Hey folks, I just want to apologize for the positioning of my mic during the opening segment and when I was climbing the fence later on in the video. Besides the fact I that I hiked in a distance to the launch carrying all my gear in one trip from where I parked, coupled with pulling the heavy scooters / bikes out of the river (partially stuck in the ground and filled with water and muck), the mic enhanced the audio of my breathing more than I would have liked since the mic was positioned right on the collar of my t-shirt. The audio is better throughout the rest of the video. Please be kind and enjoy the video. I'm working hard to improve my audio / video techniques. Thanks -Matt, Two Feet Outdoors
No need to apologize for anything. Great video man. I grew up in Westchester. I used to take my little girls north of The Bronx on the river every year and we'd do our own little clean-ups along the trails and pack out any trash we'd find. Nature is going to be nature (even in the big bad city) and it's always been a refuge for those kids that grew up in the Bronx to go to and relax and take their minds elsewhere. Appreciate your effort. If you're ever up in the Catskills or head up to the Adirondacks, I'll paddle with you (albeit in my canoe). I live in the Catskills, but drive down to the city everyday for work (160 mile round trip).
You did a great job, did you use a gopro & where was the camera facing you? I worked an event at a castle in the botanical gardens on the river. Beautiful part of the bronx. River was very shallow there though. I had no idea the bronx river was deep or wide enough to kayak on. Just did a tv shoot in Highbridge which is also very nice. There are some parts of the bronx that are beautiful not just Riverdale. , the borough is underated at times with a ghetto rep that it doesnt always deserve.
@@josecolon5750 True. But we Capt. said is also true. Yes, the Bronx River has a long-standing issue with sewage contamination. The river is not safe for swimming due to sewage contamination from many sources, including: Westchester Combined sewer overflow (CSO) outputs, especially during rain Tidal flows Other lesser-known sources The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has designated the Westchester County portion of the Bronx River as "impaired" due to sewage pollution. Improving the water quality will require a multi-faceted approach, including: Maintaining and upgrading public sewer and stormwater systems and Upgrading private septic systems.
I don't think any of you realize how much this waterway had cleaned up. The effort the volunteers did over the past 20 years has been beyond remarkable..there are no words
The BX River Alliance stands as silent heroes for the Bronx community. Your exploration, devoid of bias, truly showcased your humanity. It was heartening to see your journey culminate in Soundview Park, where I take my daily 10k steps. I volunteer with the parks department when possible, and now, I'm eager to join forces with the BX River Alliance. It was disheartening to witness the need to climb over that gate, yet the spikes on the gate served as a stark reminder of the past destruction in the area, prompting necessary precautions to preserve nature. Next time, bring your bike, and I'll gladly serve as your guide to uncover more hidden gems on the other side. I frequently ride the BX river trail..The New Startlight Park is an awesome connection. I'll send you a picture of Soundview the park, once densely vegetated before its current state, showcasing its transformation over time. . Thank you once again. You're right, this hidden gem is worth keeping under wraps for a little while longer... haha! - One last thing, when you got to the bridge with the Amtrack train, that's a working draw bridge that would allow ships coming in from the east river to dock - over time as things shifted they stopped using it...and right before that maybe a mile back you passed Starlight Park which was the BX's first Amuesment Park built in 1918. The Bronx is...a GEM only if the people take care of it...Be Safe out there and take care...thanks again.
Ha! The Bronx River… We were going “down the river” several times a week back in the ‘60’s and ’70’s as a pre-teen and teenagers. Back then, the River was so polluted from factories dumping chemical waste into it upstream. Despite that, there were snapping turtles and carp in the river. Water rats (muskrats) also. We used to joke that the turtles and fish were going to grow two heads. To a bunch of kids that lived in tenement buildings, it was like going to the country. There was a deep part that was neutral ground to everyone. A long rope to swing out on. Like an urban swimming hole. I once drank some river water on a bet. I’m 70 years old now, and still alive!
I remember too, that if you were seen crossing Metro North tracks by one of the patrolling helicopters, they would yell at you on a megaphone to get off the tracks or get in trouble with the cops! We were crazy and brazen kids! Lol! Fond memories non the less! 😁👍👍
The Bx River Alliance has done, and continues to do, a great job cleaning up the only fresh water river in NYC. Greatest city in the world. Thanks for covering it.
As someone who volunteers with the Bronx River Alliance, we appreciate you trying to clean the river, but trying to drag those things out is quite a dangerous feat. Be careful. If you want to support our cause as we clean the river constantly come on by and visit us down at Starlight Park. And don’t worry the water is not as dangerous as you think it is just don’t drink it :-)
If you are from the bronx, nothing will change this problem, as long you dont go after the people in westchester who are not "american" but see themself as choosen people who actually dump sh*t into the river just like people in india do. No respect for "their" enviroment.
This is only Slightly related, but this reminds me of Honolulu, Hawaii cleaning up the Ala wai canal. It was always dirty and gross from run off etc etc. Recently they tried using Genki balls, which are balls made with bacteria that cleans up the river .
@twofeetoutdoors sir did you delete my comment or did youtube do it ? I dont know why, i tried my best to adress the issue without getting put into a "i h*te them all" category...
Look at Indians in Canada who are hiking and littering and sh*tting around like the people in india do.. and if you look at india trash problem, its a nightmare and you would probably just leave instead of trying to clean up. They dump and litter bcause the people doing so dont see thethe place they are living in as "home" or their "country" (beside indians they dont care in india too, bcause their caste system, nobody feels responsible, and the ones who should the job, dont do it bcause why should they, the higher caste should living in same filth like them) Its a societal-value problem made by different societies in one place and no one starts to care and hate each other in a societal enviroment that each year neighboors lose their trust to their neighboors... Thats reality. I gaf about political correctness, it is what it is. Either we change it or it will get worse each year
Whatever happened to the soldier statue in the river at Gun Hill Rd between Webster Ave and White Plains Rd? Many years ago - 1950’s - I think he was a Civil War soldier - odd place for a statue you could look down from street level there he was.
I am from the Bronx and I would not dare get in any body of water In the City but I have to say brother you just gave a light to the borough that many did not have and for that my brother I tip my hat off to you. Thank you for your bravery and showing us the beauty within our own backyard. The Bronx is always portrayed as such and ugly and nasty place but this is far beyond that. There is still alot of work to be done but thank you....Thank you to the BX River Alliance and all their members and volunteers for their hard work. Now its time to make these parks and areas safe to pleasing for families to spend their afternoons and weekend around it.
THIS is such an AMAZING comment and I really appreciate it. My goal is to show beautiful nature in the urban environment. Thank you for watching and commenting. I hope you watch some of my other videos. My most recent Bronx video at Pelham Bay Park really shows off the beauty of the Bronx. Thanks again!
Im from The Bronx and always wanted to do this Thank you for the video and experience and thank you to anyone who is part of keeping the River clean Peace Love and Blessings
1:14, love your mindset and attitude here, taking time to take things out of the water like this. I've been volunteering at a state park in Maryland for a number of years and I always get frustrated at the audacity of some people ot dump things in a park, it's really a shame, but I found your calm demeanor super refreshing. Thanks for posting and for taking the time to clean things up a bit.
Awe, thank you so much! Great minds think alike. I really appreciate you watching and commenting. I suspect you'll like other videos of mine too. Thanks!
I wish I could travel back in time and see how beautiful it was in the days before pollution. The Bronx was so full of natural beauty before it was ruined.
There was a time when the Bronx River was worse than it is today. We'd have to go way back in time to see the true natural beauty of the area. I agree with you though. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
Thank you for sharing these adventures! As a New Yorker I also want to thank you for fishing out those e-scootoers. I've only canoed a fraction of the Bronx River at the Botanical Gardens but this is amazing to see. I was always curious about going further. Also your video around Marine Park, super interesting! 👍🏼
You're welcome!! Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I hope you'll keep watching other videos of mine. That's so awesome that you've been on the Bronx River. Thanks again. 😀
@@emanuelmota7217 Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and commenting. I have a more recent Bronx River video that shows how lush and green it is now in summer. Thanks 😊
Hello Matt, I have to say this is great video. I moved to the Bronx in 98 and fish regularly in the river. A little past West Farms the water becomes brackish and somewhat tidal. Sound view/Hunts Point. From the zoo to W.F. has some really nice fish (large mouth bass) although the river is very narrow and fast moving in a few spots. I've had a few sketchy moments where the water gets chest deep and footing on the bottom gets dicey. Sad to see all the scooters & bikes in the water. I've pulled out a few dozen in the past few years. I recently saw a documentary about the Bronx River on RUclips that was amazing. The clean up program has definitely brought the river back to life. Thanks for sharing your video. Gladly gets the 👍
Since I was 12yrs old back in the late 1970's I wanted to do just this. A couple of friends and I built a raft and we floated from under the Nereid Ave bridge almost to Gun Hill Rd but the raft sank. LOL. Never to try again. The water is so much cleaner now than the '70s. Maybe you inspired me to try again. There was much more junk in the river back then. Great video and thank you for sharing this dream journey on youtube. I am a fan now and subscribed.
@rubenperazajr8204 Thank you for this awesome story and comment. Also, thank you for subscribing. You can live out that dream with the Bronx River Alliance. They have canoeing and kayaking events all the time. Some from Starlight Park and Concrete Plant Park. I just paddled with them this past Sunday. They had a special paddling trip that started at Shoelace Park and finished at the Bronx Zoo. Check their website. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors Yes, thank you for your video and travelogue. I am a 20+ yr resident of the Bronx and a member of the Bronx River Alliance. Also a cyclist who appreciates the improvements in the greenways.
My Brother, You need an award for this. you are so brave getting in that water. they need to clean up those rivers its very sad. its such a beautiful river.
There was a MASSIVE clean up of the Bronx River years ago. There'll always be trash in them just from the fact that they're in a heavily populated area (same thing happened in rural West Virginia where I lived a few years), but the waters themselves are generally "relatively" clean, so much so, that wildlife had begun to come back to the river (fish, eagles, deer, etc...), especially north of The Bronx in Westchester.
Excellent video good sir, I’m from the Ozarks and had no idea how gorgeous the Bronx is! Honestly it’s pretty clean for the massive population in that area. What a wild mix of nature/urban, love it!
@Strangeman.strangeland Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it! I hope that when you have time, you'll check out other videos of mine. So many unique and interesting areas. Thanks again.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors I definitely subbed! I haven’t had a chance to go through all your videos yet, but did you end up camping on that island? Can’t remember the name, but you showed Rikers in the background. Super cool!
@@Strangeman.strangeland Thank you! North Brother Island. Not yet. I've been sick for the past 3 weeks, unfortunately. Hope to be back at it soon. I'm on the mend.
This video is unbelievable. I hope it gets millions of views. I lived right next to Bronx River Park off of Gun Hill rd when I was a teenager, and I could see the park from my window. In the winter, it was so beautiful when there were ice storms and the tree branches were icy. The park was too dangerous to enjoy because of all the crime going on there, but I admired its beauty from my window.
Im A NYC Kayak Angler, Normally Launch At City Island, New Rochelle, Rye NY And sometime At CT Thimbles Island, I Love Kayak Fishing Even Thou I Live In NJ Spent More Time In NY. Today I Learned How Beautiful The Bronx River Is So Many Stories, Thank You For The Magnifican Education,
Matt , in case you didn't know today on Streetblog new york city. this video was attached to the article on > The River wild - bikes scooters end up 6 feet under bronx < 🍺🍺🍺
@@masonloh1411 Wow, no, I didn't know that. I need to check it out. That's really awesome 👌. Thank you so much for looking out for me and letting me know.
I lived in SouthEast Florida's urban sprawl and I cannot believe how much more nature is in the middle of NYC than in the endless pavement of Sout Florida, an area with a fraction of the population density
Good to know one is able to kayak the Bronx River. Back in the early 1980’s I worked a summer job, that was responsible for river bank restoration on the Bronx River. We worked the river banks from the El tracks #2 & 5 train, to E Tremont Ave overpass. Hard work, but we had a good time.
Matt If you don't mind me commenting long on this video. I grew up in the Bronx & my friend & I would ride our bikes to Botanical Gardens & fish at the river never caught one LOL. memories of the mid 70's - 15:14 near B. Garden & 16:09 waterfall looks same as 1976 WOW last time there! > 16:49 stone building did you see a cafeteria /restaurant near the fall? 16:52 shortcut opposite where you went, we would walk down w/ our bike from that corner of walkway br. in B. Garden & fish. found a baby snapping turtle opposite 17:17 nose of kayak / release 2 weeks later = didn't eat. 17:33 - 18:22 we bike to overpass 3 o'clock use to be a one way out turnabout gate there over the gate w/ the bikes that's East Fordham RD. you are going toward BX Zoo. 29:05 - 32:45 Lots of work! . 42:24 City Turtle not moving Lol. 45:27 overpass Br. must be Bruckner Blvd. I must rewind bunch of spots 1/2 dozen x's to bring back memories - amazing trip! Thanks for the trip.Cheers.
@masonloh1411 Wow, I'm going to deep dive this comment a bit more, but wow!!! You can comment all you want. As long as you want. Thank you so much. You recognize so many spots. That's so cool. Thank you 😊
I love seeing what folks have done to clean up the Bronx River. Frustrating they have to, and have to keep doing it. But it's amazing that you can do this now. I don't think you could have done it a decade or two ago. I guess pulling scooters & bikes out is better than the whole cars and whatnot they were pulling out in the early days of restoration. Great video. What an amazing thing to have in the heart of the city. I'd like to make more use of similar bits of nature in the city where I live. We're making progress on cleaning up our waterways in the Washington DC region, too. But there's a lot of work to be done. They don't make those portages easy. Jeez.
Back then, it was in pretty rough shape. Cars dumped in there and lots of dangerous things as well as factory runoff and pollution. In the 70s people started to get together and slowly they formed the Bronx River Alliance to make it look like it does today and it’s getting better all the time and cleaner. As our host here pointed out the biggest problem right now is people dumping electric scooters and bikes. There is always some idiot doing some stupid.
What an incredible view of the beauty hidden amongst the Urban noise and bustle of everyday life. Well done! Nice to take a moment and enjoy the hidden gems of the great state of New York. Great narration and filming too. Thanks for the memory of this moment.
I am originally from New York living in Virginia and I think your video is awesome In fact, I never knew that there was a Bronx River cut thru the Bronx. Thank you for the tour!
The river north of the Zoo looks really beautiful, quiet and peaceful. South of there, not so much. The block where you parked your truck is right in my neighborhood, I live five blocks from there and am on that block frequently. The Nathan's doubles as a Pizza Hut and Dunkin' Donuts, and there is a McDonald's a few stores up. I was thinking I'd love to try a kayak trip like that, but after seeing your portage problems, maybe not.
Thank you so much. Great comment. If you check out the Bronx River Alliance, they offer a few different paddling options. Here's one of them I did with my girlfriend. Only one portage. The upper river section. Click the link. ruclips.net/video/j2fO8MWr8Vs/видео.htmlsi=l3hx9jFm42k_taRC
Kayak in a box lol. But Dude that looks like Alabama, until you hear the sirens, horns, and hiway noise....well and the scooters. Thank you for showing a old Sourthern boy new stuff!!!
Grew up in the Bronx ;very cool to see the Bronx River from that point of view; never saw it like that. I believe that at lead all the way to the east river going south. How far up north it goes; probably very far. Awesome greatly appreciated.
It's total length is 24 miles and begins at the Kensico Dam in Westchester County. It flows all the way to the Long Island sound. I paddled the last 8 miles of it in this video. This 8 miles is known as the Bronx River Blueway. bronxriver.org/resource/bronx-river-blueway-paddling-guide-print
@@TwoFeetOutdoors this was awesome and greatly definitely will be watching more.. watching that video brought back a lot of childhood for me growing up there.
The Bronx is the greenest borough in NYC. It has more green then all the other boroughs put together. Also Its the only borough that is not an island..
Outstanding kayak ride down the Bronx River! One of my favorite moments was that of the turtle on the skim boom, at minute 42:02, where he's like, "I'm not jumping off this thing!" Awesome to witness nature's resilience despite the challenges.
Awesome! Thank you so much! I have lots of other videos. You'll def love my other Bronx video. Just posted a Florida Edition video tonight. Thank you for watching, commenting and subscribing.
When I did this paddle a dozen years ago or so, it was a weekend day in the summer. Although we had the river to ourselves, there were plenty of visitors in the Bronx Zoo. As we made our way across the two-waterfall portage (19:30 in your video), the visitors - who were some distance way behind a fence, but who nevertheless had a view of the river - were looking at us like we were animals in the Zoo.
I'm amazed at how clean and clear the water is. Was it like that when you did this years ago? I get why the zoo goers would stare. I grew up in NYC and always thought I'd have to go to the mountains for this kind of thing.
Thank you for creating these beautiful videos. I was born and raised in the Bronx (now living in New Jersey). Drove many times on the Bronx River Parkway, but never saw the Bronx River.
It's wild that you can paddle right into the Botanical Gardens. If you enter from the street you need to buy a ticket. You could spend a whole day exploring the Gardens it's spectacular. That pathway alongside the river allows you to walk/bike up through Westchester County all the way to Kensico Dam in Valhalla. It's a really interesting hike, and the dam is beautiful.
You know what this is some of the best kind of content. People watching others doing all sorts of exotic things and sailing around the world etc. We have some of the coolest stuff there is right in our backyards in NA and hardly anybody goes out their door to appreciate it.
My buddy boogy boarded down the bronx river after a big storm when we were in high school (17 probably). Dude had a weird rash for a couple of weeks after that.
Thank you! I appreciate you watching and commenting. Here's my NEW Bronx River video. I hope you'll check it out. ruclips.net/video/j2fO8MWr8Vs/видео.htmlsi=DxopYTjJ-0uByDRK
As a boomer, I can't believe how clean the river is. I remember when earth day started. I used to do cleanups around my area and always thought that people who litter should be sentenced to join cleanups as community service. Especially youths. It gives you a sense of ownership. Also, I can't believe the locked gate. Maybe a battery-powered angle grinder should be included in your equipment .
I'm 67 nd grew up in The Bronx ....we use to sneak into the Bronx Zoo via that water way ... yeah, it was scatchy as hell ... You brought back lots of memories my friend.
@frolege1 Thank you so much for sharing that. Thank you for agreeing that it can be sketchy as hell. 😀 I'm glad my video brought back memories. My newest video is on the Bronx River as well. Hope you'll check that video and others out. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
Matt, that is a heck of an effort to present this video to us armchair viewers. In CG service, I remember a particularly harsh winter when we were tasked to go up that river (tidal section) to break ice with our tug. Until now, never realized how scenic and isolated the Bronx River was on it's upper reaches, until your excellent presentation. Thanks for taking us along for the ride! Subscribed.
I second those thoughts I'm 66 now always thought of just what this buckaroo is doing. You're a legend my friend I've even dreamed of doing it. Got to get a canoe maybe even stealth 🏕 thanks for the ride along mandingo it 👍 was fantastic!!!
@@wonderwonder6880 The Bronx River starts way up in White Plains. There are a few lakes up that way. Funny you should mention stealth camping. I did that so many times as a youth. As a older kid that rode motorcycles, me and another friend found the best stealth camping along the River. Great spots you can’t see from the road.
I hope that City officials are now aware of abuse of the Bronx River by some individuals . Thank goodness for The Bronx River Alliance. The river still has much of it natural beauty. Thanks for sharing.
I'm sure city officials are well aware but they are having problems managing a million other issues throughout the city. Yes, thank you Bronx River Alliance.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors Thank you, you are exactly right. e.g. people point to sewage being in the water but they have no idea how almost impossible it is to eradicate that, with a sewer system as huge and old (over 100 yrs) as NYC's. As for the scooters and bikes, it is so frustrating. Hard not to feel like the City should just stop trying. And the garbage. but I grew up in western Queens in the 70s and I can tell you the whole City is so different now.
I just discovered your channel. The first video I watched happened to start on White Plains Rd. by Pelham Pkwy. I take the bus to there to catch the train but sometimes I go to either McDonald's or Popeye's, sometimes Taco Bell there. I've only been to that river once even though I'm a 15 minute walk from the house. That's really cool you got to do that. I might do that myself one day.
I watched the first few minutes of your video expecting the worst honestly. Everytime it rains bad the Bronx River just expands, rises and floods out the whole highway. I just knew the river would be loaded with debris, but I thought the water would be even worst then what it was. I learned through comments about who helps with the tasks of keeping our waters clear & I thought this whole time it was parks that cleaned the river or tried to. Learned about the Bronx River Alliance, got to see you interact with them. Got to see a river that I though ended before the zoo continue past through the zoo. Got to see so much locations I've never seen. I think there will come a time where if we the people of the Bronx show more interest in our community maybe more accessible ports will become available, maybe even will have to close or blockade some areas, I felt weird seeing you under the Bronx zoo's monorail. This was super engaging and informal. I can honestly say this was dope.
Thank you so much for this lengthy and well written, thoughtful comment. I really appreciate this and really appreciate you watching. I hope you'll watch other videos of mine as well. Thanks again!!
Thank you SO much for the compliment! I appreciate it. I also appreciate the cleaning up that you do. Thank you for watching and commenting. I'm grateful.
man i gotta make the time to share all of my raw unedited footage both in poor and good quality..i only have a couple of the bronx but sooo many of up here yonder,lol!..my crazy night time adventures.thanks for your share of this stunning quality lengthy footage..i remember as a child 3 and up the playground at the bottom of burke ave along the bx river..such sweet memories.i always thought that there were crocks and gators in those green waters..
@J_D_B4379 the good thing was that the Bronx River Alliance was doing a clean up right down the river and was working their way up there. Not sure if you watched and saw my interaction with them letting them know about the bikes etc.
WOW! This is incredible to me. I was born in The Bronx 72 years ago. I grew up within walking distance of The Bronx River, near West Farms, and yet I never realized just how extensive it was. I used to ride my bicycle next to it near The Botanical Gardens. One day in August of 1969 I was down by the river when a group of young people who had just come back from The Woodstock Festival went skinny dipping in the waterfalls! It fascinates me to see my home from this perspective. I've lived in Ohio for almost 20 years now, but I will always be a Bronx Boy. Thank you for this adventure. Your determination and perseverance is admirable. Be Well, my friend, and Prosper!
@katsujinkin60 Thank you. I have a newer Bronx River video that shows how lush and green the river is now and lots of other Bronx / NYC videos. Hope you'll check them out.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors I plan on watching all your videos. Seeing a city, especially my home town, from the water is really something special. I've seen N.Y.C. from The Circle Line, and The Staten Island Ferry, but it doesn't compare to sitting on the water in a kayak. Every trip is an adventure. My latest hobby is bikepacking and touring, and I'm all about that spirit of adventure. I have a new hip, and a new knee, and I'm riding more now than ever. whether on land or water, I love to see places I've never been to before. Keep up the good work, and smooth paddling.
It’s amazing journey through that river.. the portage that you found sketchy was my old neighborhood and that part is very dangerous. Fast rapids and strong currents go through that area that a few ago people went to that park to cool off in the river and some had drowned. You did the right thing by passing it, even rescue team don’t like going there. I love that you kayak there and it brings attention how much we need to clean that river.
@@arlenesolis024 Thank you so much for this lengthy comment. I really appreciate it. Yes, this river can be so much more beautiful for New Yorkers to enjoy. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Great video! You're an explorer. I live in Manhattan and my gf lives in Throgs Neck, the Bronx. I've been to the Bx Zoo, the Botanicsl Gardens and on the Bx River Pkwy but never thought I would see someone kayaking on the Bronx River. Thanks for helping clean out those stupid e-scooters and bikes. I expect to be taken out by one of them eventually, as I cross the busy streets in the City 😵💫
I lived in Brooklyn for a number of years and managed to get in some memorable urban paddles: The one shown in this video (Bx.); Pelham Bay / Hutchinson River / Coop City (Bx.); the Gowanus Canal / Governors Island (Bk.); Old Place Creek / Gulfport Reach (S.I.); Idelwild launch / Hook Creek Park / JFK airport / Head of Bay (Qn.); Elizabeth River / Elizabethport / Downtown Elizabeth (N.J.); and Kingsland Creek / Meadowlands Environment Center (N.J.).
That was so cool seeing you in my neighborhood. Concrete park is my pit stop while cycling. you definitely went under every bridge I ride over. So exciting to see it from another perspective. Wish I knew you was near i would have saved you an uber fare, next time maybe. I really enjoy your videos. keep up the wonderful work.
Actually, that's the Bronx Zoo monorail. You can see it on Google maps satellite. Starlight Park is now a beautiful park and home to the Bronx River Alliance. Yes, many years ago there was an amusement park there. Thank you so much for watching. I appreciate you commenting too.
Back in the late 80s I played hooky from school and ran across the Bronx river somewhere underneath between the 2/41 and 2 38th St. bridges. The spot where it gets very shallow at least certain times a year and there are huge rocks that stick up so you could basically jump from one to another. Another fun fact in the 2000 I lived in a really nice condo in Tuckahoe in the Bronx river ran right outside my door, and that was a deep section and there would be tons of fish in there certain times a year tons of them. I still live, less than a two minute drive from the Bronx River as we speak
16:30 portage by the upperfalls near the old snuff house 16:45 (Lorillard house) famous tobacco company. I've always wanted to kayak on the river and never had the chance. I don't ever remember seeing that 2nd falls !! 20:1522:00 3rd falls!! where did that come from? 25:10 tourist skytrain, no longer in use because of an incident several years ago. 27:30 I remember playing on the falls here all the time when I was a kid. I was terrified of the spot where you are because there is an overflow pipe that goes under the falls. Most of the concrete and fencing did not exist at that time. We just walked back and forth across the dam in sneakers. Often the water level was so low you could walk across the river almost anywhere. 36:50 cross bronx expressway!! 37:35 unused exit to sheridan support. My whole life I wanted to touch that thing. 37:55 both those pedestrian bridges are brand new this year. 38:50 last launch, normally you can't go past this because of low water, there is a weir there you can't see. 40:20 Westchester ave #6 train. You should not go past the skim at all. It's open ocean past there. 45:00 Bruckner, heavy new construction there, going on for at least a decade. 47:30 I'm surprised you got that far, it's usually not possible. And you wind up only blocks from me at my home train station Pelham Pkway! LOL Boo!! you didn't show the bridge at East tremont! That was the most memorable area of my childhood. In 66 there was a drought and the Bronx river was barely a trickle at that point. The entire river was less than a foot across there. The bridge is only less than 10' above bedrock there. In a kayak you probably would have to duck under the bridge.
@firesurfer Wow, this comment!!! Thank you so much. I need to go through it with a fine tooth comb. How did I miss showing a bridge? Was that when I was walking through the Bronx after climbing the fence? So much attention to details here. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it. I have another new Bronx River video coming this week. 🙌
@@TwoFeetOutdoors my brother and I tried to do the kayak thing at the Bronx River Starlight Park event. It didn't go well because my brother has only hearing in one ear. Balance comes from the ears. He could not do it at all. I have an old back injury and it was painful to lean left and right. I could do it but it was not fun. Maybe we will try a canoe in the future. btw; I noticed they must have dredged the river at East Tremont. It's much bigger than I remember.
@firesurfer Oh, wow. Sorry it wasn't a great experience. I give you credit for going for it, though. I wonder if the water levels were just higher as opposed to being dredged. Either way, Great job for getting out there. Thank you so much for following up. BTW, when did you guys try to do it?
I have driven by and over or taken the train over this river numerous times. I am amazed on what little I knew of it. I didn't know that there are so many changes in elevation creating the waterfalls. Clip 39:19 The two railroad bascule bridges that you went under had a companion at one time. The third one was removed after the NYW&B Railway ceased operation. Thanks for posting and I hope you had a beer with those franks!
Currently a Bronx native and I’ve come across a lot of volunteer opportunities but I never thought it would make a difference, well watching your videos showed me the difference! I’m going to sign up ❤
AWESOME vid. FYI I lived in Da BRONX back in the day Im 72 yrs old now when I was a kid my best friend Ernie and I would good fishing there. It was a lot of fun and safe. Cleaner then too no crap everywhere with dark water not a safe place. I give you credit for doing this and showing a small history of nature parts of the BX. Do the HARLEM RIVER next. TY
I want to thank you for sharing your amazing adventure along the Bronx river! You brought back many fond childhood memories. That was my escape from the hood back in the late 70’s early 89’s. I now live in New Jersey and kayak the Rockaway river every year from Rockaway County to Parsippany County. Hit me up if you ever want to try it out. Marc from Denville, NJ
That was wild! I love urban kayaking. If you're ever in Southern California, you gotta kayak the Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach. Lots of giant container ships, gantries, warehouses, etc. It's like being and ant in an Erector set. Great video!
Several years ago, a Long Island Paddler was going to do a trip on the Bronx River. There's a river in the Bronx? Really? Have you ever been on the Bronx River Parkway and seen that water between the two sides? Yes, but I thought that was just a drainage ditch. Have you ever been to the Bronx Zoo and looked down over the fence? Yes, I have. It looked like a wet garbage pit. All kinds of trash thrown over the fence. That's the Bronx River? I don't get to the Bronx much. It seems throwing trash in the river hasn't stopped. When I went it was largely cleaned up. I enjoyed seeing it again on your adventure.
Hey folks, I just want to apologize for the positioning of my mic during the opening segment and when I was climbing the fence later on in the video. Besides the fact I that I hiked in a distance to the launch carrying all my gear in one trip from where I parked, coupled with pulling the heavy scooters / bikes out of the river (partially stuck in the ground and filled with water and muck), the mic enhanced the audio of my breathing more than I would have liked since the mic was positioned right on the collar of my t-shirt. The audio is better throughout the rest of the video. Please be kind and enjoy the video. I'm working hard to improve my audio / video techniques. Thanks -Matt, Two Feet Outdoors
No need to apologize for anything. Great video man.
I grew up in Westchester. I used to take my little girls north of The Bronx on the river every year and we'd do our own little clean-ups along the trails and pack out any trash we'd find. Nature is going to be nature (even in the big bad city) and it's always been a refuge for those kids that grew up in the Bronx to go to and relax and take their minds elsewhere.
Appreciate your effort. If you're ever up in the Catskills or head up to the Adirondacks, I'll paddle with you (albeit in my canoe). I live in the Catskills, but drive down to the city everyday for work (160 mile round trip).
@@YankeeWoodcraft thank you! I really appreciate it! Thank you for watching and commenting. Thanks for all of it.
Fantastic video. I grew up in the Bronx and never knew this was possible. It was beautiful and nostalgic for me.
@ajg5519 Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. My newest video is in the Bronx too. Thank you for watching and commenting.
You did a great job, did you use a gopro & where was the camera facing you? I worked an event at a castle in the botanical gardens on the river. Beautiful part of the bronx. River was very shallow there though. I had no idea the bronx river was deep or wide enough to kayak on. Just did a tv shoot in Highbridge which is also very nice. There are some parts of the bronx that are beautiful not just Riverdale. , the borough is underated at times with a ghetto rep that it doesnt always deserve.
Surrounded by millions of people and you have the river to yourself.
It's full of sewage, that's why it's unused.
@captainwin6333 this is a somewhat inaccurate statement. Though the river is indeed recovering from the last 250 years of human pollution
The people of the Bronx don't look at that river the same way you do
@@josecolon5750 True. But we Capt. said is also true.
Yes, the Bronx River has a long-standing issue with sewage contamination. The river is not safe for swimming due to sewage contamination from many sources, including:
Westchester
Combined sewer overflow (CSO) outputs, especially during rain
Tidal flows
Other lesser-known sources
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has designated the Westchester County portion of the Bronx River as "impaired" due to sewage pollution. Improving the water quality will require a multi-faceted approach, including: Maintaining and upgrading public sewer and stormwater systems and Upgrading private septic systems.
Google earth + Northern Canada. We have rivers that are unexplored lol
I don't think any of you realize how much this waterway had cleaned up. The effort the volunteers did over the past 20 years has been beyond remarkable..there are no words
I agree. I've watched a lot of videos about it. It's actually, incredible. Thank you for watching.
make sure they see the video and keep it up
I noted that.. it looked remarkable considering how many people are available to trash it.
facts
It will never be cleaned up from chemicals being dumped in it constantly
The BX River Alliance stands as silent heroes for the Bronx community. Your exploration, devoid of bias, truly showcased your humanity. It was heartening to see your journey culminate in Soundview Park, where I take my daily 10k steps. I volunteer with the parks department when possible, and now, I'm eager to join forces with the BX River Alliance.
It was disheartening to witness the need to climb over that gate, yet the spikes on the gate served as a stark reminder of the past destruction in the area, prompting necessary precautions to preserve nature.
Next time, bring your bike, and I'll gladly serve as your guide to uncover more hidden gems on the other side. I frequently ride the BX river trail..The New Startlight Park is an awesome connection.
I'll send you a picture of Soundview the park, once densely vegetated before its current state, showcasing its transformation over time. . Thank you once again.
You're right, this hidden gem is worth keeping under wraps for a little while longer... haha! - One last thing, when you got to the bridge with the Amtrack train, that's a working draw bridge that would allow ships coming in from the east river to dock - over time as things shifted they stopped using it...and right before that maybe a mile back you passed Starlight Park which was the BX's first Amuesment Park built in 1918. The Bronx is...a GEM only if the people take care of it...Be Safe out there and take care...thanks again.
I LOVE THIS. ❤️ Thank you!
Quietly said will blossom like an apple tree.
Ha! The Bronx River…
We were going “down the river” several times a week back in the ‘60’s and ’70’s as a pre-teen and teenagers.
Back then, the River was so polluted from factories dumping chemical waste into it upstream. Despite that, there were snapping turtles and carp in the river. Water rats (muskrats) also.
We used to joke that the turtles and fish were going to grow two heads. To a bunch of kids that lived in tenement buildings, it was like going to the country. There was a deep part that was neutral ground to everyone. A long rope to swing out on. Like an urban swimming hole.
I once drank some river water on a bet. I’m 70 years old now, and still alive!
If you ever get cancer, you'll know exactly why lol
Hell, if drinking that river water didn't kill you or give you cancer maybe it killed the cancer or made you immune to it 😋
LMAO…🤣
I remember too, that if you were seen crossing Metro North tracks by one of the patrolling helicopters, they would yell at you on a megaphone to get off the tracks or get in trouble with the cops! We were crazy and brazen kids! Lol! Fond memories non the less! 😁👍👍
I think bronx is the more interesting borough in New york
As a Bronx resident, I never knew you could do this. I never thought about it. Thank you so much for this video.
Go do it!
The Bx River Alliance has done, and continues to do, a great job cleaning up the only fresh water river in NYC. Greatest city in the world. Thanks for covering it.
Greatest city in the world, hahahahahahahahaha
@@Dr_Won_Hung_Lo FR i live hear and it's a complete sht hole 😂
@@Dr_Won_Hung_Lo All the cities of the world are being destroyed by the same people. Yours are no different.
Biggest cesspool in the world. One of them anyway.
Lived here my whole life. Far from the greatest city in the world
As someone who volunteers with the Bronx River Alliance, we appreciate you trying to clean the river, but trying to drag those things out is quite a dangerous feat. Be careful. If you want to support our cause as we clean the river constantly come on by and visit us down at Starlight Park. And don’t worry the water is not as dangerous as you think it is just don’t drink it :-)
Actually, I recognize you. You did volunteer. Thank you.
If you are from the bronx, nothing will change this problem, as long you dont go after the people in westchester who are not "american" but see themself as choosen people who actually dump sh*t into the river just like people in india do. No respect for "their" enviroment.
This is only Slightly related, but this reminds me of Honolulu, Hawaii cleaning up the Ala wai canal. It was always dirty and gross from run off etc etc. Recently they tried using Genki balls, which are balls made with bacteria that cleans up the river .
@twofeetoutdoors sir did you delete my comment or did youtube do it ? I dont know why, i tried my best to adress the issue without getting put into a "i h*te them all" category...
Look at Indians in Canada who are hiking and littering and sh*tting around like the people in india do.. and if you look at india trash problem, its a nightmare and you would probably just leave instead of trying to clean up.
They dump and litter bcause the people doing so dont see thethe place they are living in as "home" or their "country" (beside indians they dont care in india too, bcause their caste system, nobody feels responsible, and the ones who should the job, dont do it bcause why should they, the higher caste should living in same filth like them)
Its a societal-value problem made by different societies in one place and no one starts to care and hate each other in a societal enviroment that each year neighboors lose their trust to their neighboors...
Thats reality. I gaf about political correctness, it is what it is. Either we change it or it will get worse each year
Wow I lived on Gunhill Rd and never knew you could kayak on the Bronx River. 🤗
Bruh me tooooooo 😂
@@BellaBellz007 🤷🏻♂️ lol
Whatever happened to the soldier statue in the river at Gun Hill Rd between Webster Ave and White Plains Rd? Many years ago - 1950’s - I think he was a Civil War soldier - odd place for a statue you could look down from street level there he was.
Now that was an adventure. I admire your stick-to-it-tiveness. I would have bailed. Fun vid. Those bridges offer some great still photography .
@@bobemmerich8595 Thank you so much!! I had so much fun! Thank you for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it.
I am from the Bronx and I would not dare get in any body of water In the City but I have to say brother you just gave a light to the borough that many did not have and for that my brother I tip my hat off to you. Thank you for your bravery and showing us the beauty within our own backyard. The Bronx is always portrayed as such and ugly and nasty place but this is far beyond that. There is still alot of work to be done but thank you....Thank you to the BX River Alliance and all their members and volunteers for their hard work. Now its time to make these parks and areas safe to pleasing for families to spend their afternoons and weekend around it.
THIS is such an AMAZING comment and I really appreciate it. My goal is to show beautiful nature in the urban environment. Thank you for watching and commenting. I hope you watch some of my other videos. My most recent Bronx video at Pelham Bay Park really shows off the beauty of the Bronx. Thanks again!
Omg I was thinking the same thing. Good on you 👍🏽
@@TwoFeetOutdoorsthank you for doing what you do. You are a gentleman.
@@andrewdean7537 Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and commenting.
I see 5 kayaks on bronx river right now right after the skimmer . Your influence is spreading. Bravo
The Bronx River Alliance might be having a free paddle. They do them from Starlight Park and Concrete Plant Park.
Im from The Bronx and always wanted to do this
Thank you for the video and experience and thank you to anyone who is part of keeping the River clean
Peace Love and Blessings
Thank you so much for the positive comment. I really appreciate it. Thank you for watching and commenting.
1:14, love your mindset and attitude here, taking time to take things out of the water like this. I've been volunteering at a state park in Maryland for a number of years and I always get frustrated at the audacity of some people ot dump things in a park, it's really a shame, but I found your calm demeanor super refreshing. Thanks for posting and for taking the time to clean things up a bit.
Awe, thank you so much! Great minds think alike. I really appreciate you watching and commenting. I suspect you'll like other videos of mine too. Thanks!
I wish I could travel back in time and see how beautiful it was in the days before pollution. The Bronx was so full of natural beauty before it was ruined.
There was a time when the Bronx River was worse than it is today. We'd have to go way back in time to see the true natural beauty of the area. I agree with you though. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors yes, so true. I remember that beavers have even come back!
Thank you for sharing these adventures! As a New Yorker I also want to thank you for fishing out those e-scootoers. I've only canoed a fraction of the Bronx River at the Botanical Gardens but this is amazing to see. I was always curious about going further. Also your video around Marine Park, super interesting! 👍🏼
You're welcome!! Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I hope you'll keep watching other videos of mine. That's so awesome that you've been on the Bronx River. Thanks again. 😀
What an awesome adventure! I might just try that myself, one day. And I am impressed at how CLEAN the river and riverbanks are. Thanks for sharing!
@@emanuelmota7217 Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and commenting. I have a more recent Bronx River video that shows how lush and green it is now in summer. Thanks 😊
Grew up riding my bike along the river and playing with my friends in the parks. Happy you got to experience it and share it with everyone.
@@JoeBlunt Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Thank you for sharing your experience along the river. I appreciate it.
Hello Matt, I have to say this is great video. I moved to the Bronx in 98 and fish regularly in the river. A little past West Farms the water becomes brackish and somewhat tidal. Sound view/Hunts Point. From the zoo to W.F. has some really nice fish (large mouth bass) although the river is very narrow and fast moving in a few spots. I've had a few sketchy moments where the water gets chest deep and footing on the bottom gets dicey. Sad to see all the scooters & bikes in the water. I've pulled out a few dozen in the past few years. I recently saw a documentary about the Bronx River on RUclips that was amazing. The clean up program has definitely brought the river back to life. Thanks for sharing your video. Gladly gets the 👍
Thank you. Appreciate you watching.
Thanks!
WOW!!! Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!!! 😃🥳
Since I was 12yrs old back in the late 1970's I wanted to do just this. A couple of friends and I built a raft and we floated from under the Nereid Ave bridge almost to Gun Hill Rd but the raft sank. LOL. Never to try again. The water is so much cleaner now than the '70s. Maybe you inspired me to try again. There was much more junk in the river back then.
Great video and thank you for sharing this dream journey on youtube. I am a fan now and subscribed.
@rubenperazajr8204 Thank you for this awesome story and comment. Also, thank you for subscribing. You can live out that dream with the Bronx River Alliance. They have canoeing and kayaking events all the time. Some from Starlight Park and Concrete Plant Park. I just paddled with them this past Sunday. They had a special paddling trip that started at Shoelace Park and finished at the Bronx Zoo. Check their website. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors Yes, thank you for your video and travelogue. I am a 20+ yr resident of the Bronx and a member of the Bronx River Alliance. Also a cyclist who appreciates the improvements in the greenways.
I watched this video from start to finish. So satisfying. I learned things about the city that I didn't even know.
Thank you so much!! I really appreciate you watching and commenting. Gland you enjoyed it and learned something from it. 😀
a side of the bronx most people dont get to see. very cool
Thank you. You'll have to check out my other Bronx video too.
My Brother, You need an award for this. you are so brave getting in that water. they need to clean up those rivers its very sad. its such a beautiful river.
Thank you!!! I appreciate you watching. I invite you to check out some of my other videos. The most recent Coney Island Creek video is really cool.
imagine how beautiful it was 300+ years ago
There was a MASSIVE clean up of the Bronx River years ago.
There'll always be trash in them just from the fact that they're in a heavily populated area (same thing happened in rural West Virginia where I lived a few years), but the waters themselves are generally "relatively" clean, so much so, that wildlife had begun to come back to the river (fish, eagles, deer, etc...), especially north of The Bronx in Westchester.
@YankeeWoodcraft yes, it's been improving and the Bronx River Alliance has been a huge part of that.
They did clean it up. You should see that river back in 80s etc. It was 100% sewage water. Nasty.
Excellent video good sir, I’m from the Ozarks and had no idea how gorgeous the Bronx is! Honestly it’s pretty clean for the massive population in that area. What a wild mix of nature/urban, love it!
@Strangeman.strangeland Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it! I hope that when you have time, you'll check out other videos of mine. So many unique and interesting areas. Thanks again.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors I definitely subbed! I haven’t had a chance to go through all your videos yet, but did you end up camping on that island? Can’t remember the name, but you showed Rikers in the background. Super cool!
@@Strangeman.strangeland Thank you! North Brother Island. Not yet. I've been sick for the past 3 weeks, unfortunately. Hope to be back at it soon. I'm on the mend.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors Yes! Oh no, heal up and be safe!
Love your content brother! Keep up the great videos.
@@garyzapel4022 Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. 💪
This video is unbelievable. I hope it gets millions of views. I lived right next to Bronx River Park off of Gun Hill rd when I was a teenager, and I could see the park from my window. In the winter, it was so beautiful when there were ice storms and the tree branches were icy. The park was too dangerous to enjoy because of all the crime going on there, but I admired its beauty from my window.
Should have grabbed your dads 32 special and gave em the business.
@@hoppes9658 And find yourself in a whole lot of legal trouble.
@@hoppes9658 The tough on crime mayors were good, but their gun control policies were a double edged sword. You can't do something like that.
@@joefer5360 NYC is so crime ridden that even the Mafia run neighborhoods aren't safe!!! That's pretty bad!!!
Im A NYC Kayak Angler, Normally Launch At City Island, New Rochelle, Rye NY And sometime At CT Thimbles Island, I Love Kayak Fishing Even Thou I Live In NJ Spent More Time In NY. Today I Learned How Beautiful The Bronx River Is So Many Stories, Thank You For The Magnifican Education,
Thank you for watching! I appreciate the comment. I learned a lot too.
What a beautiful river, shout out to the cleanup crew, for making a difference
You’re welcome! 🫶🏽
Matt , in case you didn't know today on Streetblog new york city. this video was attached to the article on > The River wild - bikes scooters end up 6 feet under bronx < 🍺🍺🍺
@@masonloh1411 Wow, no, I didn't know that. I need to check it out. That's really awesome 👌. Thank you so much for looking out for me and letting me know.
I lived in SouthEast Florida's urban sprawl and I cannot believe how much more nature is in the middle of NYC than in the endless pavement of Sout Florida, an area with a fraction of the population density
When you build denser it allows you to preserve nature. Florida has become one giant parking lot
Keep going west. The everglades are beautiful. There are some nice parks in Broward and Dade.
Thanks for showing us how beautiful the Bronx is from the view of the wonderful Bronx river 🇵🇷
Thank you for watching and commenting. Please check out my other Bronx video.
I did an internship 15 years ago with the parks department cleaning the bx river and I might say it’s beautiful and I’m glad I helped clean it
Thank you! You did a good thing. I appreciate you watching and commenting.
Good to know one is able to kayak the Bronx River. Back in the early 1980’s I worked a summer job, that was responsible for river bank restoration on the Bronx River. We worked the river banks from the El tracks #2 & 5 train, to E Tremont Ave overpass. Hard work, but we had a good time.
Wow, that's incredible. Thank you.
Matt If you don't mind me commenting long on this video. I grew up in the Bronx & my friend & I would ride our bikes to Botanical Gardens & fish at the river never caught one LOL. memories of the mid 70's - 15:14 near B. Garden & 16:09 waterfall looks same as 1976 WOW last time there! > 16:49 stone building did you see a cafeteria /restaurant near the fall? 16:52 shortcut opposite where you went, we would walk down w/ our bike from that corner of walkway br. in B. Garden & fish. found a baby snapping turtle opposite 17:17 nose of kayak / release 2 weeks later = didn't eat. 17:33 - 18:22 we bike to overpass 3 o'clock use to be a one way out turnabout gate there over the gate w/ the bikes that's East Fordham RD. you are going toward BX Zoo. 29:05 - 32:45 Lots of work! . 42:24 City Turtle not moving Lol. 45:27 overpass Br. must be Bruckner Blvd. I must rewind bunch of spots 1/2 dozen x's to bring back memories - amazing trip! Thanks for the trip.Cheers.
@masonloh1411 Wow, I'm going to deep dive this comment a bit more, but wow!!! You can comment all you want. As long as you want. Thank you so much. You recognize so many spots. That's so cool. Thank you 😊
👍🏼Very cool adventure
@@andrewfett142 Thank you! I appreciate you watching and commenting 😀
I love seeing what folks have done to clean up the Bronx River. Frustrating they have to, and have to keep doing it. But it's amazing that you can do this now. I don't think you could have done it a decade or two ago. I guess pulling scooters & bikes out is better than the whole cars and whatnot they were pulling out in the early days of restoration.
Great video. What an amazing thing to have in the heart of the city. I'd like to make more use of similar bits of nature in the city where I live. We're making progress on cleaning up our waterways in the Washington DC region, too. But there's a lot of work to be done.
They don't make those portages easy. Jeez.
I grew up in The Bronx, 1960s to 70s, never knew you could paddle the Bronx river. That would have been a great adventure for my Girl Scout Troop.
Back then, it was in pretty rough shape. Cars dumped in there and lots of dangerous things as well as factory runoff and pollution. In the 70s people started to get together and slowly they formed the Bronx River Alliance to make it look like it does today and it’s getting better all the time and cleaner. As our host here pointed out the biggest problem right now is people dumping electric scooters and bikes. There is always some idiot doing some stupid.
What an incredible view of the beauty hidden amongst the Urban noise and bustle of everyday life. Well done! Nice to take a moment and enjoy the hidden gems of the great state of New York. Great narration and filming too. Thanks for the memory of this moment.
Wow, thank you!!
I am originally from New York living in Virginia and I think your video is awesome In fact, I never knew that there was a Bronx River cut thru the Bronx. Thank you for the tour!
@@AnthonyHodge-o3t Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Thank you for watching and commenting 😀
The river north of the Zoo looks really beautiful, quiet and peaceful. South of there, not so much. The block where you parked your truck is right in my neighborhood, I live five blocks from there and am on that block frequently. The Nathan's doubles as a Pizza Hut and Dunkin' Donuts, and there is a McDonald's a few stores up. I was thinking I'd love to try a kayak trip like that, but after seeing your portage problems, maybe not.
Thank you so much. Great comment. If you check out the Bronx River Alliance, they offer a few different paddling options. Here's one of them I did with my girlfriend. Only one portage. The upper river section. Click the link. ruclips.net/video/j2fO8MWr8Vs/видео.htmlsi=l3hx9jFm42k_taRC
Thank you for visiting The Bronx & showing it from this rarely seen perspective.
Thank you for watching and commenting. You should check out my other Bronx video.
Sick how this video starts about two blocks from where I grew up. Love seeing my old neighborhood.
Kayak in a box lol. But Dude that looks like Alabama, until you hear the sirens, horns, and hiway noise....well and the scooters.
Thank you for showing a old Sourthern boy new stuff!!!
Awesome, so close to my home, again!
Cool. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
Grew up in the Bronx ;very cool to see the Bronx River from that point of view; never saw it like that. I believe that at lead all the way to the east river going south. How far up north it goes; probably very far. Awesome greatly appreciated.
It's total length is 24 miles and begins at the Kensico Dam in Westchester County. It flows all the way to the Long Island sound. I paddled the last 8 miles of it in this video. This 8 miles is known as the Bronx River Blueway. bronxriver.org/resource/bronx-river-blueway-paddling-guide-print
@@TwoFeetOutdoors this was awesome and greatly definitely will be watching more.. watching that video brought back a lot of childhood for me growing up there.
The Bronx is the greenest borough in NYC. It has more green then all the other boroughs put together. Also Its the only borough that is not an island..
Thanks for sharing the cool facts.
And it's the most dangerous borough in NYC.
@@stevemuzak8526 Nope sorry Brooklyn has the most crime in NYC, then the Bronx.
@@stevemuzak8526Wrong, that distinction goes to Brooklyn.
Wrong Staten Island is the green borough
Outstanding kayak ride down the Bronx River! One of my favorite moments was that of the turtle on the skim boom, at minute 42:02, where he's like, "I'm not jumping off this thing!" Awesome to witness nature's resilience despite the challenges.
I love the bridges, with such elegant arches. Thanks for showing us the river in the city, very interesting!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it.
Great video. Born & Raised in The BX, and this was a excellent,alternative viewpoint. Subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you so much! I have lots of other videos. You'll def love my other Bronx video. Just posted a Florida Edition video tonight. Thank you for watching, commenting and subscribing.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors No problem!! I'll definitely be watching them. Keep up the great work.
Just found you and really enjoying your videos! I needed a nap after this one! Whew!
@@judithgayou4631 Hahaha. That's funny! Thank you. I'm glad you found me. Welcome to Two Feet Outdoors. 😀
When I did this paddle a dozen years ago or so, it was a weekend day in the summer. Although we had the river to ourselves, there were plenty of visitors in the Bronx Zoo. As we made our way across the two-waterfall portage (19:30 in your video), the visitors - who were some distance way behind a fence, but who nevertheless had a view of the river - were looking at us like we were animals in the Zoo.
I'm amazed at how clean and clear the water is. Was it like that when you did this years ago?
I get why the zoo goers would stare. I grew up in NYC and always thought I'd have to go to the mountains for this kind of thing.
@@robertmcmanus8760 Clean and clear? Okay…
... from the Bronx...we use to swim or sneak swim in the river on hot summer days at the Botanical Gardens back in the day...memories....God Bless ...
Sounds like great memories!
I wish the water was still clean enough. Those were the days!
@@tonycamaj7243 probably wasn't but we didn't care...
You're a legend for this!
Thank you! Appreciate you watching.
Thank you for creating these beautiful videos. I was born and raised in the Bronx (now living in New Jersey). Drove many times on the Bronx River Parkway, but never saw the Bronx River.
Thank you so much!! I have other videos in the Bronx and NYC. Thank you for watching them. I appreciate it.
It's wild that you can paddle right into the Botanical Gardens. If you enter from the street you need to buy a ticket. You could spend a whole day exploring the Gardens it's spectacular.
That pathway alongside the river allows you to walk/bike up through Westchester County all the way to Kensico Dam in Valhalla. It's a really interesting hike, and the dam is beautiful.
@@bridgecross Thank you for watching and commenting. I actually have another new video on the Bronx River coming tonight.
You know what this is some of the best kind of content. People watching others doing all sorts of exotic things and sailing around the world etc. We have some of the coolest stuff there is right in our backyards in NA and hardly anybody goes out their door to appreciate it.
I’ve driven along that road my entire life and always hoped that someone would clean it up so people could do exactly what you are doing! So cool
The Bronx River Alliance is doing a great job making progress on the river. They offer free canoeing / kayaking events from Starlight Park.
My buddy boogy boarded down the bronx river after a big storm when we were in high school (17 probably). Dude had a weird rash for a couple of weeks after that.
That was incredible and so are you .. Thanks a million ..you made me smile at 7am in the morning
@@frolege1 Thank you!! I really appreciate it. 😀
Great video! I've done the community paddle with the Bronx River Alliance, and remembered a couple of those bridges! It is wild!
Thank you! I appreciate you watching and commenting. Here's my NEW Bronx River video. I hope you'll check it out. ruclips.net/video/j2fO8MWr8Vs/видео.htmlsi=DxopYTjJ-0uByDRK
Love the video,as a NY native it’s good to see the city from another perspective.
Thank you so much! Hope you'll check out other videos of mine. Lots of cool NYC kayaking videos with incredible views. Thanks again! I appreciate it.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors I just finished watching the Smithtown one,I used to work there and lived in Happauge,blessings for you and your family
@@dannyboy-777- Awesome!! Thank you! 😀
As a boomer, I can't believe how clean the river is. I remember when earth day started. I used to do cleanups around my area and always thought that people who litter should be sentenced to join cleanups as community service. Especially youths. It gives you a sense of ownership. Also, I can't believe the locked gate. Maybe a battery-powered angle grinder should be included in your equipment .
Awesome job , I grew up in the Bronx and used to play in the rapids near the “botanicals” I’m going to kayak this for sure, thanks man!
I'm 67 nd grew up in The Bronx ....we use to sneak into the Bronx Zoo via that water way ... yeah, it was scatchy as hell ... You brought back lots of memories my friend.
@frolege1 Thank you so much for sharing that. Thank you for agreeing that it can be sketchy as hell. 😀 I'm glad my video brought back memories. My newest video is on the Bronx River as well. Hope you'll check that video and others out. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
You kayaking in the Bronx River feels like either a novel or a scene out of a movie. Very nice and peaceful!
Wow, thank you. That's awesome. I appreciate you watching and commenting. I have a newer Bronx River video, and it shows how lush and green it is now.
Even though it's a lot cleaner than in the 80s and 90s, I give you credit for kayaking in that filthy river, and this is coming from a Bronx native.
Thank you! I appreciate you watching.
Same ❤
Matt, that is a heck of an effort to present this video to us armchair viewers. In CG service, I remember a particularly harsh winter when we were tasked to go up that river (tidal section) to break ice with our tug. Until now, never realized how scenic and isolated the Bronx River was on it's upper reaches, until your excellent presentation. Thanks for taking us along for the ride! Subscribed.
Thank you so much for the kind words. Appreciate you watching and subscribing.
I second those thoughts I'm 66 now always thought of just what this buckaroo is doing. You're a legend my friend I've even dreamed of doing it. Got to get a canoe maybe even stealth 🏕 thanks for the ride along mandingo it 👍 was fantastic!!!
@@wonderwonder6880 The Bronx River starts way up in White Plains. There are a few lakes up that way.
Funny you should mention stealth camping. I did that so many times as a youth. As a older kid that rode motorcycles, me and another friend found the best stealth camping along the River. Great spots you can’t see from the road.
I hope that City officials are now aware of abuse of the Bronx River by some individuals . Thank goodness for The Bronx River Alliance. The river still has much of it natural beauty. Thanks for sharing.
I'm sure city officials are well aware but they are having problems managing a million other issues throughout the city. Yes, thank you Bronx River Alliance.
Yes' and it can Happen because evidence shows. 👏
@@TwoFeetOutdoors thanks for the Evidence and expected much worse actually . I could see clear to the bottom is wonder for future .
@@trafficjon400 Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors Thank you, you are exactly right. e.g. people point to sewage being in the water but they have no idea how almost impossible it is to eradicate that, with a sewer system as huge and old (over 100 yrs) as NYC's. As for the scooters and bikes, it is so frustrating. Hard not to feel like the City should just stop trying. And the garbage. but I grew up in western Queens in the 70s and I can tell you the whole City is so different now.
I just discovered your channel. The first video I watched happened to start on White Plains Rd. by Pelham Pkwy. I take the bus to there to catch the train but sometimes I go to either McDonald's or Popeye's, sometimes Taco Bell there. I've only been to that river once even though I'm a 15 minute walk from the house. That's really cool you got to do that. I might do that myself one day.
That's awesome! If you enjoyed this video, you will enjoy others of mine. Thank you for watching and commenting.
that was great
@@bobbijoalfieri8151 Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and commenting. I hope you'll check out other videos of mine as well. Thank you.
Thanks for the unique kayaking video. I paddle in Cape Breton Nova Scotia and wow was your route ever different. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching and commenting. Hope you'll check out other videos of mine.
Something I learned growing up in NYC. Nothing ever goes as planned.
I watched the first few minutes of your video expecting the worst honestly. Everytime it rains bad the Bronx River just expands, rises and floods out the whole highway. I just knew the river would be loaded with debris, but I thought the water would be even worst then what it was. I learned through comments about who helps with the tasks of keeping our waters clear & I thought this whole time it was parks that cleaned the river or tried to. Learned about the Bronx River Alliance, got to see you interact with them.
Got to see a river that I though ended before the zoo continue past through the zoo. Got to see so much locations I've never seen. I think there will come a time where if we the people of the Bronx show more interest in our community maybe more accessible ports will become available, maybe even will have to close or blockade some areas, I felt weird seeing you under the Bronx zoo's monorail. This was super engaging and informal.
I can honestly say this was dope.
Thank you so much for this lengthy and well written, thoughtful comment. I really appreciate this and really appreciate you watching. I hope you'll watch other videos of mine as well. Thanks again!!
@@TwoFeetOutdoors i already watched the other video with you exploring pelham bay park. so much content.
@nyfroggie That's awesome! Thank you. I really do appreciate it.
Thank you for making this video. I live in the Bronx and we have wonderful Parks. E-bike are a blight on city life.
@@AB1Vampire Thank you so much! I have another Bronx video and other NYC videos as well. Thank you for watching and commenting.
Marvelous, marvelous video. I have been cleaning an urban river in RI since 1972. Why oh why do people feel the need to dump stuff?
Thank you SO much for the compliment! I appreciate it. I also appreciate the cleaning up that you do. Thank you for watching and commenting. I'm grateful.
man i gotta make the time to share all of my raw unedited footage both in poor and good quality..i only have a couple of the bronx but sooo many of up here yonder,lol!..my crazy night time adventures.thanks for your share of this stunning quality lengthy footage..i remember as a child 3 and up the playground at the bottom of burke ave along the bx river..such sweet memories.i always thought that there were crocks and gators in those green waters..
Thank you watching and commenting. I appreciate it.
Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. It's mind-blowing that there is a river you can paddle down in such a built-up urban area.
Thank you for watching! Welcome to the channel.
Thank you for being a good person and pulling out those scooters out the water. and thank you for an interesting video.
Thank you for watching and I appreciate the compliment 😊
I wonder how many minutes it took until someone threw them back in the river
@J_D_B4379 the good thing was that the Bronx River Alliance was doing a clean up right down the river and was working their way up there. Not sure if you watched and saw my interaction with them letting them know about the bikes etc.
WOW! This is incredible to me. I was born in The Bronx 72 years ago. I grew up within walking distance of The Bronx River, near West Farms, and yet I never realized just how extensive it was. I used to ride my bicycle next to it near The Botanical Gardens. One day in August of 1969 I was down by the river when a group of young people who had just come back from The Woodstock Festival went skinny dipping in the waterfalls! It fascinates me to see my home from this perspective. I've lived in Ohio for almost 20 years now, but I will always be a Bronx Boy. Thank you for this adventure. Your determination and perseverance is admirable. Be Well, my friend, and Prosper!
@@katsujinkin60 Thank you so much for this amazing comment. I really appreciate you sharing that. Thank you for watching and commenting.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors An absolute pleasure!
@katsujinkin60 Thank you. I have a newer Bronx River video that shows how lush and green the river is now and lots of other Bronx / NYC videos. Hope you'll check them out.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors I plan on watching all your videos. Seeing a city, especially my home town, from the water is really something special. I've seen N.Y.C. from The Circle Line, and The Staten Island Ferry, but it doesn't compare to sitting on the water in a kayak. Every trip is an adventure. My latest hobby is bikepacking and touring, and I'm all about that spirit of adventure. I have a new hip, and a new knee, and I'm riding more now than ever. whether on land or water, I love to see places I've never been to before. Keep up the good work, and smooth paddling.
@@katsujinkin60 Wow, that's awesome. Thank you so much for watching. Bikepacking is sooooo cool!! Thanks again!
It’s amazing journey through that river.. the portage that you found sketchy was my old neighborhood and that part is very dangerous. Fast rapids and strong currents go through that area that a few ago people went to that park to cool off in the river and some had drowned. You did the right thing by passing it, even rescue team don’t like going there. I love that you kayak there and it brings attention how much we need to clean that river.
@@arlenesolis024 Thank you so much for this lengthy comment. I really appreciate it. Yes, this river can be so much more beautiful for New Yorkers to enjoy. Thank you for watching and commenting.
I've admired some real hero types in my 65 yrs., now I can add you sir!
Great video! You're an explorer. I live in Manhattan and my gf lives in Throgs Neck, the Bronx. I've been to the Bx Zoo, the Botanicsl Gardens and on the Bx River Pkwy but never thought I would see someone kayaking on the Bronx River. Thanks for helping clean out those stupid e-scooters and bikes. I expect to be taken out by one of them eventually, as I cross the busy streets in the City 😵💫
I lived in Brooklyn for a number of years and managed to get in some memorable urban paddles: The one shown in this video (Bx.); Pelham Bay / Hutchinson River / Coop City (Bx.); the Gowanus Canal / Governors Island (Bk.); Old Place Creek / Gulfport Reach (S.I.); Idelwild launch / Hook Creek Park / JFK airport / Head of Bay (Qn.); Elizabeth River / Elizabethport / Downtown Elizabeth (N.J.); and Kingsland Creek / Meadowlands Environment Center (N.J.).
That was so cool seeing you in my neighborhood. Concrete park is my pit stop while cycling. you definitely went under every bridge I ride over. So exciting to see it from another perspective. Wish I knew you was near i would have saved you an uber fare, next time maybe. I really enjoy your videos. keep up the wonderful work.
Awe, thank you so much!!! I really like Concrete Plant Park. Thank you so much for this comment. I really appreciate you watching and commenting.
I had to google the roller coaster tracks you went under. It was starlight amusement park. It closed in the 30s because people fell.out into the river
Actually, that's the Bronx Zoo monorail. You can see it on Google maps satellite. Starlight Park is now a beautiful park and home to the Bronx River Alliance. Yes, many years ago there was an amusement park there. Thank you so much for watching. I appreciate you commenting too.
Back in the late 80s I played hooky from school and ran across the Bronx river somewhere underneath between the 2/41 and 2 38th St. bridges. The spot where it gets very shallow at least certain times a year and there are huge rocks that stick up so you could basically jump from one to another. Another fun fact in the 2000 I lived in a really nice condo in Tuckahoe in the Bronx river ran right outside my door, and that was a deep section and there would be tons of fish in there certain times a year tons of them. I still live, less than a two minute drive from the Bronx River as we speak
@@DropPCTV Thank you for sharing that. I appreciate you watching and commenting.
The Best video ive ever seen of the Bronx River on RUclips. Super awesome job man. You totally rock dude.🤘🏻New subscriber
WOW 👌 THANK YOU. All caps necessary.
this was a pretty cool adventure. cant believe there's a river in the bronx that accommodates kayaking
I agree!! I have another Bronx video as well. Other NYC and Long Island adventures. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@TwoFeetOutdoors this was my 1st vid of yours, def checking out more
@@dyl923gonz7 Thank you so much!!
finally someone did this... I did this a few years ago... bypassing the waterfalls was amazing
Watched your videos.
16:30 portage by the upperfalls near the old snuff house 16:45 (Lorillard house) famous tobacco company. I've always wanted to kayak on the river and never had the chance. I don't ever remember seeing that 2nd falls !! 20:15 22:00 3rd falls!! where did that come from? 25:10 tourist skytrain, no longer in use because of an incident several years ago. 27:30 I remember playing on the falls here all the time when I was a kid. I was terrified of the spot where you are because there is an overflow pipe that goes under the falls. Most of the concrete and fencing did not exist at that time. We just walked back and forth across the dam in sneakers. Often the water level was so low you could walk across the river almost anywhere. 36:50 cross bronx expressway!! 37:35 unused exit to sheridan support. My whole life I wanted to touch that thing. 37:55 both those pedestrian bridges are brand new this year. 38:50 last launch, normally you can't go past this because of low water, there is a weir there you can't see. 40:20 Westchester ave #6 train. You should not go past the skim at all. It's open ocean past there. 45:00 Bruckner, heavy new construction there, going on for at least a decade. 47:30 I'm surprised you got that far, it's usually not possible. And you wind up only blocks from me at my home train station Pelham Pkway! LOL
Boo!! you didn't show the bridge at East tremont! That was the most memorable area of my childhood. In 66 there was a drought and the Bronx river was barely a trickle at that point. The entire river was less than a foot across there. The bridge is only less than 10' above bedrock there. In a kayak you probably would have to duck under the bridge.
@firesurfer Wow, this comment!!! Thank you so much. I need to go through it with a fine tooth comb. How did I miss showing a bridge? Was that when I was walking through the Bronx after climbing the fence? So much attention to details here. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I really appreciate it. I have another new Bronx River video coming this week. 🙌
@@TwoFeetOutdoors my brother and I tried to do the kayak thing at the Bronx River Starlight Park event. It didn't go well because my brother has only hearing in one ear. Balance comes from the ears. He could not do it at all. I have an old back injury and it was painful to lean left and right. I could do it but it was not fun. Maybe we will try a canoe in the future.
btw; I noticed they must have dredged the river at East Tremont. It's much bigger than I remember.
@firesurfer Oh, wow. Sorry it wasn't a great experience. I give you credit for going for it, though. I wonder if the water levels were just higher as opposed to being dredged. Either way, Great job for getting out there. Thank you so much for following up. BTW, when did you guys try to do it?
I have driven by and over or taken the train over this river numerous times. I am amazed on what little I knew of it. I didn't know that there are so many changes in elevation creating the waterfalls. Clip 39:19 The two railroad bascule bridges that you went under had a companion at one time. The third one was removed after the NYW&B Railway ceased operation. Thanks for posting and I hope you had a beer with those franks!
In the 2008 my HS biology class had the opportunity to do the same paddle in 2 man Canoes. I remember seeing quite a few turtles back then
thats epic, what school?
@@1way448 Truman high in Baychester
Currently a Bronx native and I’ve come across a lot of volunteer opportunities but I never thought it would make a difference, well watching your videos showed me the difference! I’m going to sign up ❤
AWESOME vid. FYI I lived in Da BRONX back in the day Im 72 yrs old now when I was a kid my best friend Ernie and I would good fishing there. It was a lot of fun and safe. Cleaner then too no crap everywhere with dark water not a safe place. I give you credit for doing this and showing a small history of nature parts of the BX. Do the HARLEM RIVER next. TY
YES, actually just did Coney Island Creek (video coming soon) and Harlem River is on my list.
just started watching. I'm happy that you are cleaning up the river from the scooters but it's very bold of you not to have shoes on O.O
Thank you for your concern and comment. I appreciate you watching this video and possibly others of mine. Welcome to the channel.
You are an amazing Human Being!! Great video brother!!!
@@u8myshorts Wow, that's really nice of you to say! Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you for watching.
I want to thank you for sharing your amazing adventure along the Bronx river! You brought back many fond childhood memories.
That was my escape from the hood back in the late 70’s early 89’s.
I now live in New Jersey and kayak the Rockaway river every year from Rockaway County to Parsippany County. Hit me up if you ever want to try it out. Marc from Denville, NJ
Thank you so much. I really appreciate you watching and commenting. I'm glad this brought back memories. I might need to check that area out.
Thanks so much. Your journey down the river made me realize how beautiful it is. Glad you had a nice day for the kayaking adventure.
Thank you for watching!
That was wild! I love urban kayaking. If you're ever in Southern California, you gotta kayak the Ports of Los Angeles & Long Beach. Lots of giant container ships, gantries, warehouses, etc. It's like being and ant in an Erector set. Great video!
Several years ago, a Long Island Paddler was going to do a trip on the Bronx River. There's a river in the Bronx? Really? Have you ever been on the Bronx River Parkway and seen that water between the two sides? Yes, but I thought that was just a drainage ditch.
Have you ever been to the Bronx Zoo and looked down over the fence? Yes, I have. It looked like a wet garbage pit. All kinds of trash thrown over the fence. That's the Bronx River? I don't get to the Bronx much. It seems throwing trash in the river hasn't stopped. When I went it was largely cleaned up.
I enjoyed seeing it again on your adventure.
@@cncprogrammer3265 Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.