Whitewater Rafting in the Adirondacks

A whitewater rafting trip through the Hudson River Gorge means a western-style whitewater adventure right in the central Adirondacks of New York.

The Hudson River Gorge is rated one of the Top 10 whitewater rafting runs in America - and no wonder! This is the Hudson River as she was meant to be...crystal clear, clean, alive and powerful, as her unbridled whitewater thunders alongside 500-foot granite cliffs, and through awesome rapids like Givneys' Rift, the Narrows, Little Nasty and Greyhound Bus Stopper.

The Hudson River's whitewater is most powerful in the spring and fall; rafting is somewhat more moderate in mid-summer. Scheduled whitewater dam releases assure terrific rafting fun all season long. Whitewater rafting releases from Lake Abanakee add extra water to the Hudson River even during the high adventure Spring season, making this a favorite rafting destination even for whitewater pros.

Speaking of pros, a dedicated team of whitewater guides makes this a rafting trip that even first-timers can enjoy. A hearty dinner follows each day's rafting trip. So pick a Spring date for a whitewater ride on the wild side, or come during the Summer or Fall to explore the Hudson River Gorge at a more relaxed pace. Either way, the unparalleled blending of wilderness scenery and western-style whitewater will make this one of your favorite whitewater rafting adventures ever!

Rapids:

Class III & IV+

Class I rapids are the easiest and Class V are the most challenging. So, this trip has moderate to challenging rapids.

Liability Waiver:

All participants ages 18+ are required to read and sign a Release of Liability form at check-in. Parent or legal guardian must sign for any children under the age of 18.

Your guides cannot assume responsibility for personal injury, medical payments or property damage/loss.

Important:

If you are more than moderately overweight, it may be impossible to accommodate you with appropriate equipment and safety gear.

If you suffer from heart or other serious medical conditions, consult your doctor for his/her advice before booking a rafting tour.

If anyone in your party has handicap accessibility issues, please call us at 888-599-1643 at least 7 days in advance of your planned trip date to discuss them.

Tours operate rain or shine.

Driving Distances to the check-in near Old Forge, NY

Albany, NY: 2.5-3 Hours
Binghamton, NY: 3 Hours
Buffalo, NY: 5 Hours
Burlington, VT: 3.5 Hours
Hartford, CT: 5 Hours
Metro New York: 6 Hours
North River, NY: 1 Hour
Portsmouth, NH: 6 Hours
Providence, RI 6 Hours

Included:

• Guides
• Equipment
• On-River Snack

What to Bring

• Non-Alcoholic Beverage (no glass containers or ice chests)
• Sunscreen
• Required Medications
• If you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, eyeglass straps are essential

Do NOT Bring:
(These items should be left locked in your car)

• Towels
• Dry Clothes
• Valuables
• Non-Waterproof Cameras

STRICTLY PROHIBITED:

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Illegal Drugs

The guides may refuse participation without refund to anyone who, in their judgment, may pose a hazard to himself or others.

Safety First!

At the Moose River, safety is always the highest priority for your guides, and their unparalleled record over the past three decades demonstrates the effectiveness and value of a guide training program that serves as a model for others in the industry.

Your guides are state certified, but also trained to standards that exceed state requirements. Each river trip includes careful pre-trip instruction for guests, and every trip is accompanied by first aid supplies and emergency rescue equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What do we wear on the Hudson River?
In cold weather or water, a wet suit is best. These can always be rented at the rafting center, where you will check in for your tour. In milder conditions, a wool sweater or windbreaker is ideal. In warm summer weather, a swimsuit or shorts and T-shirt are appropriate. Always wear laced shoes with sturdy soles (wet suit boots or sneakers are great). Slide-on shoes, flip flops, "crocs" and bare feet are not permitted. In cool or cold conditions avoid wearing cotton, either on its own or under a wet suit or windbreaker. Cotton, when wet, loses all insulation value and will make you colder, not warmer. A ski-type cap is very important in colder weather, and a baseball cap, visor or sunglasses are helpful in bright, sunny weather.

What can we bring on the Hudson?
In the raft, bring as little as possible. If there is medication you might require, keep it with you on the river. Towels, dry clothes, valuables, and non-waterproof cameras should be left locked in your car. Avoid bringing food other than perhaps a light snack (candy bars are a great energy booster) or bottled water.

How do we get back at the end of the day?
Your vehicle will remain at the rafting center, and a free shuttle bus will take you to the launch site. At the Hudson River, your trip ends at the rafting center, so no bus shuttle is required at the end of the day.

How deep is the water?
River depths vary. Slow, calmer stretches of water tend to be those that are deeper. Faster, choppy water tends to be shallow, often 4 feet deep or less. Regardless of the depth, however, if you should find yourself overboard (this is rare) in fast moving water, the proper procedure is to float on your back, feet pointed downstream. Don't attempt to stand until the water is less than 18 inches deep. A guide or nearby raft will assist you, or you may prefer to simply swim to shore.

Do I have to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not required. Nevertheless, if you are especially apprehensive in or around water, you may want to consider a land-based adventure. Rafting, by its nature, places you on, in or around water most of the day. On all raft trips, a PFD is worn at all times. Safety equipment will not fit all shapes and sizes, so please consider this in planning your reservations. Also, please remember that whitewater rafting is an active sport that requires some exertion on your part. The larger the rapids, the better your physical conditioning should be.

How big are the rapids at the Hudson River?
The Hudson River can be Class IV or Class V in the Spring, and is typically Class III or Class IV during the Summer and Fall. Rapids are rated from Class I (easiest) to Class V (most challenging). Class VI is considered to be not navigable without unreasonable risk of injury.

Do I need whitewater experience for a Hudson River trip?
No. These trips are open to first time rafters.

How old must I be?
Minimum age for the Hudson River is 14 in April and May, and 10 thereafter.
Can we tip our guide?
We strive to deliver top quality service. If your guide has met or exceeded your expectations, please feel free to show your appreciation.

72 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. This tour does NOT include transportation to the check-in location near North River, NY (directions will be on E-Ticket). Minimum age allowed is 14 in April and May, and 10 thereafter. Rates include $2.00 per person insurance fee. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-599-1643.