Ausable, W. Branch
2. Monument on Route 86 to High Falls(Wilmington Notch)
| Difficulty | III-IV+ |
| Length | 3.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 65 fpm |
| Gauge | Ausable River Near Au Sable Forks Ny |
| Flow Rate as of 24 minutes | 2.87 ftrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 8, 2016 |
River Description
Note: The minimum flow listed is a guess. We ran this reach at 3.0, and it seemed that the flow could be less and still be runnable. If anyone with experience on this section would like to comment on minimum and maximum recommended levels, please let me know.
Start at Monument Falls. First 2 miles has a number of distinct rapids, Class III or easier, with easy sections in between.
As you approach 'the notch', the river constricts through a small opening with rock walls on either side. Just past the notch, there is a sustained rapid of 0.3 miles with ledges and pour-over holes. This entire section can be scouted from the road. There is disagreement over the difficulty of this section, I have heard everything from Class III/IV to V from various reputable sources. Consensus is IV+.
After this section, rapids continue to High Falls gorge, but nothing harder than II+ is encountered.Take out when you see the footbridge over the river; this marks the start of High Falls gorge.
Guidebook: Adirondack Canoe Waters, North Flow, by Paul Jamieson and Don Morris, published by the Adirondack Mt. Club.
Eastern Adirondacks Reaches
Ausable, E. Branch Ausable, W. Branch (1.) Ausable, W. Branch (2.) Balm of Gilead Brook
...River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportBe careful with the take out at High Falls. The folks here are extremely unfriendly and do not like boaters parking on their property. An alternative take out is about a quarter mile upstream where there is a small pull off. Unfortunately, you have to drag your boat a little ways...
Years ago a friend and I ran the Notch section and we rated it as Cl IV at that level. Fun, boney low volume boulder hopping with several boofs. Once you're in the section it is fun to run it by boat scouting and trying to remember where you're at when (if) you scouted it from 86.