Colgate Lake Kayaking Guide

Quick Verdict

Colgate Lake is one of the best quiet, lower-pressure paddles in Greene County: a small, no-motor mountain lake with car-top access, 25 parking spaces, an ADA-accessible fishing platform, and hiking and primitive camping nearby. It is a great fit for casual paddlers, scenic lake outings, and anyone looking for an alternative to the Hudson River.

Where It Is

Colgate Lake sits in the Town of Jewett area, in the northern Catskills of Greene County. It is a small, quiet lake set among the mountains, the kind of spot that suits a relaxed paddle rather than a big-mileage outing. See the map below for the car-top access point and parking area.

Launch and Parking Notes

Public sources point to car-top and hand-launch access here, but the practical details are not yet confirmed by Paddle Greene. Treat the following as needs verification:

• Parking location and capacity
• The launch surface and exact put-in
• Carry distance from parking to the water
• Restrooms or facilities (currently unknown)
• Any fees, permits, or seasonal access rules
• Confirmation of the no-motor rule

We will firm these up after a field visit and photos.

What the Paddle Is Like

As a small lake with no motorboats expected, Colgate should be a calm, scenic, low-pressure paddle on most settled days. The scenery is the draw. Wind is the main variable to watch on any open water, and wind exposure here still needs verification. There is no current or tide to plan around, which is part of what makes a lake a friendlier place to build confidence.

Would I Bring a Beginner Here?

Short answer: Likely yes, pending field review.

As a lake paddle, Colgate Lake may be a better beginner candidate than moving-water or Hudson River options. The guide still needs field verification for parking, launch ease, restrooms, wind exposure, and practical family/SUP suitability.

Kayak, Canoe, and SUP Notes

Kayaks

A natural fit. Calm lake water suits recreational kayaks well.

Canoes

Also a good fit for a quiet lake like this, especially on a low-wind day.

Paddleboards

A small no-motor lake is a friendly place to SUP, which is reflected in our paddleboard rating. Still bring a leash and PFD and watch for wind picking up across open water.

Family Notes

A quiet lake can make a pleasant, low-key family paddle, but we have not confirmed any on-site facilities, parking, or shoreline access here, so plan as if there are none until verified. Keep outings short for younger kids, and make sure everyone wears a properly fitted PFD.

What to Check Before You Go

• Wind speed and direction
• The weather forecast for your window
• Water temperature, especially in spring and early summer
• Season and access status
• Parking availability
• Confirmation of the no-motor rule and any other regulations
• See Before You Paddle for the full checklist

Nearby Pairings

Paddle plus Hike

• The northern Catskills around Jewett offer hiking close by, which pairs naturally with a calm morning paddle. Specific trails and logistics to be confirmed.

Paddle plus Food

• Combine the paddle with a stop in one of the nearby Catskills towns. (Specific spots to be confirmed.)

Paddle plus Weekend Trip

• Colgate Lake fits well into a quieter Catskills weekend built around lakes and mountain scenery.

Field Review Notes

Current status: Desk-researched

Still Need to Verify

• Parking capacity
• Launch surface
• Carry distance
• Restrooms or facilities
• Crowding
• SUP suitability
• Photos

Bottom Line

Colgate Lake looks like one of the better quiet-water options in Greene County, especially for paddlers who want a calmer alternative to the Hudson. The setting and no-motor character are the appeal. The practical access details are still desk-researched, so treat this as a strong candidate that is high on the field-review list rather than a fully verified guide.