Kayak Paddle to Liffy Island and Jefferson’s Serene Canals

August 11, 2025| Community, Education, Events, Recreation

By: Donna Macalle-Holly

Experience Lake Hopatcong from a different perspective on Saturday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m. as paddle guides Donna Macalle-Holly and Jeremy Travers lead a trip to Liffy Island and through the quiet, scenic canals in Jefferson Township. With much of the route in the lake’s no-wake zones, this relaxed, narrated paddle offers a calm, enjoyable way to take in the area’s beauty while learning about its history, wildlife, and ecology.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or simply enjoy a leisurely trip on the lake, this paddle offers a relaxing way to explore, learn, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Paddle Details

Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, at 9:00 am
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours
Cost: $25 donation per person
Registration required (link below) – space is limited!

Please Note

- Bring your own kayak - no inflatable kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
- Life jackets are required and must always be worn
- Participants must be able to enter and exit their kayaks independently or bring a companion to assist
- The launch site is from a grassy area
- Restroom facilities are not available at the launch site or during the paddle

Register Here

Your Guides

Donna Macalle-Holly

A paddler and long-time lake resident, Donna has lived and boated on Lake Hopatcong for over 35 years. As the Grants and Program Director for the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, she leads environmental, educational, and recreational initiatives—including the Foundation’s Water Scouts program, which trains volunteers to identify and remove invasive water chestnut. Donna and her husband, Bruce, make their home across from Liffy Island, one of the lake’s preserved open spaces. 

Jeremy Travers

An award-winning photographer and author of Flatwater Kayaker, Jeremy began paddling Lake Hopatcong 35 years ago from his childhood home on Bertrand Island. He has since explored and documented waterways throughout New Jersey and beyond, sharing his adventures through video and digital media. Over the past decade, Jeremy has focused much of his time on the upper Musconetcong Watershed. He volunteers with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and the Musconetcong Watershed Association and serves as a founding board member of PEACENJ (People Enjoying Active Conservation of the Environment in NJ), a Hackettstown-based nonprofit.