Spectator Guide

Many fans and pit crews will follow the racers as they paddle down the river.  Watching the start of the race as it exits Otsego Lake is very exciting and a worthy experience of a sport that is well entrenched in this area of Upstate New York.  There are many places along the river to experience the excitement of this race including three dams requiring a portage for the racers, countless bridges, and boat launches that provide excellent views.  Here are the most popular and easiest accessible.

Spots to Watch the Race

Start and First Portage

Brookwood Point , Route 80 outside of Cooperstown. Canoes line up 100' from shore and paddle straight down the lake for approximately two miles into mouth of the Susquehanna River. Watch at the start of the race, mouth of river, 1st bridge on Main Street or the 1st Portage which is below Bassett Hospital. You can view the racers around the portage at the bridge or from the parking lot of the hospital.

Bridges

Phoenix Mills Bridge: Take Route 33 or Route 28S to Phoenix Mills Cross Rd. You cannot cross over this bridge by car as bridge is out. First pros arrive approx. 45 minutes after the start, (OR) Hyde Park Bridge: which is reached by either Rt. 33 or 28S.

Compton Bridge Fishing Access:  Take Rt 33 or 28S to 11c. First pros arrive approximately 45-50 minutes after the start. 

Clintonville: Bridge is out but can be reached via Route 33 or 28 on Clintonville Road.

Milford Bridge: From Route 33, turn right onto 166 or 28S turn left onto 166. Pit crews often feed paddlers here. First pros arrive approximately 9 to 10 am.

Crumhorn Boat Launch: Be prepared to hike on a trail through woods to get to river. Take Route 166W and turn right onto Route 35. Bear right after bridge. Look for a sign on the right and turn right down the dirt road.

Portlandville Bridge: Continue on Route 35 and turn right at the T or take 28S directly from Milford if you prefer to skip the hike at above boat launch.  Parking is a challenge, but you can visit the Portlandville Canoe & Kayak rental and sales.

Second Portage

Good Year Lake Dam (2nd Portage): Continue on 28S. Parking on side of road. You can see the paddlers run with canoes up the steep hills of this portage. (OR) Colliersville Bridge/Public Boat Launch: Turn right off 28S to Route 7. Turn left onto Route 7 Est. Go over bridge and turn right to boat launch.

Emmons Public Boat Launch: Follow Route 7 W. Turn left at red light onto Route 47. Turn left onto Stillwater Road.

Third Portage

Southside Dam, Oneonta (3rd and Final Portage): Get off exit 15 on I-88. Turn left onto 23E. Behind the strip mall and along the river you can observe paddlers portaging on the opposite side of the river. This is another site to see paddlers being fed by pit crews. This is about the half way point of the race. First pros arrive approximately noon or earlier.

Oneonta Public Boat Launch or 205 Bridge: W I-88, Exit 13. Turn left onto Route 60. Turn left to enter boat launch.

Otego (Bridge out): Follow Route 48 and pull off road to right. look for other cards parked. (OR) Follow Route 7 and turn left onto River Road.

Otego/Wells Bridge Public Boat Launch: Follow Route 38 or Route 7W to Route 48.

Wells Bridge: Continue on Route 48 or Route 7 West.

Unadilla: There are a few spots to watch from. Follow Route 7W. You will see the river just before you reach the bridge. Anywhere here is a good place to watch. Just past the bridge is a park where you can watch paddlers as they go over a small dam.

Unadilla Public Boat Launch: Cross bridge in Unadilla off Route 7. Make first right onto River Road.

Sidney Bridge: Back track from above to Route 7 West or continue on River Road. Once in town, turn right off River Road onto Main Street and follow until you get to the bridge. NOTE: You may want to skip this site if you want to ensure you will see your team at the end of the race, since it is only 5 miles until the finish.

Race Finish

Bainbridge-General Clinton Park: FINISH!!!! Follow Route 7 West or get on W I-88 and off Bainbridge exit. Turn right off exit, then another right onto Main Street. Fri: Fee per car load Saturday and Sunday.

Note: Please do not park on bridges. Use caution when crossing roads. Make sure you have a local map. The official General Clinton Canoe Regatta Map is recommended.

What to Bring as a spectator

  • Entry list from the website of race participants with canoe number and a racers time sheet to record positions at various sites.
  • Official General Clinton Canoe Regatta Map or local map of Otsego County.
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Wear layers of clothing that you can take off or add as needed. Make sure you have an extra set of clothes.  At this time of the year it can be 50 degrees or 90 degrees so dress appropriately.
  • Proper footwear as river banks can be muddy and slippery.
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Umbrella and rain gear
  • Hot and cold beverages.
  • Picnic lunch and snacks