Rock

Hurricane Irene Changes:  This section of the Rock River changed because of the flooding of August, 2011.  The flood was so violent in the section a half mile upstream that houses were washed away.  This section is still runnable, but most rapids have changed.  The river has changed course completely in the section between the dam and the cement bridge.

The river is still a class 3/4, but please scout it carefully, because the riverbanks have yet to stabilize as of 2016, and stariners are still developing.  Also, all of the rapids differ somewhat from the old description, which is below.

Pre Hurricane Irene River Description:

The river starts out gently, with some surf spots and a few rapids. Watch out for strainers which often fall down the steep side hill on the right hand side. You'll reach the old dam (now broken), the first major rapid, about a half mile down river. This is described as a class 3 or 4 rapid, depending on whom you talk to and the water level. This rapid, like most on the Rock River, changes from time to time, depending on where the rocks have moved during the last storm. The rest of the section through Williamsville is straightforward fun, with some splashy waves and rocks to dodge, but no difficult rapids. At the bottom of this section, you'll reach the cement bridge and the beginning of the ledges.

About 200 yards below the cement bridge, you'll reach Double Drop. The top drop plunges over a blind ledge, and then slides down to the second, smaller drop. There is a pool below the second drop if you miss, so hold on and you can roll at the bottom. Run the first ledge of Double Drop right middle or left middle, but avoid running it down the center. Also, avoid the far right. There is a hole at the bottom of the first drop that can hold you for a whilebut will usually spit you out, butitcould hold you at high water.

Down river is a neat ledge which you can barrel over on the left side or sneak around on the right s

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