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Rafters enjoy
a wet and wild ride down the Hudson River |
Living in the Adirondacks, everyone knows that with spring comes mud, lots of mud. So much mud in fact that springtime is affectionately called “mud season.” With its variable weather and ample mud, springtime in the Adirondacks sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. But, if you’re an adventurous soul looking to liven up an otherwise dull day, try your hand at whitewater rafting. Besides being mud season, spring is also prime whitewater season. Spring snowmelt and rain combine to fill area rivers to the brim. The “big water” that results makes for one wet, wild ride for those daring enough to ride the waters.
Even before using whitewater to carry rafters downstream, loggers used the tumultuous water to transport lumber downstream to mills. Whitewater rafting, with it’s growing popularity, is one of the best ways to experience the rugged beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. One of the best places to start your whitewater adventure is the beautiful Hudson River Gorge. With its sheer granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and truly ferocious rapids, the Upper Hudson Gorge is considered one of the top 10-whitewater rides in the country. To be sure, this trip will not disappoint.
To experience the maximum in thrills and excitement, the Hudson River is best run in early spring. The journey is about 17-miles long, and will take you through rapids with names such as Giveny’s Rift, The Narrows, Little Nasty, and Greyhound Bus Stopper. There will also be calm times when you can sit back and enjoy the grandeur of the gorge as you float past sheer 100-foot granite cliffs and meander through caves forged by the waters of the mighty Hudson River.
Although the Hudson is most exciting in the early spring, summer and early fall rafting are equally fun and rewarding. Summer brings warmer, more docile waters. This is perfect for people who want to experience the Hudson at a more relaxed pace or for families with young kids. Controlled dam releases assure rafters of good whitewater, even if it turns out to be a dry summer. September and early October rafting let people experience the dramatic, awe inspiring colors of an Adirondack fall. Leaf peepers often crowd the hiking trails during the fall, so if you’re looking to get away from crowds and enjoy the solitude of nature, whitewater rafting is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Adirondack backcountry in the fall.
There are several guide services that offer trips down the Hudson during the season, which generally runs from Mid-April to Early October. Adventure Sports Rafting Company, based out of Indian Lake, New York, has been providing guided trips down the Hudson for 20 years. “We took this trip in the spring,” says one local couple. We ended up having such an awesome time that we went back in the summer with our young son, when the water was not rough.” The Hudson River Rafting Company, now in its 26th year of service, runs trips on five rivers in Northern New York. While they are called the Hudson River Rafting Company, they also offer trips down the Black River, Moose River, Sacandaga River, and the Ausable River.
One company that can’t be forgotten is Middle Earth Expeditions based out of Lake Placid, New York. Owner Wayne Failing has over 25 years of experience in the Adirondacks as a licensed guide, avid environmentalist, and nature photographer. On top of that, he has a vast knowledge of the history of the Adirondack region. “I loved this trip,” says Nancy Lepak of Saranac Lake. “Wayne is an excellent guide, I was a little nervous about the trip but Wayne’s obvious knowledge and concern for our safety allayed my fears and I ended up having a great time.” Personalized, friendly service combined with years of experience make Middle Earth Expeditions one of the top choices for rafting in the Adirondacks.
As with any outdoor activity, there are inherent dangers involved with whitewater rafting. All whitewater-rafting companies will make you sign a waiver of liability absolving them of any personal responsibility if you are injured. Guides will always do their best to keep you safe, but some things remain out of their control. Strainers, for example, are one of the biggest problems for rafters. Strainers are things such as bushes, fallen trees, bridge pilings, and hidden rocks that can cause havoc for rafters. These all allow the river current to sweep through, and rafters may become pinned against them if they fall into the water.
Another factor beyond the control of guides is cold. Cold water can quickly drain your strength and slows the decision making process down, and rafters should always be prepared for sudden immersion in cold water. This applies mainly to spring rafting, but it can be cold all year round. For any water below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, guide services will provide rafters with wetsuits. Generally though, rafting is safe as long as it is done under the service of a reputable, experienced guide.
Unless you want to venture out on your own, you generally won’t need to buy your own gear. Guide services will provide you with everything you need, such as a helmet, wetsuit, life preserver, raft and paddles. If you are looking to buy your own gear, head to an outdoor gear store such as EMS or check out Reserve America and Recreational Equipment, Inc.
So if you’re looking for a cure to your
early spring blahs, go ahead and give rafting a try. Its fast paced;
thrill a minute action will leave you breathless and the memories will
be sure to last a lifetime. So go ahead, take the plunge!
Been whitewater rafting? Tell us about your experience.
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Most guides recommend that you bring some gear with you to ensure your safety and comfort during the trip. Here are some things to keep in mind before you set out on your rafting adventure. Springtime rafting brings cold, tumultuous waters. To ensure the maximum in comfort and fun, you should bring the following items with you. -Wool or fleece socks. Watch out for “killer cotton,” cotton holds moisture in and will end up making you colder. -Thermal long underwear. Long underwear serves as an extra layer of insulation under the wetsuit that guides provide for you. Again, stay away from cotton. Instead, look for something in polypropylene, acrylic, or thermax. Most outdoor stores sell long underwear, or you can buy them from the rafting company you are traveling with. -A windbreaker. This is something that can be worn on the top of your wetsuit and will ultimately serve as your first line of defense against the cold water. -A fleece or wool hat. The hat will insulate your head against the cold water. The hat should be small enough to fit under the helmet that guides provide for you. -Wool or neoprene mittens. Keeping the extremities warm is important, so mittens are essential. Make sure the mittens are thin enough that you can keep a firm grip on the paddle. Summer rafting brings warmer, more docile waters. Aside from the gear that guides provide you with, there are only a few other essential you will need. -shorts -A t-shirt that will be able to get wet. -Whether it’s supposed to be a sunny day or not, bring sunscreen. Even on a day that is overcast, you can still get burned if you are outside long enough. Make sure it is waterproof. -Sneakers, water shoes, or full strap sandals. Wear something that will stay secured to your feet, and also something that won’t catch on rocks or rough ground. Rafters should always bring the following: -A towel for drying off afterward. -A dry set of clothes for
after the trip.
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