New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail Launched Today with Ribbon-Cutting Celebration on National Canoe Day

COOPERSTOWN, NY - Paddlers, local officials, and community members gathered at the edge of Otsego Lake earlier today - Thursday, June 26, National Canoe Day - to celebrate the official launch of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail (NYSBWT), an exciting new outdoor destination for paddlers and anglers of all abilities. Stretching 190 miles across south-central New York from Cooperstown to Corning, the trail encompasses the Susquehanna and Chemung Rivers. The celebration coincided with the debut of the trail’s companion website, Paddlethe607.com, which offers maps, access points, safety information, and trip-planning resources for paddlers of all experience levels.

The launch event featured a ceremonial “ribbon paddle,” in which kayakers passed through a ribbon on the water to mark the trail's official opening. Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh delivered remarks, and representatives from regional conservation groups, tourism associations, and trail organizers were in attendance.

“We are proud that Cooperstown serves as the starting point of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail,” said Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh. “Otsego Lake is not only a treasured natural resource, but also the source of the Susquehanna River - one of the longest rivers on the East Coast. This new trail celebrates that significance, connects communities across the region, and invites residents and visitors alike to experience the beauty of our waterways firsthand.”

“Nearly six years in the making, the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail will open a whole new area for outdoor enthusiasts to explore,” Cass Harrington, President & CEO of Destination Marketing Corporation, who spearheaded the project, explains. “Since the pandemic, the Catskills and Adirondacks continue to see record visitors. Now, we’re inviting them to discover this hidden gem, with all the history, natural beauty, and exciting destinations it has to offer.”

The NYSBWT project is led by a coalition of regional tourism organizations, including This is Cooperstown, Visit Binghamton, Experience Tioga, Friends of the Chemung River Watershed, Chemung County, and Explore Steuben. Through the support of the New York State Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tourism Partner Sub-Award Grant, the trail project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act’s Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Grant.

ABOUT NEW YORK SUSQUEHANNA BASIN WATER TRAIL

The New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail (NYSBWT) is New York State's newest outdoor destination. Following the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers, it travels south-central New York State from Cooperstown to Corning. The trail welcomes paddlers and anglers of all abilities to explore the natural beauty, history, and river communities along 190 miles of exciting waterways. Visit: paddlethe607.com to get started! 

Access to NYSBWT Video and B-roll from the event

Video Timeline:

00:00 Interview: Cass Harrington, President & CEO of Destination Marketing Corporation
00:50  Interview: Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh
04:50  Interview: Brent Baysinger, Owner of Canoe & Kayak Rentals and Sales
09:51  Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and additional B-roll

Access to high-res NYSBWT photos

Photo Captions:

File Name: NYSBWT1
Brent Baysinger at launch of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail
File Name: NYSBWT2
Paddlers going through the ribbon at the launch of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail
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Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh and Cass Harrington, President & CEO of Destination Marketing Corporation at the launch of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail
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Brian Danforth at the launch of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail
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Bud Zaengle at the at launch of the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail