Other areas to paddle:  Another river trip to consider is the Ten Mile River from Dover Plains, just off of Route 22, south toward Wassaic, taking out at the Webatuck Craft Village after about eight miles. This river has a bit more current to it, with riffles and moving water. It is definitely a one-way trip. After take out be sure to check out the furniture, artwork, and other crafts at the craft village. Because of the rapids where the Ten Mile joins the Housatonic only experienced paddlers should paddle further than Webatuck. Looking for a relaxing, flatwater place to paddle? Try White Pond Multiple Use Area in nearby Kent, less than 15 minutes from us. This pretty 125 acre lake is ideal for paddling, swimming, fishing, and relaxing. Camping is not permitted, but you can take a picnic. There is a parking area. GBO can take you there and pick you up at the end of the day

Paddling is near and dear to our hearts. Must have been all those summers spent canoe tripping in Canada!

Do you want to know more about how to buy your first kayak? You could just call me, I would be happy to help, but first, give a read through of this. I wrote it to help first-time buyers get over the hump. We offer a great selection of boats, and we offer something even more priceless, knowledge. We've been doing this for a while, so you'll get a great price, and we won't let you make a mistake, how many other places can say that?
Once we get your new boat loaded where do you want to hit the water? May we recommend …
The Great Swamp is our primary place to get on the water. The swamp itself covers over 6000 acres and its watershed encompasses some 63000 acres. Interestingly, it has both a north flow and a south flow, totaling about 20 miles, with Pawling being the divide. To the north, the Swamp River flows into the Ten Mile River in the Dover area, which in turn joins the Housatonic River in Connecticut. Heading south from Pawling, the East Branch of the Croton River gently flows through a predominantly red maple hardwood swamp into the East Branch of the Croton Reservoir system, which helps provide drinking water to New York City. At places the river is barely a canoe-width wide and a fair amount of maneauvering is required. However, it gradually widens as you travel south as tributaries add to the flow. This section from Patterson southward is most accessible to paddlers. So close to Route 22 and civilization, and yet so peaceful; it’s a wonderful place to get away from it all. Keep your eyes open: chances are very good you’ll see our namesake, a great blue heron!

Please, when you are out on the river, respect the environment and the wildlife. Pack out everything you brought with you, and clean up after others. This is a peaceful, serene place, and we ask that you help keep it that way. You will see and hear much more wildlife if you are quiet yourself.

There are a variety of trip options; it’s up to you. You can start right near GBO and head south, past the Patterson Environmental Park, and on to the Route 22 crossing for pick up. This a bit over 3 miles. You can also continue south from 22 for another three-plus miles to the landing at Green Chimney School for a total of about seven miles. Feeling REALLY energetic? Keep going south even further to the East Branch of the Croton Reservoir. This is as far as you can go; paddling is not permitted on the reservoir itself. You can always simply start at Route 311 or the Environmental Park, head down stream for as long as you like, then turn around and come back to where you started. The flow is gentle enough that this is quite easy.

The importance of the Great Swamp cannot be overestimated. It provides habitat for numerous plant and animal species, including close to 200 birds. Many migratory birds use the Great Swamp as a stopover during their arduous trips. The swamp also acts to control flooding and purifies the water flowing through it. For more information, and to learn about how you can help protect this vital area, check out Friends of the Great Swamp. This organization is a community group dedicated to conserving and protecting the Great Swamp and its surrounding area. Please consider joining!

Great Blue Outfitters offers both canoes and kayaks for rental. For canoeists, we have a small fleet of Old Town Discovery canoes, which are stable, user-friendly boats great for families. For kayakers, we offer Necky Manitou Sport, Manitou 13, and Manitou tandem kayaks.  These are comfortable, maneuverable kayaks that will easily handle the twists and turns of the river and have decent straight line speed as well. Paddles and PFD’s are included in the rental price. Please wear your PFD!!!