For more than a decade, Ramsey Outdoor has helped people discover one of Bergen County’s hidden outdoor gems; the reservoir at the G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve, formerly known as the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve. The Borough of Franklin Lakes acquired the Nature Preserve in 2006. Before becoming the outdoor destination it is today, the property served as a watershed and reservoir owned by the Borough of Haledon.
What started with a box truck full of kayaks has grown into a full paddling center offering kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, pedal kayaks, guided tours, demo events, and community wellness programs in northern New Jersey. Along the way, Ramsey Outdoor installed and donated a public kayak EZ Dock launch system to improve water access for visitors as well as a barn-style paddling shed that now serves as the home base for our operations. Local leaders from the Borough of Franklin Lakes including Frank Bivona, Greg Hart, and Dina Robinson played a major role in helping make the program possible and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities within the community.
Our Rental Fleet
We offer a variety of hourly rentals, including:
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Recreational kayaks and canoes
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Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
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Fishing kayaks
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Pedal kayaks from brands like Hobie and Old Town
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Tandem kayaks
Whether you are looking for a relaxing paddle, fishing trip, or family outing, we offer equipment for paddlers of all experience levels.
Community Events and Partnerships
Community involvement has always been a major part of the paddling center. Each season, we continue our tradition of hosting free paddle days to open and close the season. We also host:
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Guided kayak tours
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Demo events
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Community wellness programs
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Outdoor education experiences
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Collaborative events with local organizations
Over the years, we have partnered with local wellness campaigns and groups like the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference to help promote outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles in our area.
Back and Growing in 2026
We are excited to be fully back for the 2026 paddling season with an expanded fleet, new events, and future plans for growth.
Beginning in mid-June 2026, we will also introduce 7-day kayak and paddleboard rentals, giving customers more opportunities to explore waterways throughout northern New Jersey.
We are continuing to expand our:
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Guided paddle tours
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Group outings
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Demo events
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Family-friendly programming
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Community partnerships
Visit the Franklin Lakes Paddling Center
If you are looking for kayak rentals in Bergen County, stand-up paddleboarding in New Jersey, or simply a relaxing day outdoors, we invite you to visit the preserve and experience it for yourself. Whether it is your first time paddling or you have years of experience, we look forward to helping more people get outside and enjoy the water for years to come.
Learn More
For the latest hours and up to date info please visit: Franklin Lakes Paddling Center | Ramsey Outdoor. Questions? Contact us at paddledays@ramseyoutdoor.com
