Thrill to Whitewater Rafting

A roller coaster on water: that's whitewater rafting. Guided trips of one day or less are available on several rivers in New York State.

Some trips are for family fun, others for experienced rafters, where strength for handling the rapids is required. For long and rigorous rides you might don a wetsuit and be provided with a hot meal.

While the most challenging whitewater is generally available in the spring, companies offer rides throughout the summer and fall. Some companies also offer kayaking or tubing trips.

In Western New York, try the Cattaraugus Creek through Zoar Valley or the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park, the "Grand Canyon of the East."

In the Adirondacks, consider a journey on the Black River near Watertown, which requires precise navigation skills. Indian Lake is considered "the Whitewater Capital of New York State," with ten outfitters offering a Hudson River trip from Indian Lake to North Creek. The Moose River, a challenge for experts from start to finish, rushes through the wilderness.

The Sacandaga River gives families a long, quiet trip through the Adirondacks concluded by a thrilling run through more challenging waters.

In the southwestern Catskills, the Delaware River is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking and rafting.

Use the chart below for specific companies.

 

Rafting Company	Rivers Rafted (Class)
Adirondack River Outfitters PO Box 649 Old Forge, NY 13420 800/525 RAFT, 315/369-3536	Sacandaga River (Class II, III) Hudson River Gorge (Class III, IV, V) Moose River (Class V) Black River (Class III, IV, V)
Adirondack Wildwaters PO Box 801 Corinth, NY 12822 518/696-2953	Sacandaga River (Class II, III) Hudson River (Class III, IV, V) Moose River (Class V)
Adventure Calls 200 Ellicott Ave. Batavia, NY 14020 716/343-4710	Genesee River/Letchworth S.P. (Class II) Cattaraugus Creek/Zoar Valley (Class III)
Adventure Sports Rafting Co. c/o Pocono Whitewater HC2, Box 2245 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 717/325-3656	Hudson River (Class IV)
Hudson River Rafting Co. Cunningham Ski Barn 1 Main St. North Creek, NY 12853 800/888-RAFT in U.S. 518/251-3215 518/696-2964 (Lake Luzerne) 315/782-7881 (Watertown)	Sacandaga River (Class II, III) Hudson River Gorge (Class III, IV) Moose River (Class IV, V) Black River (Class III, IV,)
Kittatinny Canoes Rte 97, Box 77A Barryville, NY 12719 800/FLOAT-KC	Delaware River (Class I, II, III)
Landers River Trips RD 2, Box 376 Narrowsburg, NY 12764 914/252-3925	Delaware River (Class I, II, III)
Middle Earth Expeditions HCRO 1 Box 37, Rte 73 Lake Placid, NY 12946 518/523-9572	Hudson River (Class III, IV, V)
Mountainaire Adventures Rte 28, PO Box A-R Wevertown, NY 12886 518/251-2194, 800/950-2194	Hudson River Gorge (Class I, II, III, IV, V)
Northern Pathfinders Ltd. PO Box 214, Lake Clear, NY 12945 800/882-PATH	Adirondack area
Syd & Dusty's Outfitters I-87 Exit 20, Corner Rtes 9 and 149 Lake George, NY 12845 800/424-0260	Hudson River (Class II, III, IV)
Unicorn Expeditions PO Box T Brunswick, ME 04011 800/UNICORN, 207/725-2255	Hudson River (Class III, IV, V) Moose River (Class V)
Whitewater Challengers PO Box 8 White Haven, PA 18661 717/443-9532	Hudson River (Class III, IV, V) Moose River (Class V) Black River (Class IV)
Wild and Scenic River Tours 166 Rte 97 Barryville, NY 12719 800/836-0366 914/557-8783 (summer) 914/344-1237 (winter)	Delaware River (Class I, II, III)
W.I.L.D./W.A.T.E.R.S. Rte 28 at the Glen HCRO 1 Box 197A Warrensburg, NY 12885 518/494-7478	Sacandaga River (Class II, III) Hudson River Gorge (Class III, IV, V) Hudson River-Riparious to the Glen (Class II) Moose River (Class V)

Class Definitions

Class I - Moving water with a few riffles.

Class II - Easy rapids with waves up to 3 feet. Some maneuvering is required.

Class III - Rapids with high, irregular waves. May require scouting from shore.

Class IV - Long, difficult rapids requiring precise maneuvering.

Class V - Extremely difficult, long, and very violent rapids.