Port Henry

Port Henry sits on a particularly sheltered section of Lake Champlain's western shore, offering some of the most reliable beginner-friendly paddling conditions you'll find on the big lake. This historic iron ore town provides access to Crown Point Bay, a protected inlet that stays remarkably calm even when the main lake is churning up whitecaps. The shallow, weedy areas near shore create perfect habitat for wildlife viewing, while the deeper water toward the center of the bay offers room to stretch out on longer paddles. The backdrop of the Adirondack foothills to the west and Vermont's Green Mountains across the lake makes for scenic paddling that feels more intimate than the exposed sections of Champlain farther north or south.

The water conditions here are about as forgiving as Lake Champlain gets. Crown Point Bay acts as a natural windbreak, so you're protected from the worst of the north-south winds that can make paddling miserable elsewhere on the lake. Morning paddles are typically glass-calm, and even afternoon sessions rarely see more than light chop unless a serious weather front is moving through. The bay averages 8 to 12 feet deep in most areas, though there are shallower sections with extensive weed beds closer to shore. Current is essentially non-existent, making this an ideal spot for new paddlers to build confidence before tackling more challenging sections of the lake.

Kayakers will find plenty of nooks and coves to explore along the shoreline, particularly heading north toward the old Crown Point Bridge ruins. The protected waters make this perfect SUP territory as well, with enough space to practice without worrying about boat traffic or challenging conditions. Canoeists appreciate the gentle conditions for family outings, and the shallow areas near the launch are great for getting kids comfortable on the water. Fishing from a kayak is excellent here, especially for northern pike in the weed beds and smallmouth bass along the rocky points. The bay holds decent populations of yellow perch and walleye too, with early morning and evening producing the best action.

The paddling season runs long here thanks to the lake's thermal mass and the bay's protection from ice damage. I've launched as early as mid-March when ice-out comes early and as late as mid-November in mild years, though April through October offers the most consistent conditions. Spring brings excellent fishing and fewer crowds, but water temperatures stay cold well into May. Summer offers warm water and long daylight hours, though this is when you're most likely to encounter powerboat traffic on weekends. Fall is arguably the best time to paddle here, with comfortable air temperatures, warm water, spectacular foliage, and minimal boat traffic after Labor Day.

The concrete boat ramp at the Port Henry Marina provides easy launching for all types of watercraft, though it can get busy on summer weekends with powerboat traffic. There's plenty of parking in the gravel lot, and the ramp is well-maintained and suitable for hand-launching kayaks and canoes as well as trailered boats. From the village center, head east on Broad Street toward the lake and follow signs to the marina. The launch fee is modest and helps maintain the facility. If you're coming from the south, take Exit 28 off I-87 and follow Route 9N north through Ticonderoga. From the north, Route 22 south through Essex County brings you right into town. The closest amenities are back in the village, about a mile west of the launch, where you'll find a small grocery store and a couple of restaurants.