Hudson Gorge (III)

The Hudson Gorge is one of the Northeast’s classic wilderness whitewater.  It begins on the Indian River and drops into the main Hudson through a remote, committing gorge with no easy access for evacuation. Notable rapids include Mile Long, the Narrows, Greyhound, and Harris Rift.

Given the remote setting and the length, this is a full day on the water, so everyone needs to be able have a solid roll and be comfortable on Class III whitewater. 

Swims are long and bumpy as rocks are abrasive (granite). river is wide.

Folks swimming on the Indian – which is like the hardest part of the Mongaup but for nearly a full mile – will be asked to walk off as that’s the last place you can easily walk off.
We’ll be keeping our group together as there’s not point in going fast. This means that those who don’t like to play (and there’s lots of surfing) will need to wait mid rapid on the longer rapids.

We’ll either be paddling on our own or with the  ‘non-official, non-ADK’ trip.  There’s plenty of camping in the area, and you can also camp right at the put-in so you can paddle with Sanjar on Saturday and make a weekend of it.

Required gear: a whitewater kayak in good condition, helmet, PFD, and a drytop or drysuit as conditions warrant, plus adequate food and water for a long day. Bring a wetsuit or layers appropriate to cold water.

The horseflies can be fierce, so plan your clothing accordingly.

Trip officially ends at the railroad bridge. After that you are on your own for the flatwater float out.