50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day: Paddle the Peconic River

There are just 30 days until Memorial Day weekend, and while we at Dan’s Papers can’t wait, we also know there are many things we have to squeeze in during the next few weeks on the East End, lest we lose our chance with all that summer brings. We know that if we don’t get out and do these now, we’ll have to wait until after Labor Day before we try again…and so will you!

We continue our countdown of things to do before Memorial Day weekend on the East End with #30: Paddle the Peconic River

While the roiling Atlantic is exciting and humbling, our quieter bodies of water are perfectly suited for spring activities. Sometimes, nothing beats gliding across a glassy estuary, lake or river, paddling a canoe and enjoying our natural splendor with a good friend or loved one.

Hamptonites may not know that Riverhead is literally at the head of the Peconic River, which makes for a fantastic paddle expedition. The largest river on Long Island, the Peconic is historic and ecologically diverse. Starting in swamps, bogs and ponds in the middle of the Island, the shallow river flows east for 15 miles of picturesque woodlands, farms, historic sites, dams and tunnels, until it eventually spills out directly between the Twin Forks, into Flanders bay.

Anyone with a boat can get in on the action, but the easiest way to make the trip is with Peconic Paddler. The Riverhead business and Dan’s Best of the Best winner sells and rents canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards, and they offer a perfect Peconic River day trip. The three-hour canoe journey begins by the Navy/Grumman airfield, amidst willows and red maples near Manorville and follows a meandering, eight-mile tour that concludes at the Peconic Paddler store in downtown Riverhead.

You’ll be making some of your fondest pre-summer memories, while communing with nature and getting some light exercise in the process. Don’t forget to bring a snack for the trip, and then end the day with a delicious meal at one of downtown Riverhead’s fabulous restaurants — what could be better?

Peconic Paddler is currently running weekend trips only — visit peconicpaddler.com or call 631-727-9895 for more info.

Come back tomorrow for 50 Things to Do Before Memorial Day in the Hamptons #29.

<< Read Memorial Day Countdown #31