Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon to Celebrate America 250 on the Mohawk River August 22

Event will feature 13-mile paddle from Canajoharie to Fonda

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, N.Y. — Kayakers, canoeists and stand-up paddleboarders from across the region will take to the Mohawk River on Saturday, Aug. 22, for the 2026 Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon, an annual event hosted by Visit Montgomery County.

This year’s Kayak-a-Thon will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while showcasing another scenic and historic stretch of the Mohawk River. Participants will launch from Riverfront Park in Canajoharie and paddle approximately 13 miles east to Fonda, traveling through Mohawk River Lock E13 before concluding at Fonda Park.

This year’s route also marks an important milestone for the Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon. Participants who complete the Aug. 22 paddle from Canajoharie to Fonda and have previously completed the other Kayak-a-Thon routes will have paddled every portion of the Mohawk River in Montgomery County featured as part of the event series.

About the Kayak-a-Thon

Over the years, the Kayak-a-Thon has taken participants through different sections of the Mohawk River, including Schoharie Crossing to Yankee Hill, St. Johnsville to Canajoharie, Fonda to Amsterdam and, this year, Canajoharie to Fonda. Participants who have completed each section will receive special recognition and a commemorative shirt recognizing their accomplishment.

“Every year, the Kayak-a-Thon gives people an opportunity to experience the Mohawk River in a completely different way,” Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman said. “It brings people together, gets them outdoors and showcases the history and natural beauty that make Montgomery County such a special place. This year, as we celebrate America 250, we’re excited to see the river filled with paddlers once again.”

Event check-in will take place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Riverfront Park in Canajoharie.

Participants should unload their kayaks, canoes and paddleboards at the Canajoharie Boat Launch at Riverfront Park and complete registration before traveling to Fonda Park to park their vehicles and board shuttle transportation back to the launch site. Parking will be available at Fonda Park, located at 20-40 Park St., Fonda.

To help maintain safe and efficient spacing on the river, launch times will be staggered. Slower paddlers and participants using shorter recreational boats will attend a safety meeting at 8:45 a.m. and launch at 9 a.m. Faster paddlers will attend a safety meeting before launching at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to consider their paddling pace and boat type when selecting their launch group. Shuttle transportation is expected to conclude at approximately 9 a.m. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office conducts the safety meeting and joins participants during the paddle.

One of the highlights of the route will be passage through Mohawk River Lock E13. Following the lock, paddlers will have the option to stop at the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center, a Taste NY location, for a brief break. The welcome center will offer restrooms, free water and sandwich wraps, as well as regional information. Paddlers who choose to stop are asked to limit their visit to 30 minutes to help maintain spacing along the route.

The event will also feature an America 250 celebration on the water.

Participants are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue, with opportunities throughout the day to win prizes for their patriotic spirit.

Safety will also be a major focus of this year’s event. Through support from the Sean Craig Memorial Fund Inc., the first 200 registered participants will receive a complimentary Paddle Safe Kit and will be entered into a drawing to win a free life jacket. The initiative is supported through a Waves of Hope Influencer Outreach Grant from the National Safe Boating Council, with funding made available through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Participants will also have the opportunity to win a 10-foot L.L.Bean Manatee kayak package, including a paddle and life vest. The Kayak-a-Thon will conclude at Fonda Park, where registered participants will receive a post-paddle meal and have an opportunity to celebrate together after completing the route. Music by Spike and the Boys will also be featured at the park.

“We love to see this event continue to grow,” Director of Communications Morgan McClary said. “People come for the camaraderie and scenic views of the Mohawk River but return to explore more of everything Montgomery County has to offer.”

For more information and to register for the 2026 Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon, visit Eventbrite.