Hudson,

1. Indian River to North River (Hudson Gorge)

Usual Difficulty	III-IV (may vary with level)
Length	14 Miles

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
HUDSON RIVER AT NORTH CREEK NY
usgs-01315500	2.80 - 8.50 ft	III-IV	01h33m	3.82 ft (rc= 0.2 )

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.