Rafting Down The Hudson River In The Adirondacks
While planning our trip to the Adirondacks, we all wanted to go Whitewater Rafting down the Hudson River. Now when people think about the Hudson River, they tend to think of NYC and the Hudson. The Hudson River in actuality starts 314 miles from NYC in northern New York.
In the springtime all the snow melt from the mountains create class IV and sometimes V rapids. It’s much more calm in the summertime with class III and possibly IV. Although, with the dry hot summer we’ve been having, there really were no class IV.
A perfect starting point for our friends and their kids.
We had a beautifully clear day. Hot in the low 90’s. However the water temp was a wonderful 76 degrees. Perfect if I do say so myself.
Getting Ready To Raft Down The Hudson
Whitewater Rafting Down The Hudson River In The Adirondacks
Whitewater Rafting Down The Hudson River In The Adirondacks
Whitewater Rafting Down The Hudson River In The Adirondacks
What is interesting about these rapids is they are some what man made. By that I mean, the starting point to the rapids is at a dam north of the town of North Creek, NY. North Creek is located on Gore Mountain. In the summertime the town opens up the dam for 2 hours a day to create these rapids. These dam releases are a vital part of rafting and tourism in the summertime throughout the US when snow melt is much slower.
The Hudson River trip is rated as a top ten rafting trip in the US.
We went with the Hudson River Rafting Company. They’ve been around since 1979 and pioneered rafting in this region.
We had a great guide, Mark, who had been rafting this river for over 17 years.
You start out on the Indian River for 3.5 miles. Then you enter the Hudson River. The total trip is 17 miles long.
Getting Into A Surf And Enjoying The Ride
Courtney "Riding The Bull" Down A Rapid
There were some slower moments too when we were able to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Joe took advantage of those moments. Feet up, eyes closed, enjoying the gentle breeze while the raft takes you down the river.
David Enjoying The River
David And Joe Enjoying The Quieter Moment On The River
Joe Enjoying The Quieter Moment On The River
David And Joe On The River
Brenda And Amanda Rafting The Hudson River
We all had a great time.
And yes, David had his GoPro attached to his helmet. Below is a montage that David put together. He was able to get our 7 hour day down to 7.5 minutes…Enjoy!
Hi David & Brenda, nice reading your review about Lake George, we heard it was a beautiful area. We are currently in the Adirondack at the KOA in Wilmington until tomorrow (Wed). Going down to Cooperstown & finger lakes then We will be in Niagra Falls 7/29 & 7/30 before heading to the great lakes and heading back home to CA. We are traveling with Dick/Carole Hazeltine and Chuck/Paulie Clark, fellow Sierra Ramblers.
OH did you have an ice cream at “Martha’s” in St. George? Our Veternarian told us it was the best.
We haven’t been anywhere in the Adirondacks but Lake George and this was our first trip there. How’s Wilmington? We may just have to put it on our list, as there seems to be endless exploring of the Adirondacks.
As far as Martha’s ice cream…nope. Never even heard of it. Another thing we’ll have to keep our eyes out for next time. Reading your post, you said St. George? According to Google that’s in Long Island. I think you meant Lake George, and yes, we did not see Martha’s ice cream. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t there, we just never got ice cream. Tragic, I know.
Not sure where you’ll end up in the Finger Lakes but it’s a beautiful area. If you find yourself in the Keuka Lake area, the Keuka Lake State Park is a decent park to stay at…and you’ll fit! No full hook-ups though, like a typical state park. For a few days it should be fine though. We’ve stayed there a couple times. My dad has a cottage on Keuka Lake. Lots of wineries in that whole area.
As far as Niagara Falls…if you haven’t been, you’ll enjoy it. It is expensive though so be aware of that. We’ve stayed at Branches campground, KOA Niagara Falls and KOA Niagara Falls/Ontario which is across the border in Canada. You can fit in all, but all are pricy. Like $70 or more a night! They get ya for the location. But you have to see Niagara Falls if you haven’t yet.
You’ll be passing right through our neck of the woods. We’re in Rochester, NY. So wave as you all go by :) and enjoy our lovely Upstate NY!
You’ll also be around the Letchworth State Park area. They call Letchworth the “Grand canyon of the east”. We haven’t been there in years, but if you have time it may be worth a look. They do have a campground there that looks like it’ll take big rigs in some fo there spots.
In the Finger Lakes, Hammonsport is a cute little town, near Cooperstown. Naples is a cute place to visit. Known for there Grape Festival in the fall and their grape pies, which are made all year.
I’m sure you have Googled the area. Sorry for going on and on…There is just so much to see around here. Hope you all enjoy!
Sorry for the delay in my response. Thank You for all of your suggestions we need all the help we can get. Unfortunately we have only been staying in one location for 2-3-4 nights which doesn’t leave us alot of time for seeing EVERYTHING we want to.
You must visit more of the Adirondack it is beautiful. Wilmington KOA was very nice and only $42 which we were surprised. We drove up to the top of Whiteface Mountain where you have a 360 deg view, we were lucky that is was a relativley clear day with a little haze so we could see pretty far. So much to see there.
We stayed at the base of Seneca Lake at Clute Memorial Park & Campground right across the street from the lake. Again not enough time, we did go wine tasting yesterday. Dick & Carole walked/hiked the Gorge and from the pictures I’m sorry we missed it.
We are leaving Seneca Lake this morning. We are staying at Niagra Falls Campground & Lodging for 2 nights suppose to be 6 miles from the falls, once again not enough time.
We have to be home 8/27 for family commitments.
Would love to have been able to see you two but guess time won’t allow that to happen this time. Perhaps in Indio in January.