Operators of motorboats are required to conform with New York State Parks and Recreation Law. All water bodies in the Croghan Tract Forest Preserve are flat water. Short canoe carries have been built to Mud Pond and Sand Pond in the Croghan Tract. The other rivers in the Champion properties have varying levels of difficulty and risk. Natural hazards, such as over-hanging trees, logjams, rocks and boulders, exist on all rivers.
Beaver dams require special care in crossing.
Varying water levels may mean different degrees of risk and difficulty in passage. A particular section of river can range from a high-water torrent to a virtual rock garden depending on spring snow melt and rainfall. Visitors are advised to assess each situation based on their own abilities to navigate these portions of the rivers. In some cases, it may be wise to carry, wade, or line around rough sections. U.S. Coast Guard personal flotation devices are required of all water craft users.