Whitewater Rafting in the Adirondacks

Check out our listing of rafting companies at the bottom of this page

Whitewater rafting is one of our most favorite activities in the Adirondack Mountains. It’s an awesome experience! Combine seeing the natural beauty and incredible scenery of the Adirondacks with an exhilarating day of unforgettable adventure. It’s an ideal way to spend an exciting active day, either on one of those small family raft trips, with a large group of friends, or even to meet new interesting people.

Whitewater rafting can either be a somewhat relaxing river ride combined with the excitement of occasional gently sloping fast-moving water.

… Or it can be a heart-pulsating navigable roller coaster ride through Class IV and V rapids! (…Which are “not” Adirondack canoe waters)! But for people experienced in whitewater kayaking it makes for a great kayak vacation too). It all depends on the river or stream you choose and of course the time of year you decide to go.

As with other Adirondack Mountain adventures, there are just too many whitewater rafting locations to possibly list them all. So for now I’ll concentrate on Hudson River whitewater rafting on the upper Hudson not far from the Gore Mountain Ski Center region. (…. I took this trip and I assure you that you won’t be disappointed!) Hudson River whitewater is among the best you can find.

There are many whitewater rafting outfitting companies to choose from. Most supply, equipment, licensed guides, meals, instruction, and more. (…I’ll get to those in a minute).

Hudson River Gorge Whitewater Rafting:

The Hudson River Gorge trip is a 17 mile stretch in the Adirondack wilderness with class III - IV rapids and great Adirondack scenery. It takes about 4 ½ hours to complete, including a break in the action.

Generally the rafting season runs April to October. Obviously the rapids are strongest in the spring (class IV and even class V at times due to the melting snow and spring rainfall). In the spring the Hudson River Gorge whitewater rafting run can compete with any river in the country. ( … I understand it is the longest section of whitewater in New York State. Also, “Outside Magazine” ranked this whitewater outing in the top 10 of all the springtime rafting trips in the USA!)

The whitewater rafting trip begins on the Indian River (near Indian Lake, NY). The river is regulated by a dam which is purposely opened by the Town for whitewater rafting. This greatly adds to the experience and strength of the rapids.

Outfitting companies generally ride their rafters to the start site by bus from their base location, many by the Hudson River near or around the Town of North Creek.

The rafting trip starts with about 3 miles of thrilling Class III rapids on the Indian River. You’ll know when you almost reach the Hudson River because the rapids are reduced considerably. The water and surrounding landscape become quite peaceful.

Don’t relax too much though because when you get to the Hudson River the water begins to pick up speed in a hurry. Soon you will begin the 650 foot pitch all the way through the Hudson River Gorge. This 8 mile section is the most exciting segment of the outing with class III, IV, and sometimes V rapids throughout (... Incredible!!!).

I wish I brought my camera to capture all the action (... but I was afraid it would get wet or tossed overboard). I've since learned about some really cool cameras to use for outdoor action activities. Check them out if you are interested at GoPro® HD Cameras.

This section is unbelievable! The water is some of the clearest and most sparkling you’ll ever see. The Adirondack scenery is awesome with granite cliffs that some say reach as high as 500 feet on both sides. The rapids are tremendous and at their peak here. (…Wow! It’s almost like survivalism!)

Once you’ve made it through the Cedar and Blue Ledges sections you’ll come upon the “Black Hole”. This is a spot with deep water and high granite cliffs. You’ll soon see “Elephant Rock” sticking out from the water. Certainly in the summer (… but also in the spring when I went) you’ll see people getting out of their rafts to jump off the rock. It’s fun and makes for some memorable Adirondack Park pictures.

Most outfitting companies pull their rafts to shore to rest and grab a bite to eat and drink. Some stop before Elephant Rock and some after. Some outfitters provide lunch while others supply snacks. There are also hot and cold drinks. (…. In April, some hot chocolate really hits the spot, believe me!)

At this point you are out of the steepest part of the gorge. From here it's about 3-4 more miles of Class II rapids. You can tell when you’re almost finished when you go under the old railroad trestle.

From there it’s one last big rapid that propels you out of the gorge. Then a few more miles on relative calm water to the ending point of your whitewater rafting adventure.

You’ve just experienced some awesome rapids! (…Givneys' Rift, the Narrows, Little Nasty, Greyhound Bus Stopper, Osprey Nests, Twin Nasty, Kettle Mountain, Harris Rift, and more!)

But you’re not done yet. On my trip (… and I assume most) you and your “raft-mates” arrive on shore and carry the raft a very short distance to be loaded on the bus. (…it’s not difficult.) Then it’s a just a short drive back to the outfitters base (...mine was at North Creek).

Awaiting us at the outfitting company’s base was a hot shower, dry cloths (…don’t forget to bring an extra set), and a delicious hearty hot meal. It was the perfect end to an extraordinary day! I highly recommend that you add this to your list of “must do” outdoor adventure day trips. Adirondack life at its best!

Special thanks to Adirondack Rafting Company and North Creek Rafting Company for use of several of the pictures you see on this page!

Things to Consider:

• Age suggestions: April (ages 16 and above), May (ages 14 and above), June, July, Aug., Sept. (ages 10 and above).

• Condition: A reasonably healthy body and a mind-set for excitement. No previous rafting know-how is needed. Some effort on your part is needed though. Swimming capability is not mandatory, except during the high spring water. But you should be at ease around water.

• What to bring?: All essential gear is generally provided and you can purchase other extras that are usually available . Depending on the conditions and weather other things to consider include; an extra set of dry cloths, towels, long underwear, wool sox, wool sweater or fleece top, quick drying shirt, swim suit or shorts, baseball cap/visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, old sneakers or water shoes, waterproof camera, bag for wet clothes.

• About the Guides and Rafts: The trip I went on had licensed, experienced, and entertaining guides. I assume most companies do also. They instructed us on the basics of whitewater rafting skills and safety. The rafts were of excellent quality. Usually 6-10 rafters paddle each raft.

• Where to stay? There are many options ranging from bed and breakfasts to hotels/motels to Adirondacks vacation home rentals. (…like our chalet at Loon Lake, only 2 miles from the Hudson River.) Camping is also an option. Check with a local Adirondack Chamber of Commerce or search for accommodations on the Internet for specifics.

Check with one of the Adirondack river outfitters listed below to find the best fit for your needs. Each outfitter has its own unique services and specialized outings, even whitewater kayak school or classes. They are listed in alphabetical order. (…Whoever you choose, don’t forget to tell them that Jeff from Loony-About-Adirondacks sent you).

Outfitting Companies:

• Adirondac Rafting Company: Adirondac Rafting Company runs the spectacular and wild Hudson River Gorge. The Hudson River Gorge is one of the most remote river trips in the US and is rated as a top 10 Whitewater rafting experience. The Gorge is a 17 mile run with plenty of whitewater, spring, summer and Fall. Adirondac Rafting Company provides all gear, licensed, skilled, friendly and knowledgeable river guides as well as a river side lunch. Come raft through the heart of the Adirondack Mountains.
  
  • Address: Lake Placid, New York 12946
  • Phone: (800) 510-RAFT or (518) 523-1635

• Adirondack Adventures, 4659 State Rte 28, North River, NY, 12856. Phone: (518) 251-2802, (877) 963-RAFT

• Adventure Sports Rafting Co., PO Box 775, Indian Lake, NY, 12842. Phone: (800) 441-RAFT

• Beaver Brook Outfitters, 2349 State Route 28, Wevertown, NY, 12886. Phone: (518) 251-3394, (888) 454-8433

• Hudson River Rafting Company, 1 Main Street, North Creek, NY 12853.

• Hudson White Water World, Main Street, North Creek, NY, 12853. Phone: (518) 251-3902

• Mountains Unlimited Adventure Club, Rtes 9 & 87, Lake George, NY, 12845. Phone: (888) 240-6976

• North Creek Rafting Company, 9 Ordway Lane, North Creek, NY, 12853. Phone: (518) 251-5711, (800) 989-RAFT

• Whitewater Challengers, Main St, North River, NY, 12856. Phone: (800) 443-RAFT

• Whitewater World, 307 Main St, North Creek, NY, 12853. Phone: (800) 944-8392

• Wild Waters, 1123 State Rte 28, Warrensburg, NY, 12885. Phone: (800) 867-2335