The park and the Palisades take on a whole new aspect when experienced from the river!
Car-top boats, such as canoes and kayaks, can be launched during daylight hours at Bloomer’s Beach at the north end of Englewood Picnic Area* and at the beach at the north end of Alpine Picnic Area. Normal parking fees apply, and paddlers must be able to carry their boats and equipment from the parking areas to the launch sites.
*During winter months, vehicle access to Bloomer’s Beach is restricted. Paddlers need to be able to carry their boats and equipment from the main parking area at Englewood Picnic Area to the beach during this time.
Always be mindful that the Hudson is a wide tidal river with powerful currents and heavy boat and ship traffic!
Remember: Tide and current are not always the same thing! In general, on this part of the Hudson, the flood current will continue to run north (upstream) for about 2 hours beyond the time of high tide, before it turns slack and then begins to run south. Likewise, the ebb current will continue to run south (downstream) for up to about 3 hours beyond the time of low tide, before it turns slack and then begins to run north again.
This chart shows today’s tide predictions for Englewood Picnic Area (based on data for Spuyten Duyvil Creek entrance, directly across the Hudson).
Click here if the graphic does not load correctly, or if you would like to check an alternative source of tide information.
This chart shows today’s tide predictions for Alpine Picnic Area.
Click here if the graphic does not load correctly, or if you would like to check an alternative source of tide information.
At its maximum velocity, which typically occurs shortly before the time of either high or low tide, the current in this section of the Hudson will run up to about 2-½ knots, or close to 3 miles per hour. Paddling against a current this fast will challenge even a strong paddler, especially if combined with a headwind. It is best to try to time your excursion to take advantage of the flood and ebb currents, and to remember that in general the current has less velocity near shore. Staying close to shore may also provide some shelter from winds — and distance from larger, faster vessels on the river!