Early fall paddle around the islands of Lake Hopatcong

August 30, 2024| Events, Fundraising, Recreation

By: Donna Macalle-Holly

Embark on a kayaking trip with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation on Saturday, September 28, starting at 8:30am. Bring your kayak and join your guides Donna Macalle-Holly and Jeremy Travers as they lead you on a paddle around Lake Hopatcong’s two largest islands—Raccoon and Halsey. Your paddle begins heading towards Raccoon Island, where a long-time resident will delight us with tales of island life and the Raccoon Island ferry. As you paddle around the lake, Donna and Jeremy will share their knowledge about the lake’s ecosystem, restoration efforts, and introduce you to the wildlife that calls the lake home.

Don’t miss this group outing to explore New Jersey’s largest lake!

Paddle Details:

• Space is limited. Registration is required.
• Bring your own kayak (no inflatable kayaks, canoes or Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs)).
• Life jackets must be worn.
• Restrooms are not available.
• The launch site is from a beach area.
• Paddlers should be able to get in and out of their kayaks/canoes without assistance or have another paddler with them to help.
• More logistical details will be shared after registration. 

Cost: $25 donation per person 

Duration: Approximately 2-1/2 hours

Register Here

Your Guides

Donna Macalle-Holly has been boating and living on Lake Hopatcong for over three decades.  As the grants and program director for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, she is responsible for environmental, educational, and recreational programming at the Foundation.  She is an avid paddler and oversees the Foundation’s Water Scouts program, which educates volunteers on how to identify and remove aquatic invasive species such as Water Chestnut. Donna and her husband Bruce live on Lake Hopatcong across from Liffy Island, which is preserved open space.     

Flatwater Kayaker" author and award-winning photographer Jeremy Travers began paddling on Lake Hopatcong 35 years ago from his childhood home on Bertrand Island.  Since then, Jeremy has been exploring and documenting through video and photography all his paddling trips around NJ and around the country.  Over the last nine years, he has spent time on the waters within the upper Musconetcong Watershed and surrounding lakes and sharing his outdoor experiences through social and digital media. Jeremy volunteers for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and the Musconetcong Watershed Association and is a founding board member for the newly formed non-profit PEACENJ (People Enjoying Active Conservation of the Environment in NJ) in Hackettstown.