If the dam is releasing, the trip actually starts out on the Indian River which usually only releases from 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM.
Described on American Whitewater at americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1321/main
Directions:
Take out is the pullout “river exhibit” at the intersection of NY 28 and 78 in the metropolis of North River across from Adirondack Adventures. Street address 4658 NY-28, Minerva, NY 12851.
Normal Put in is on Chain of Lakes Road about a miles east of NY 28 (park to the west/left side to allow rafters to turn their vehicles).
Protip – there’s nothing in North River, but the town of Indian River about a mile past Chain of Lakes Road on 28 has basic services.
Cell phones work reliably on the high point of the shuttle, sporadically at the put in and never at the take out.
Bomber Roll Required for Hudson Gorge
Neither the Indian nor the harder rapids on the Gorge are good places to swim with long, rocky rapids and significant width, so a strong roll is pretty much mandatory. The delays caused by swims can also get you behind the bubble. For club trips with questionable paddlers, anyone who swims on the Indian should probably walk out and anyone who swims twice on the Indian should definitely walk out.

The Kenyon Eddy is your cue to ready for Givney’s Rift Rapid (or Soup Strainer). This rapid is characterized by a hard right turn, and it continues for nearly a mile.
Then Harris Rift Rapid running along the Northeast side of Harris Mountain finishes in the regions known as Fox Den and Bobcat Den.
Above the Boreas River within Harris Rift Rapid are several great surfing opportunities for rafts and kayaks in levels below 5 feet. The confluence with the Boreas River enters river left after a railroad bridge trestle crossing above the river.
After Bus Stop Rapid are three miles of flatwater to the takeout in the boomin’ metro of North River NY on river right.
KCCNY trips often officially ‘end’ at the Bus stop rapid.
Numerous hotels in the area for those that prefer less beautiful but more comfortable accommodations:
Comprehensive list put together by Whitewater Challengers:
https://whitewaterchallengers.com/hudson-accommodations/
Other spots:
https://www.northcreekheadsinbeds.com
https://www.aroadventures.com/adirondack-riverbeds/