The full Croton should probably not be run during nice days, especially summer weekends, but parking at the railroad station and paddling up the island rapid (which isn’t a bad way to spend the day and you won’t be alone).
Minimum Water Flow Level: 150 cfs =2.5 feet – gage is CROTON R AT NEW CROTON DAM NR CROTON-ON-HUDSON NY
Maximum Water Flow Level: 5000 cfs=7 feet as above this water will be flowing thru trees with force real force.
Description: Croton is a short run convenient to the NY suburbs for many of our members. It really isn’t class 3 at normal levels, but has several dams and a rocky stretch that are normally run and present hazards. And like any river, higher water flows thru trees along the shore and can present additional hazards. Around 5 feet/2200 cfs it’s solidly into class 3 with big waves and holes, though at higher levels swims are less painful.
Here’s a great video of a high water run. https://youtu.be/UR78pNmi36o
These include:
Pumping station dam which is retentive at right. Normally a diversion canal allows the dam to bes nuck, but for several years that’s been blocked by a tree. Boofing right is straightforward and sneaking to the right of the tree is easy (Class 2 move with potential class 5 consequences).
Rock Slide at Black Rock Park Dam above Quaker Bridge Dam: class II ish with class IV consequences, 8 feet high 30 ft long: Run the rock slide at river left or portage right. Below 3′ it’s nasty, around 3’3″ it’s a lot of fun. A lot slimmier and therefore easier in the summer.
Silver Lake dam: Run hard right or, especially below 3′, boof going right to left where a piece of metal juts out of the dam. There is a strong hole below the rest of the dam but it is quite shallow. At high water it’s more wave-like.
Island Rapid bumps up to class 3 around 5 feet and at normal levels is a crappy place to swim. Below 3′ laps here are the way to go. At lower water right side is harder for beginners. The main route down the left side is a straight shot, whereas on the right there’s rocks below chutes.
Cell phone works on River?: Yes
How to contact EMS: Dial 911
Nearest Hospital(s) and/or Urgent Care: Sun River Health Peekskill Urgent Care, 1037 Main St, Peekskill, NY 10566
Hospital Phone: 914-402-7400
Evacuation Plan: Trail follows river on left to pumping station dam with access to Croton Aquaduct Trail which is emergency vehicle accessible. Below that is Black Rock Park and Quaker Bridge road following river right.