Cold
Duck Hole to mouth
| Difficulty | II-V+ |
| Length | 14.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Hudson River at North Creek Ny |
| Flow Rate as of 24 minutes | 5.07 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 8, 2016 |
River Description
This is a long run and should either be done in one very long day, or as an overnighter.
From the parking lot the put in is a 5 mile hike to Duck Hole Dam. The run starts with a mile of Class 4 followed by a short section of Class 5. This is followed by a Class 2-3 gorge. 8 miles downstream are two significant drops (and a lean-to if you choose to spend the night). At the confluence with the Raquette go left (upstream) towards Long Lake.
The alternate takeout is to go downstream on the Raquette, run Raquette Falls, and take out at Axton Landing.
Eastern Adirondacks Reaches
Ausable, E. Branch Ausable, W. Branch (1.) Ausable, W. Branch (2.) Balm of Gilead Brook
Boquet (2.) Boquet (3.) Boquet, N. BranchBoquet, S. Branch
Boreas (1.) Branch, The (Boquet trib.) Branch, The (Schroon trib.) Cedar (1.)
...River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportA perfect flow! I will update with more details.
Worth noting, you can cut out the 7 mile hike by paddling across Henderson Lake, Upper Preston Pond, Lower Preston Pond, and Duck Hole. Still 2+ miles of a portage. No crazy elevation gain or technical sections, though it does cut through swampy lands.
First couple miles of the cold are class 4, then continuous class 3 till mile 11 when you get to Millers Falls. This is a class 5 rapid far from rescue if you need it. Keep the worst case scenario in mind when you scout.
This trip is absolutely epic and worth going for if you want an overnight ADK whitewater experience with high adventure! Some fun, some physical challenge, stunning scenery, and quality whitewater!