New York State is home to numerous significant rivers that play vital roles in the region's geography, ecology, and economy. The Hudson River, stretching over 315 miles, flows from the Adirondack Mountains to New York Harbor, serving as a crucial waterway for commerce and tourism. The Mohawk River, a major tributary of the Hudson, runs for 149 miles through central New York and is essential to regional agriculture and trade. The Genesee River spans 157 miles, flowing northward to Lake Ontario and known for its deep gorges and waterfalls near Rochester. Other prominent rivers include the St. Lawrence River, which forms part of the U.S.-Canada border, and the Delaware River, which flows along New York’s border with Pennsylvania. These rivers support diverse ecosystems, enable transportation, and offer recreational opportunities throughout the state.
Explore map of New York with rivers and lakes, geographical / physical features clearly marked on map.
List of Major Rivers in New York State
River
Length (miles)
Source
Mouth
Notable Features/Cities
Hudson River
315
Lake Tear of the Clouds, Adirondack Mountains
Upper New York Bay
New York City, Albany, Troy, West Point, Catskill Mountains
Mohawk River
149
Near Rome, New York
Hudson River at Cohoes
Utica, Schenectady; important for Erie Canal connection
Genesee River
157
Ulysses Township, Pennsylvania
Lake Ontario
Rochester, Letchworth State Park, waterfalls, deep gorges
St. Lawrence River
744 (total); 108 in NY
Lake Ontario
Gulf of St. Lawrence
U.S.-Canada border, Thousand Islands, Alexandria Bay
Delaware River
330 (total); 73 in NY
Mount Jefferson, Catskills
Delaware Bay
Port Jervis, Catskill Mountains, border with Pennsylvania
Susquehanna River
444 (total); 60 in NY
Otsego Lake, Cooperstown
Chesapeake Bay
Binghamton, important for Pennsylvania and Chesapeake connection
Black River
125
North Lake, Adirondacks
Lake Ontario
Watertown, hydroelectric power, Adirondack region
Oswego River
23
Oneida Lake
Lake Ontario
Oswego, part of New York canal system
Raquette River
146
Raquette Lake, Adirondacks
St. Lawrence River
Adirondack Park, hydroelectric power, scenic route
Niagara River
36
Lake Erie
Lake Ontario
Buffalo, Niagara Falls, international border with Canada
East River
16
Long Island Sound
Upper New York Bay
New York City, separates Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens
Grasse River
73
Long Lake, Adirondacks
St. Lawrence River
St. Lawrence County, Adirondack Park
Saranac River
81
Upper Saranac Lake, Adirondacks
Lake Champlain
Plattsburgh, Adirondack Park, scenic river route
Salmon River
44
Tug Hill region
Lake Ontario
Popular for fishing, Pulaski area, Salmon River Falls
AuSable River
94
Lower Ausable Lake, Adirondacks
Lake Champlain
Whiteface Mountain, Adirondack Park, fly-fishing
List of Major Lakes in New York
Lake
Area (sq. miles)
Max Depth (feet)
Notable Features
Nearby Cities
Lake Ontario
7,340
802
Part of the Great Lakes, shared with Canada
Rochester, Oswego
Lake Erie
9,910 (total); 994 in NY
210
Great Lakes, borders Canada
Buffalo, Dunkirk
Lake Champlain
490
400
Shared with Vermont and Canada, rich history
Plattsburgh, Ticonderoga
Seneca Lake
67.9
618
Deepest of the Finger Lakes, wineries
Geneva, Watkins Glen
Cayuga Lake
66.9
435
Part of the Finger Lakes, Ithaca at southern end
Ithaca, Aurora
Oneida Lake
79.8
55
Largest lake entirely within New York State
Syracuse, Brewerton
Chautauqua Lake
13.5
78
Popular for recreation and fishing
Jamestown, Mayville
Keuka Lake
19.7
183
Y-shaped, wineries, Finger Lakes region
Penn Yan, Hammondsport
Canandaigua Lake
16.0
276
Popular for tourism, part of the Finger Lakes
Canandaigua, Naples
Skaneateles Lake
13.6
315
Known for exceptionally clear water
Skaneateles, Homer
Otsego Lake
7.8
167
Known as "Glimmerglass"; inspiration for James Fenimore Cooper’s novels
Cooperstown
Saranac Lake
7.0
Max depth varies
Located in Adirondacks, popular recreation spot
Saranac Lake, Lake Placid
Tupper Lake
14.1
45
Surrounded by Adirondack wilderness
Tupper Lake
Lake George
32
200
Known as the "Queen of American Lakes," popular for tourism
Lake George Village
Conesus Lake
3.4
66
Westernmost of the Finger Lakes
Geneseo
Hemlock Lake
7
91
Part of Finger Lakes, protected watershed
Hemlock
Indian Lake
4.6
Max depth varies
In Adirondack Park, scenic and secluded
Indian Lake
Rivers of New York State
New York State is home to a diverse network of rivers that play essential roles in its geography, economy, and history. From the iconic Hudson River to the scenic Delaware and St. Lawrence Rivers, these waterways have supported New York’s development, provided vital transportation routes, and created diverse ecosystems. Below is an overview of the most significant rivers in New York, complete with facts and figures that illustrate their importance.
Hudson River
Overview
The Hudson River is one of the most famous rivers in the United States, flowing 315 miles from its source in the Adirondack Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean in New York Harbor. The river has served as a major transportation and trade route throughout U.S. history and continues to be significant in commerce and tourism.
Geographical Features
The Hudson River originates at Lake Tear of the Clouds in the Adirondacks and travels south through New York State, passing through major cities like Albany and New York City. The river widens into an estuary from Albany southward, influenced by tidal flows.
Environmental and Economic Significance
The Hudson River estuary supports diverse habitats, including wetlands and tidal marshes. It provides a habitat for numerous fish species, including striped bass and Atlantic sturgeon. Economically, the river is critical for tourism and recreation, with river cruises and waterfront activities drawing millions of visitors annually.
Mohawk River
Overview
A major tributary of the Hudson River, the Mohawk River stretches approximately 149 miles across central New York. The river has been a crucial link in the state’s transportation network, especially as part of the Erie Canal system.
Geographical Features
The Mohawk River begins near Rome, New York, and flows eastward to join the Hudson River at Cohoes. Its watershed covers a large portion of central New York, and it passes through important cities like Utica and Schenectady.
Role in Transportation
The Mohawk River’s connection to the Hudson via the Erie Canal made it an essential route for shipping goods between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic. Although commercial traffic has declined, the river and canal still support tourism and recreational boating.
Genesee River
Overview
The Genesee River flows 157 miles from northern Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario in New York. Known for its striking waterfalls and gorges, particularly in Letchworth State Park, the Genesee River is a popular destination for outdoor activities.
Geographical Features
The Genesee River’s course includes three large waterfalls within Rochester, New York, before it empties into Lake Ontario. The river flows through a variety of landscapes, including rural farmland and urban areas.
Economic and Recreational Significance
The Genesee River supports local agriculture, and its scenic sections draw tourists to areas like Letchworth State Park. The river is also important for fishing, with its waters hosting species such as smallmouth bass and trout.
St. Lawrence River
Overview
Forming part of the U.S.-Canada border, the St. Lawrence River is a major international waterway, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. New York shares approximately 108 miles of this river, which is famous for the Thousand Islands region.
Geographical Features
The St. Lawrence River flows northeast from Lake Ontario and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Its course along the border includes the scenic Thousand Islands, a region with more than 1,800 islands scattered along the waterway.
International Significance
The St. Lawrence Seaway, completed in 1959, opened the river to large-scale commercial shipping, making it a critical route for goods moving between the U.S., Canada, and overseas markets. The river also supports tourism, particularly in the Thousand Islands.
Delaware River
Overview
The Delaware River flows 330 miles from New York’s Catskill Mountains to Delaware Bay. New York’s section, about 73 miles long, forms the state’s border with Pennsylvania.
Geographical Features
The Delaware River originates near Mount Jefferson in the Catskills and flows south, forming a natural border between New York and Pennsylvania. This section is known for its pristine landscapes, with forested areas and abundant wildlife.
Environmental and Recreational Importance
The river’s clean waters support a diverse ecosystem, including populations of trout, making it a popular fishing destination. The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is a protected area managed by the National Park Service, attracting visitors for canoeing, kayaking, and birdwatching.
Susquehanna River
Overview
The Susquehanna River, one of the longest rivers in the eastern U.S., flows for 444 miles, with about 60 miles running through New York. It plays a vital role in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Geographical Features
The river begins at Otsego Lake in Cooperstown and travels south through Pennsylvania before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay. Its watershed supports extensive agricultural areas and small towns in New York.
Environmental Impact
As a major contributor to the Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna River is a focus for conservation efforts aimed at reducing pollution. It is also popular for outdoor activities, including fishing and boating.
Black River
Overview
Flowing 125 miles through the Adirondacks and Tug Hill Plateau, the Black River is known for its hydroelectric power generation and recreational opportunities.
Geographical Features
The Black River starts in the Adirondacks and flows west to Lake Ontario. It is a narrow, fast-flowing river that passes through Watertown, providing a scenic backdrop and supporting local industry.
Economic Importance
The Black River’s strong currents have been harnessed for hydroelectric power, supporting local industry. Additionally, its whitewater sections are popular for kayaking and rafting.
Oswego River
Overview
The Oswego River, about 23 miles long, is a significant tributary of Lake Ontario and is an important component of New York’s canal system.
Geographical Features
The river begins at the confluence of the Oneida and Seneca Rivers and flows northwest to Lake Ontario. The Oswego Canal, which runs alongside the river, is part of the Erie Canal system.
Transportation and Economic Significance
Historically, the Oswego River was essential for transporting goods between the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario. Today, the canal system supports tourism and recreation, particularly for boating.
