|
|
Hudson - 1. Indian River to North River
Hudson, New York, US |
|
1. Indian River to North River (Hudson Gorge)
| Usual Difficulty | III-IV (for normal flows) |
|---|---|
| Length | 14 Miles |
Otter slide on Indian Creek
Otter slide on Indian Creek
Photo of Simon Wiles by Cheryl Robinson
Gauge Information
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUDSON RIVER AT NORTH CREEK NY | ||||
| usgs-01315500 | 2.80 - 8.50 ft | III-IV | 02h06m | 3.27 ft (running) |
River Description
This section of the Hudson river runs through the remote Hudson River Gorge. If you are not sure you can handle Class-IV water you should not even begin this trip, as a hike out is at least 3 miles up and out of the Gorge. With that being said, the trip actually starts out on the Indian River by way of a dam release which begins most mornings at about 10 AM. There is a great Class-IV to IV+ warmup on the Indian if you start below the dam, which is higher than the raft putin.The Indian is an interesting and challenging river because of its continuous nature. For all intents and purposes, the river is continuous Class III+ with one break in the middle for 3 straight miles. Usually the correct path is somewhat in the center. However, there are several holes which are in the center, which force the paddler to the left or right.
Once on the Hudson, you will have several Class-III rapids to paddle. However, once you notice the tall cliffs on river right be prepared for harder rapids. For the next four miles the river will try to teach you a lesson in paddling (or a rolling clinic if you have the wrong line). There are a number of pourovers as well as holes and waves. Once you see the railroad bridge you have made it through the hardest part. About the only thing left is a ledge called Greyhound Bus Stop, which is a river-wide ledge with a sneak route on extreme river left. There is a small chute somewhere around river center. Be careful, however, because the wrong route will result in a quick lesson in side-surfing (or windowshading as the case may be). After this ledge you face a 3-mile flatwater paddle to the takeout.
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2006-04-09 10:48:58
Editors
Rapid Summary
| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | The Narrows | IV | |
| 9.0 | Givneys | IV |
Rapid Descriptions
The Narrows (Class IV, Mile 6.0)
Once you pass Blue Ledges you will pass a wave train on the right (excellent place to surf) then the river will narrow significantly and turn right. The paddle route is center with a sneak route to the right. A nasty hole is on river left that you would do well to avoid.
Once you pass Blue Ledges you will pass a wave train on the right (excellent place to surf) then the river will narrow significantly and turn right. The paddle route is center with a sneak route to the right. A nasty hole is on river left that you would do well to avoid.
Givneys (Class IV, Mile 9.0)
The river makes a sharp right turn as it drops into Givneys rapids. Be very careful of the swirling currents at the top of the river. Begin the rapids in river center but immediately proceed to the left to avoid "soup strainer" which is a huge hole/pourover that extends out to river center. Immediately after you pass soup strainer quickly move back to center as there is another serious hole just below and on the left that extends out to the center of the river. If you are adventurous you may want to use the eddy on river left to examine soup strainer but make sure you have the ability to ferry back to river center. In high water this is very difficult. I have been told that there is a sneak route down river right that weaves back and forth but can not confirm. Again, if you decide to use the sneak route make sure to avoid soup strainer.
The river makes a sharp right turn as it drops into Givneys rapids. Be very careful of the swirling currents at the top of the river. Begin the rapids in river center but immediately proceed to the left to avoid "soup strainer" which is a huge hole/pourover that extends out to river center. Immediately after you pass soup strainer quickly move back to center as there is another serious hole just below and on the left that extends out to the center of the river. If you are adventurous you may want to use the eddy on river left to examine soup strainer but make sure you have the ability to ferry back to river center. In high water this is very difficult. I have been told that there is a sneak route down river right that weaves back and forth but can not confirm. Again, if you decide to use the sneak route make sure to avoid soup strainer.
Do more than just check gauges; join over 5,000 AW members today.
Or, consider donating
1. Indian River to North River, Hudson New York, US (mobile)
User Comments
out for widowmaker a nasty keeper hole in the center left of the river at the top of the narrows.
It has a really strong strong re circulation with almost no foam. There is a huge pillow in front
of it it's easy to see just don't mistake it for a good boof like we did. I managed to get out but
it was extremely difficult.
indicated that the Indian River would be releasing from 10 to 11:30 - there was a truck at the dam
but we got no release, we had to bump down the Indian, a real bummer. Looks to me like they are
only releasing on days when the rafting companies have trips scheduled.
to be completely hyped up. In reality with the exception of Soup Strainer and Otter-Slide there is
little above a III on this river. Most of this run is read and run relatively easy moves. The left
side "sneak" line on Grey Hound is huge, and the one on the right is easy if you eddy hop down or
hug the shore. In many cases there are pools below the larger drops to collect swimers, but there
are rapids that would be a bit more of a challenge especially as you are getting worn out towards
the end of the day. If you don't know where to go follow the rafts, otherwise enjoy a NY classic
read and run III/IV with characteristic long flatwater stretches.
time I was on the reach I remember some big surfing waves above the otter slide. Does anyone have
some beta on these waves and is anything eddy accessible?
shore, way right of Soup Strainer. There are a few nice hits which are easily avoided or run, your
choice. This line is definately easier than the center-left-center line and is probably advisable
for newer paddlers. Above 5 feet the line is still there, but the hits become much bigger. Your
choice where to go.