beautiful site on the east bank. Look for a 50 yard wide, gently sloping, grass covered bank on your left as you approach the Route 60 bridge at Frewsburg. Here you will have room for ten vehicles. From this point it is 4 miles to the County owned island where you will find a dock and two lean-to's.

The end of this Chautauqua County Waterway Trail is located on the west bank about ½ mile below the island. There you will find a multi-level dock and parking for 10 cars. Beyond this point the Conewango enters the State of Pennsylvania. Residents of Pennsylvaniamust register their canoes and kayaks if they are useing State maintained launch facilities.

Disclaimer of Endorsement

The information on the Waterway Trails is for reference purpose only, and this listing does not constitute a recommendation or official submission on the part of the Chautauqua County Parks Department.

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