WhitewAter derby - Lake George Area

58th Annual Hudson River
Whitewater Derby
May 7 - 8, 2016
WHITEWATERDERBY.COM
Spring Rafting:
Spring brings on the biggest water and highest adventures, because the river heights are driven by snowmelt, rain, dam releases and the aquifer. Many spring days are
warm, but wetsuits are offered to mitigate the cold water & cool weather.
• SACANDAGA RIVER: Trips begin in mid-May. • HUDSON RIVER: Runs fastest & highest in April and May, bolstered by dam releases on Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun & Memorial Day Monday, by the Town of Indian Lake.
Summer Rafting:
1340 State Route 9 • Lake George, NY 12845
FREE Travel Guide VisitLakeGeorge.com or call 800-365-1050 x 795
Photo credits: Adirondack Adventures, Adirondack River Outfitters,
Adventure Sports Rafting, Johnny Duncan, Hudson River Rafting Company,
Nate Pelton, River Ridin’, Square Eddy Expeditions, James Swedberg,
Melody Thomas, Whitewater Challengers, Wildwaters Outdoor Center, In-house
This brochure was compiled, printed, and distributed by Warren County Tourism, 1340 State Route 9, 795 Municipal Center, Lake George, NY
12845-9803, 518-761-6366, and from information provided by the individual outfitters. The County of Warren and its Department of Tourism are
not responsible for rates, dates, or quality of services described herein. Warren County accepts paid advertisements to offset the publication cost of
the brochure. Warren County makes no warranties or endorsements concerning any companies, services, products or other information appearing
in such advertisements.
Enjoy the warm temperatures with water heights controlled by dam releases, rain and the aquifer. Cool off by swimming in the river pools and current. Dam releases on
the Hudson River Tue, Thurs, Sat & Sun. Everyone can participate in these great family adventures.
• SACANDAGA RIVER: The best whitewater if you are looking for “fun-for-the-whole family” 7 days a week, all day long.
• UPPER HUDSON RIVER: Trips are run in July and August. Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun.
• LOWER HUDSON RIVER: June – Sept, daily
Fall Rafting:
Experience the beautiful “Fall Foliage” season in a new way, as your rafting trip winds through gorges and the wilderness. River heights are controlled by dam releases,
rain and the aquifer. The Adirondack Mountains are on fire with bright colors plus the fun of thrilling water. There are many warm fall days and the summer water cools
down slowly during the fall. Wetsuits are available to mitigate cooler weather. Dam releases on the Hudson River Tue, Thurs, Sat & Sun. Additional releases Labor Day
Monday & Columbus Day.
• SACANDAGA RIVER: Schedule continues into October.
• HUDSON RIVER: Rafting continues September and October.
The Rivers
HUDSON RIVER: Beginning as a brook out of Lake Tear of the Cloud (an
upper-elevation pond near the summit of Mt. Marcy in the Adirondack
High Peaks), the Hudson is joined by several other wild rivers as it gathers
momentum, shooting through cataracts and gorges, growing deeper and wider,
to become the “Mighty Hudson” in New York City. Rushing through Hamilton,
Warren, and Saratoga Counties, the Hudson offers rafting second to none. For
17 miles, from Indian Lake to North Creek, the Hudson is considered one of
America’s ten best whitewater rivers. During spring freshets, Class III, IV and V
water explodes through the gorges, prompting experts to declare that rafting the
Hudson at high water is to “experience one of the greatest whitewater rivers of
them all.” Summer and fall can be challenging and exciting with the Abanakee
Dam release.
SACANDAGA RIVER: This river flows from the Great Sacandaga Lake to its
confluence with the Hudson River at Lake Luzerne in southwestern Warren County.
The Sacandaga River offers Class II and III whitewater seven days a week,
with water levels guaranteed by daily dam releases. This friendly river is the
perfect family adventure for all ages.
• Class I Moving water with a few riffles and small waves; few or no obstructions.
• Class II Easy rapids with waves up to 3ft wide; clear channels;
some maneuvering. • Class III Rapids with high, irregular waves; narrow passages; complex
maneuvering; may require scouting from shore.
• Class IV
• Class V Long, difficult rapids, constricted passages, turbulent waters, requires precise maneuvering. Scouting from shore may be necessary; rescue difficult; ability to Eskimo roll for kayaks and canoes.
Extremely difficult, long, very violent rapids; congested routes; must be scouted from shore. Rescue difficult, significant hazard to life in mishap. Eskimo roll essential for kayaks and canoes.
— River —
1
2
3
UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE
River Location ›› Indian Lake to North Creek
LOWER HUDSON RIVER GORGE
River Location ›› Rt 418 Thurman Station to Lake Luzerne
SACANDAGA RIVER
River Location ›› Lake Luzerne/Hadley
Base Camp
Indian Lake
North Creek
Season
Class & Length
III, IV, V
Trip Time
17mi
1 Day
Skill Level: Moderate to DIfficult
I
North Creek
Thurman
Skill Level: Family
Lake Luzerne
Hadley
Skill Level: Family
II, III
#1 Upper Hudson River Gorge: Indian Lake to North Creek
18mi
2 Hour - 1 Day
3.5mi
2 Hours
· Seasonal age restrictions
Running from the dam-controlled put-in site at Indian Lake to North Creek, this 17-mile gorge trip is one of the greatest single-day rafting trips in America. The trip
starts on the dam-controlled Indian River, which drops 150 vertical feet in 3.5 miles before reaching the confluence of the Hudson. Further on, a 20-foot ice-cold
waterfall from Huntly Pond adds its Brook Trout stream to the Hudson. The next 10 miles on the Hudson offer continuous rapids spotted with welcome calms for resting.
Blue Ledge Rapids and Narrows, the Osprey Nest, Beaver Dam, O.K. Slip, Gunsight, Kettle Mountain and the final Harris Rift are the common names used by the
guides to refer to the sites the raft passes. The 17-mile wildwater trip drops approximately 650 vertical feet and passes through one of the greatest
Adirondack Park land masses.
#2 Sacandaga River: Lake Luzerne/Hadley
· Family friendly
A whitewater adventure from mid-May through Columbus Day, this is a dam-controlled river offering Class ll and lll whitewater.
The 3.5-mile (2-hour) trip is an adventure for all ages. The large water release (4,000 c.f.s.) gives the rafters the thrill of a wild river.
#3 Lower Hudson River Gorge: Rt 418 Thurman Station to Lake Luzerne
This trip flows along the banks of the Hudson River in Warrensburg into Lake Luzerne.
· Great for all ages
Outfitters
Adirondac Rafting, Bob Raferty
6440 State Rt 30, Indian Lake NY 12842
518-523-1635; lakeplacidrafting.com
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: Adirondac Rafting Company runs the wild and
scenic Upper Hudson River Gorge. We provide all gear, skilled guides and a riverside
lunch. Adirondac Rafting Company is located where your whitewater trip begins,
Indian Lake. Spring, summer and fall, we have a trip for everyone. Try new private
sport rafts. Group rates available. Prices range from $70-$85. Call us today to plan
an ideal adventure for family and friends. Adirondac Rafting is ready to share this
amazing adventure with you.
Adirondack Adventures, Geoffrey Merrett
4659 State Rt 9, North River, NY 12856
877-963-RAFT(7238); 518-251-2802; adkadventures.com
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: Raft the scenic wilderness of the Upper Hudson
Gorge with Adirondack Adventures. 16 ½ miles of fun and exciting Class III, IV and V
whitewater. Available with reservations on Tues., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. from April 1st
through Columbus Day. Also Labor Day Monday and Columbus Day Monday.
Located on the river’s edge with our own take-out. Only $85 per person includes
professional licensed guide, gear, and full lunch. Call for great group rates. Groups of
6 or more, organizer is free. Wetsuit rentals available at any time needed for
$5-$15 per person.
· LOWER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: Adirondack Adventures offers rafting, inflatable
kayaks and river tubing through easier rapids on the Hudson by our base area.
Available on raft days in the afternoon and when water levels permit for other days
and times. We include gear, quick instruction and shuttle starting at $25 per person.
(Raft minimum of 4 people). Reservations suggested. 3-5 miles of scenic river with
Class II rapids. Approx. 1 ½ - 3 hours.
Adirondack River Outfitters, Ronald Smith / Gary Staub
4527 State Rt 28, North River, NY 12856
315-369-3536; aroadventures.com
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: Adirondack River Outfitters has been providing
exciting whitewater adventures for thirty-five years! Trips range from family fun to high
adventure! A 5 Star rating on Trip Advisor: “The ARO folks really know how to do it.
Everything is set up and ready to go... All the staff are super friendly. The guides are
really experienced and explain everything to you before it happens. I highly
recommend rafting with ARO... they just get it.”
A professionally guided and equipped raft trip through seventeen miles of wilderness.
A lifetime of memories. Great family and group rates including a free trip for organizing
a group of eight. Call or check our website and Facebook page for deals and special
offers. On-river snack and barbecue dinner at our riverside base included. Multi-day
trips and lodging packages available.
Other Adventures – Let our professional outdoors staff help you plan additional
adventures including canoeing, hiking, tubing, and camping.
Upper Hudson River Gorge 17 miles of Class III, IV & V whitewater
April – Columbus Day: Tues., Thurs., Sat., Sun; Labor Day Mon. and Columbus Day Mon.
Adventure Sports Rafting, John Starling
Main St, PO Box 775, Indian Lake NY 12842
518-648-5812; 800-441-RAFT; adventuresportsrafting.com
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: We transport you to and from the river and supply
each guest with a Class V (maximum protection) life jacket, helmet and paddle. You
will be in one of our state-of-the-art Avon self-bailing rafts and will have a trained NYS
licensed guide aboard. A snack on the river and a BBQ at trip’s end will be included for
each guest. Full or partial wetsuits are available for rental. We raft from April-October
with rates at $80 per person. Group rate for 10 or more is $75 per person with every
8th person rafting for free. Youth rate is $65 for 12 and under. Military personnel get
a 10% discount. Schools, scouts and camps call for special rates. Reservations on a
first-come, first-served basis, so call early.
Beaver Brook Outfitters, Pete Burns
PO Box 96, Wevertown, NY 12886
888-454-8433; beaverbrook.net
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER: Rated as one of the Top 10 whitewater rafting trips in the
U.S., the mighty Hudson River Gorge is the pinnacle of Eastern Whitewater. Seventeen
miles of great Class III-V whitewater, combined with spectacular scenery, provides
you and your group with memories to last a lifetime. Trips start the first weekend in
April and run four days/week (Tues., Thurs., Sat., & Sun.) through Columbus Day. Trips
always include licensed NYS whitewater guides, all needed gear – including wetsuit
– lunch on the river and dinner after the trip. Minimum age varies by season starting
at 16 in early April and dropping to 8 years old in summer. Group rates start with as
few as 8 people and our family discounts start at 3 people. Rates vary from $55 - $85
depending on group size and time of year. Give us a shout for more information. Don’t
forget to ask about overnight camping trips.
· SACANDAGA RIVER: The Sacandaga River, less than 10 minutes from Lake George,
is your choice if an all-day adventure doesn’t fit into your schedule or if you have
some youngsters not quite ready for the Hudson River Gorge, offering great family fun,
seven days a week, all summer long. Great Class II-III whitewater on a beautiful 3 ½
mile stretch of river means good, clean fun. Trips run weekends starting Memorial Day
weekend and then daily late June through Labor Day. Trips include guide, paddle, life
jacket and shuttle to and from the river. Group discounts start at just 10 people and
depending on group size and trip time, prices range from just $20 - $29.
· LOWER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: Canoe, kayak or tube on one of the most scenic
stretches of the upper Hudson River from our private launch on the river. No long bus
ride here! This magnificent stretch of river is suitable for the entire family. Trips ranging
in length from 1 ½ hours to all day, we have an adventure that will fit your schedule.
With just the right amount of current to make it fun, this is a fun trip for the first-timer
or experienced paddlers. Trips run weekends from Memorial Day – late June, and daily
through Labor Day. Trips include river craft of choice, life jackets, paddles & shuttle.
Prices start at just $15/pp. Group discounts start at 10 people.
North Creek Rafting Company, Nate Pelton
9 Ordway Lane, North Creek, NY 12853
800-989-RAFT; 518-251-5711; northcreekrafting.com
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: North Creek Rafting Company offers 1- and 2-day
whitewater rafting trips through the world famous Hudson River Gorge. Experience 17
miles of Class III and IV whitewater through pristine Adirondack Wilderness. Trips start
with a dam release on the 3-mile Indian River, then 14 miles on the Hudson River.
$85 Adults; $75 youth, minimum age depends on water level. All equipment and lunch
from local café included. Owner-operated since 2007.
Sacandaga River 3.5 miles of Class II & III whitewater
May – Sept., daily
River Ridin’, Chandler Atkins
1 Bay Rd; PO Box 95, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846
518-696-4466; riverridin.com
· LOWER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: May-Sept: Tiosaronda Bay on-the-water location
offers several levels of water activity from Lazy River to Open Adventure.
Trac-yak Paddling (inflatable kayak raft) for 2.5 miles; $25 per person. Tow a cooler,
pack a lunch, play with the water and make it a relaxing family outing. Smart phone
safety aids us with watercraft pickups and back to base transportation. Boat shoes
and life vests worn at all times for safety. Minimum age 2 years.
Pedal and Row boats, Kayaking, Tube Floating and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) $19/hour. Take a lesson, practice your skills, fish or relax in the sun, explore wildlife
around Tiosaronda Bay and Sunrise Beach.
Jet Ski rentals & Pontoon Boat Tubing are available.
Sacandaga Outdoor Center, John Duncan, Jessica Duncan,
4162 Rockwell St; PO Box 1, Hadley, NY 12835
Kayak Shop : 518-696-5710; Raft Shop: 518-696-RAFT (7238); 4soc.com
Reservations 866-696-RAFT 25+ years of experience
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: One of the Northeast’s premier guided
whitewater trips appropriate for ages 12+. Physically demanding all day 17 mile trip
on class III & IV whitewater on the Hudson and Indian Rivers. Trips Tue, Thurs., Sat. and
Sun., early April -Columbus Day. The only outfitter offering dry suits for cool Spring
and Fall trips. Top of the line self-bailing rafts, licensed guide, paddle, PFD, helmet,
appropriate outer layers (dry suit, wetsuit and/or spray top), gourmet riverside lunch,
transportation. Free flowing river with augmented dam releases so water levels
fluctuate dramatically depending on time of year, snowmelt and/or recent rainfall.
Attention to detail, safety record and return rate speak volumes to the quality of
our trips. Trips run rain or shine and depart from our on water base just 10 miles
from Lake George and 19 miles from Saratoga Springs, NY. Call for details or
for group pricing.
· SACANDAGA RIVER: Our most popular trip!! Guided family friendly rafting for
ages 5 and up. Our trips run 7 days a week and depart every hour starting at 10am
( 6 trips minimum daily) Dam controlled Rafting offering Class 2 & 3 whitewater on the
warm reliable Sacandaga River, trips are 2 hours in duration. We are the only outfitter
located on the water; so no long bus ride. We have a riverside picnic area at trips end
just below Rockwell Falls where the Hudson and Sacandaga Rivers meet. For the more
adventurous try an Inflatable Kayak for 1 or 2 people or Tube on the same whitewater
river section accompanied by one of our friendly kayak guides. Only outfitter with on
staff photographer so you can view your adventure at trips end and bring home proof of
your adventure. Only outfitter offering water cannons on all rafts so the fun never stops.
Trip price includes top quality Self Bailing Raft, PFD, Paddle, Guide and transportation to
our launch point just below Stewarts Dam offering the longest whitewater trip
possible! Full service outfitter shop offering logo items, necessities, souvenirs, ice
cream, food & drinks. “Great rainy day outdoor activity” Group pricing from 25-300
Call for rates, dates and additional info. Just 10 miles from Lake George and
19 miles from Saratoga Springs.
· LOWER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: Class I Lazy River Tubing, Kayaking, Stand Up
Paddleboard (SUP), and Rafting on a mild section of the Hudson, Sacandaga River
or Stewarts Pond. Good trip for those just looking to paddle around on something
milder than our Premier Sacandaga River Raft Trip. All trips available from our on water
location where the Hudson and Sacandaga Rivers meet. Full Service Paddle shop
offering rental tubes, kayaks, SUP’s, canoes, necessities, souvenirs, logo items, ice
cream, food & drinks. Kayak, Canoe and SUP instruction from our ACA certified instructors available daily. The only outfitter located on the water, no long bus rides 2 hour to
all day trips available mid-June through Labor Day. Call for current rates,
dates or additional info.
Lower Hudson River Gorge 3-5 miles of Class II & III whitewater
June – Sept., daily
Square Eddy Expeditions, Lori Benton and Linc Marsac
PO Box 229, North Creek, NY 12853
518-251-5200; squareeddy.com
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: At Square Eddy we provide a safe, solid, friendly
and exciting atmosphere for outdoor adventure. We keep our trips small and include
all your gear in one price. We pack a hearty homemade lunch that is mostly organic
or local and always healthy and delicious. Each boat is equipped with an Adirondack
Guide who will provide a thorough safety talk, clear instruction, a river tale or two,
history and maybe even a song. Call today to join us for a guaranteed full day of
“Lough Out Loud” fun. Apr. – Oct. Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. No experience
necessary. $90/pp; $80 group rate of 6 or more (full day).
Overnight: $225/pp includes 5 meals, tent and sleeping pad. Treat yourself to a night
under the stars; let your guide cook for you and set up camp while you fish, swim,
play games or relax by a roaring fire.
HIKE IN-RAFT OUT: Come explore the newly acquired New York State lands by foot
& by raft. We hike to the top of one of the parks highest waterfalls, OK Slip Falls, break
for lunch, enjoy the natural beauty before descending to The Hudson River Gorge to
float out through pristine wilderness, swim holes and 6 or so super fun rapids.
Call for pricing. (full day)
Whitewater Challengers, Marko Schmale
4511 State Route 28, North River, NY 12856
800-443-RAFT; 518-251-3746; whitewaterchallengers.com/hudson
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: $85 per person on Sat.; $80 per person, Sun.,
Tue., Thu. Includes shuttle to and from base, wet suits, snack on-river and chicken
BBQ after the trip. Available from Apr.-Oct. Group discount $10; 10 or more people,
plus free t-shirt and aerial zip course for group leader. Must be 12 or older during
April-May; 8 years and above for the rest of the year. Licensed NYS guide and top
of the line equipment for your enjoyment. Located at take-out, no bus ride after
the river trip!
Wild Waters Outdoor Center, Doug Azaert
1123 Route 28 at The Glen, Warrensburg, NY 12885
800-TO-PADDLE (800-867-2335); wildwaters.net
· UPPER HUDSON RIVER GORGE: Over 30 years of whitewater rafting excellence!
Be entertained and thrilled while our experienced, safety conscious, licensed guides
provide you with an awesome whitewater rafting adventure down the Hudson River
Gorge. This 17-mile journey is filled with beautiful scenery and exciting whitewater.
Our all-inclusive trips provide equipment, wetsuits, booties, riverside lunch, hearty
Adirondack dinner and NYS licensed guide. Season mid-Apr. to Oct. (Tues., Thurs.,
Sat., Sun.). Group rates $60 and up. Check our website for more info and awesome
deals. Proud to be a Green Business.
Rafting/Lodging Package available at Glen Lodge B&B. Enjoy 2 nights in the on-site,
beautiful Adirondack lodge with 2 hearty breakfasts and 1 Hudson River Gorge
rafting trip. For the truly adventurous or nature lovers we offer an Overnight Rafting
Trip for groups of 6 or more. Experience the excitement of a 2-day rafting and
camping trip in the heart of the majestic Adirondack Park.
· SACANDAGA RIVER: Whitewater rafting for the entire family! Riding the
Class II – III waves of the 3.5 mile long Sacandaga River is an exciting outdoor
activity that will be the highlight of your summer vacation with family and friends.
We raft the Sacandaga daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. daily from
Mid-June to Labor Day. Located just 10 minutes from Lake George Village, the
overall trip takes approximately 2 hours. Includes all equipment, highly trained and
entertaining guides. Children 5-12 years, $27; ages 13 and up, $30. Reservations
are highly recommended.
Getting Here
The Lake George Area is located along I-87 (Adirondack Northway) between
Exits 18 and 26. An international airport is located in Albany, only 50 miles south
of the area, while locally the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport serves private planes
and offers call-ahead car rental. Bus lines stop throughout the area and Amtrak
stops nearby in Fort Edward. The Saratoga & North Creek Railway passenger train
connects with the National Rail Network in Saratoga Springs, offering a scenic ride
along the Hudson River to the Town of North Creek. Most major car rentals are
also available in the area.
HUDSON RIVER
• North Creek/North River: I-87 (Adirondack Northway), Exit 23 to Rt 9 north,
then Rt 28 northwest; or Exits 25 or 26 to Rt 8 west, then Rt 28 north.
• Indian Lake: (Hamilton County): from North Creek (directions above), continue
17 miles north on Rt 28. From the west, take I-90 (Thruway), Exit 31 (Utica) and
follow Rt 12 north to Rt 28 north; or from Exit 27 (Amsterdam),
take Rt 30 north directly to Indian Lake.
SACANDAGA RIVER
• Lake Luzerne: I-87 (Adirondack Northway), Exit 21;
take Rt 9N south to Lake Luzerne.
Access Sites — On Your Own
Be Safe!
Have a canoe, kayak or SUP? 39 miles of the Hudson
River and 20.3 miles of the Schroon River run through
the Lake George Area. This, combined with public launch
sites on a host of other water bodies, offer paddling
options that will take all summer to explore!
VisitLakeGeorge.com
At certain times of the year our rivers are flat with easy current and no whitewater, however, at other times
the rivers can be extremely dangerous and subject to variations in currents and water levels! Determine river
conditions before you set out on your trip.
Never go out at dusk or after dark.
Wear your PFD and a helmet.
Be aware of signage, especially when nearing dams, hydro plants and waterfalls.
Be aware of the location of waterfalls and whitewater. Study the river ahead of time or check with an outfitter
before heading out on your own.
Always let someone know where you will be paddling.
Pull out of threatening conditions.
Plan ahead the location of your pull-out. Leave a vehicle, or schedule a pick up at that location. You don’t want
your fantastic day of paddling to turn into an exhausting hike or upstream paddle back to your car!
Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to the ecological health
of our waters. Please refer to the following website for critical
information on how NOT to transport and spread invasive species
into the waters of Warren County.
protectlakegeorge.com
dec.ny.gov/animals/50121.html