Independence, NY

Independence River

Independence River
Photo of Adrian and Jim by Rick Sherry taken 11/12/2005 @ 450 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

This is a really fun river, one of the best in the area, when it's running.

Phil Bonn shares:

"Having run this river for the first time just wanted to say what a blast! the putin can be found by turning on to Austin Road from Pine Grove Road; there is a small white church on the corner. Austin Road is on the North side of the Indy and is paved all the way up, versus Bradish Rd., which is dirt. You go up Austin about 2 miles until you see a sign that says "bridge closed" and a dirt road going off to the right. Take this short piece of dirt road and you're at the putin.
"The first mile or so of the Indy is continuous class 2-3 rock-dodge with 2-3 small drops or slides under 9'. We scouted on the fly, eddy-hopping all the way.
"After that comes a much-welcomed flatwater stretch about 3/4 to 1 mile long. near the end of the flatwater you will see large granite outcrops and boulders with a distinct horizon line. Take out on river left near the dark colored boulder and scout the rapids here. The main part has 3 routes: the right channel is a series of small drops, the middle one a little harder 'z' drop, and the left channel is a hard looking 'sluice' which more daring souls than I can try!
"After this come a couple of slides and a 12'(?) drop just before a closed bridge. After passing under the bridge, the less adventurous types should eddy out river-right and walk the next rapid. Here the main channel goes all the way left against a rock cliff for 60 - 70 yards, with a large pillow of water along the whole length.
"The takeout is just downstream at the bridge for Pine Grove Rd."

Lat/longitude coords verified by GPS.