Deer (Black trib.)
1. New Boston to High Falls Dam
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 11 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 31 fpm |
| Gauge | East Branch Fish Creek at Taberg Ny |
| Flow Rate as of 652 days | 164 cfsstale data |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 14, 2016 |
Updated June 25, 2001
The Deer River is a remote and seasonal waterway on the northern slope of the Tug Hill Plateau that drains into the Black River. From the putin, you will paddle 11.7 miles before seeing another road.
Watertown Area Reaches:
Black River (Rt. 3 Wave) Black River (Watertown to Brownville)
Black Creek Deer River (Section 1)
Deer River (Section 2) Roaring Brook (Brokeback Gorge)
Salmon River (Section 1) Salmon River (Section 2)
Sandy Creek South Sandy Creek (Section 1)
South Sandy Creek (Section 2) Mad River
Tug Hill - Old Forge Area Reaches
...The putin is located at the Route 177 bridge in New Boston. On the downstream side of the bridge, on river left, is a drainage ditch that leads down to the river bank.
For a decent run, the water level must be high at the New Boston bridge. If the water level just looks 'runnable' at the bridge, you will not have a good time. Further downstream, the river braids into wide channels than can be very shallow (unrunnable).
From the putin you'll promptly enter a deep shale gorge that is about 7 miles long. Visually the gorge is reminscent of Fish Creek, with the paddling difficulties of Letchworth Gorge. The play features are small but very plentiful.
The Deer River gorge is deep, remote and stunningly beautiful. Wildlife abounds. Rarely the river abuts the shale cliffs, forming exciting class 3 wave trains and occasional holes. More frequently, though, the river braids and weaves back and forth across the bottom of the gorge, forming numerous channels.
At 7.3 miles from New Boston, the volume of Deer River increases when a major tributary (Cobbs Creek) enters on river right. This marks the end of the gorge and the start of 'The Flats.' This section of the river is reminiscent of the tamer sections of the Salmon River in Pulaski.
At 11.7 miles (or 4.4 miles from Cobbs Creek) the river enters the town of Copenhagen and runs under the town bridge. Immediately past the Route 12 bridge is a series of class 3 ledges.
You may take out above these ledges.
At 12.4 miles the river plunges over a 25-foot high dam and then plummets 100 feet over High Falls. A small hydroelectric station is located at the dam. The takeout is located on river left, just above the dam.
WARNING!****High Falls is not runnable, and you will die.
