North-South Lake Kayaking and Paddleboarding Guide

Quick Verdict

North-South Lake is one of the strongest beginner and family candidates for Paddle Greene: a calm, no-motor lake in a state campground setting with a hard-surface ramp, generous parking (40 car and 20 trailer spaces), and full day-use facilities. It is scenic, easy to launch from, and forgiving for first-timers and SUPs on a settled day.

Where It Is

North-South Lake is in the North-South Lake area near Haines Falls, in the northern Catskills of Greene County. It is one of the better-known places to paddle in the area, set high in the mountains with a day-use and campground season. Exact directions, the put-in within the area, and current access details still need a field check.

Launch and Parking Notes

Public sources describe day-use and campground access here, with parking that varies by season and how busy the area is. The specifics are not yet confirmed by Paddle Greene, so treat the following as needs verification:

• Day-use and campground parking, and how it fills up
• The launch surface and exact put-in
• Carry distance from parking to the water
• Restrooms (reported seasonally, not yet field-confirmed)
• Day-use or campground fees and the operating season
• Confirmation of the no-motor rule

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

What the Paddle Is Like

This is a scenic mountain lake, and the setting is a big part of the appeal. With no motorboats expected, it should be a calm, low-pressure paddle on settled days, which is what makes it a good beginner and family candidate. Wind exposure across the open water still needs verification, and the area can be busy in peak season, so the experience may feel different on a quiet weekday than on a warm summer weekend.

Would I Bring a Beginner Here?

Short answer: Likely yes, with normal lake and seasonal-use cautions.

This appears to be a better beginner candidate than Hudson River or moving-water options. Check season, fees, rentals, rules, and weather before going.

Kayak, Canoe, SUP, and Rental Notes

Kayaks

A strong fit. Calm lake water suits recreational kayaks and makes this a good first-paddle candidate.

Canoes

Also well suited to a quiet mountain lake, especially outside peak crowds.

Paddleboards

A no-motor lake is a friendly place to SUP. Bring a leash and PFD and watch for wind across the open water.

Rentals

Rentals are reported seasonally, which is part of what makes this spot beginner- and visitor-friendly. Confirm the season, hours, and availability before counting on them.

Family Notes

This is one of the more family-oriented paddling candidates in the area, with seasonal facilities reported and a calm lake setting. Plan around the season and fees, expect crowds on warm weekends, and keep younger kids close to shore in properly fitted PFDs. Confirm restrooms and amenities before you rely on them.

What to Check Before You Go

• Operating season and hours
• Day-use or campground fees
• Rental availability, if you need it
• Wind speed and direction
• The weather forecast for your window
• Water temperature, especially in spring and early summer
• Crowding and the best time of day to go
• See Before You Paddle for the full checklist

Nearby Pairings

Paddle plus Hike

• The North-South Lake area and the surrounding northern Catskills are well known for hiking, which pairs naturally with a morning paddle. Specific trails and logistics to be confirmed on a field visit.

Paddle plus Day Trip

• The Haines Falls and Tannersville area makes an easy add-on for food or a wander after the paddle. (Specific spots to be confirmed.)

Paddle plus Weekend Trip

• North-South Lake is a natural anchor for a Catskills weekend built around lakes, mountains, and easy paddling.

Field Review Notes

Current status: Desk-researched

Still Need to Verify

• Seasonal access
• Fee details
• Launch surface
• Rental process
• Crowding
• Best time of day
• Photos

Bottom Line

North-South Lake looks like the strongest beginner-and-family paddling candidate in the Paddle Greene area, with a scenic mountain-lake setting and seasonal rentals reported. The practical details (fees, season, parking flow, and crowds) are still desk-researched, so confirm the current season and conditions before you go, and expect us to field-review this one early.