What water level is good for paddling Wallkill River — Gardiner to New Paltz?

This section is generally runnable at 150–3,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.

How do I check Wallkill River levels?

We read USGS gauge 01371500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.

Is Wallkill River — Gardiner to New Paltz good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.

When is the best time to paddle Wallkill River here?

Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.

How long does it take to float Wallkill River — Gardiner to New Paltz?

This reach is about 7 miles, roughly 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Wallkill River — Gardiner to New Paltz: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I7 mi · ~3.5 hrWallkill RiverNew York

Verdict · updated Aug 27, 6:00 AM UTC

High — use caution — rising fast

Flows are above the comfortable range. Expect strong current, pushy water, cold temperatures and fewer places to stop. Experienced paddlers only — many should wait.

Estimated range

338 cfs

2.6 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 01371500

Runnable 150 – 3,000 cfs

01503,0003,570

What this means today

the Wallkill River is at 338 cfs right now, inside the range for this reach — but it is rising fast enough that the number above is not the number you will put on the water. On a reach climbing this quickly, check it again immediately before you launch.

Over the last 24 hours it has gone from 185 cfs to 338 cfs, 83% up. Daily means over the past 6 days have run between 335 cfs and 943 cfs, 26% higher at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Gardiner to New Paltz

Wallkill River at Gardiner to New Paltz is a 7-mile Class I run in New York — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Gardiner (Wallkill access) and take out at New Paltz / Sturgeon Pool area, a trip that runs about 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 150–3,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Wallkill River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 01371500 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 7 mi
Float time: ~3.5 hr
Best months: April–October
Put-in: Gardiner (Wallkill access) ↗
Take-out: New Paltz / Sturgeon Pool area

Reading USGS gauge 01371500 — WALLKILL RIVER AT GARDINER NY ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Wallkill River — Gardiner to New Paltz?: This section is generally runnable at 150–3,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Wallkill River levels?: We read USGS gauge 01371500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Wallkill River — Gardiner to New Paltz good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Wallkill River here?: Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Wallkill River — Gardiner to New Paltz?: This reach is about 7 miles, roughly 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Good to paddle · 152 cfs