Buckhorn Marsh at dusk
PHOTOS
1
2
3
|
Description:
Buckhorn Marsh is located at the Northern tip of Grand Island. In summer, the waterways can get choked with vegetation, but if you can paddle past the muck, it opens up to the Niagara River. After putting in, paddle under the bridge on West Oakfield Road, and through a small section before entering a low marshland. There's another bridge (a footbridge for hikers) you'll go under right at the entrance to the Niagara River.
This is one of the best places in the area if you are in search of herons. On one night, I saw 4 herons at one time. They nest high in the trees along the shore of the Niagara River surrounding this marsh. There is also an interesting area of marsh located just south of where the marsh empties into the River. As you paddle up to it, the carcophony of birds becomes deafening, even drowning out the power boats approaching from the nearby marina. There is also a beaver in the marsh every time I've gone this year (2003), who insists on scaring the be-jeepers out of me by slapping his tail at me when I make my way out to the River. The first time I saw him, I mistook him for a medium-sized dog. They grow 'em big out on the Island.
CAUTION! The river current is strong and is a short distance (Approx 3-1/2 miles) from Niagara Falls!! This paddle is not for beginners, since the current on the NIagara River varies depending on flow. Beginner paddlers should remain in the waterways within Buckhorn Island Marsh
Put-in:
2136 West Oakfield Road, on the south side. There is a VERY small "canoe launch" sign
Parking is across the road in a gravel lot.
Take out: same as put-in
Duration: Day Trip
Distance:Varies
Portages: None
Loop Trip: No
Camping: No
LINKS:
WNYRIN- Buckhorn Island State Park
NYS DEC- MAP of Park
History and Information- Kurt Fox's site
|
