Ausable, E. Branch
Hulls Falls to Keene
| Difficulty | IV(V) |
| Length | 1.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | East Branch Ausable River at Au Sable Forks Ny |
| Flow Rate as of 35 minutes | 1.80 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | February 12, 2026 |
River Description
This is a wonderful class IV stream that becomes harder at higher flows. Hulls Falls is a solid drop, then a mile or so of class II/III before Champagne Falls, a beautiful gorge coming into Keene. This is a great run, with quality whitewater; it can be run at a variety of levels.
The run begins under the bridge on Hulls Falls Road (about 2 miles outside Keene). There is a walking trail to the left once you cross the bridge coming from Keene. Consider scouting Champagne Falls (the bottom gorge) from the road on the way from the takeout, but please be considerate as much of the land is posted all along the river.
Hulls Falls is a 10-12ft or so drop. River right goes at medium to high flows, and is an amazing autoboof (class IV). River left is more of a hero line (class V). The next mile or so is class II and III before you arrive at Champagne Falls.
Champagne Falls is a set of 3 rapids in a beautiful gorge. It runs, even down to low flows. At high flows the three rapids run right into each other, and scouting/portaging becomes a bit more difficult. The first rapid is a the largest drop, with a tricky lead-in at higher water (class IV/V). The second rapid is a large hole, that's not too sticky, just a big hit (class IV). The final rapid has a ledgey lead-in, then a fairly big hole with a small undercut on river right (class IV). At low-medium levels, all the rapids are easily scoutable from river level. See rapid descriptions below.
Take out on river left before the town of Keene.
Lat/longitude coords are approximate, from TopoZone. See also Keene to Upper Jay.
River Features
Hulls Falls
10-12 ft drop. River right channel is an excellent slide to a kicker at medium to high flows. The river left channel is more of a hero line; line is river right with a left angle.
Champagne Falls Rapid 1
Challenging lead-in to a 6-8 ft drop. River left has rocks, that might be covered at higher flows. Line is generally staying on the outside of the bend, and boofing far river right. Watch for wood in the lead-in.
Champagne Falls Rapid 2
Two holes back to back. The second hole can feel scary to drop into. It is not too sticky, just a big hit.
Champagne Falls Rapid 3
3-4 ft river-wide ledge drop leads in to another riverwide hole. Small undercut on river right. Start river center or river left for the ledge, then drive to the right.
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportA little under 3.5 ft.
This level the hole at the bottom of the falls was a little large for our tastes, but definitely runnable.
I've been told at high really high levels these things become a portage, but at this med. level they were good fun.
After the walled in holes, there is this beauty. This is Dave launching off in his Embudo / Rocketship
Smoother than it looks