Grass, Middle Branch

Description:

Upper Section: Shortly after reaching the Grass from Tracy Brook, the river starts dropping into some nice boat scoutable slides. The first mile or two below Tracy Brook is the best part. From then on there's a lot of flatwater, some sections of continuous class II-III stuff, a few nice small slides, a couple of easily recognized big class V slides, and one super sweet long(1/8 mile?) low angle slide. Both of the big slides would go, but the first is kinda junky looking and the second has a pretty bad hole on the bottom right, but a nice 10ft boof on the bottom left. Overall, this section has some fun parts, but doesn't match up to some of the area's other options; however, this is a great option if you get to the South Branch and it's a little beefy for your liking

Lower Section: This section is class 3 almost the entire time, it is a fun section for intermediate boaters, and open boaters who want to explore some of the great features the Grasse has to offer. As the water changes the run evolves from big holes and defined lines to  low level creeking with lots of rock gardens to find micro eddys and play around in to develope skills. The rapids are easy to scout and set safety. This section can easily be run in under 2 hours including shuttle time.

The river has a conservation easement and is open to boating all year except from October 1-November 15, or hunting season. There are multiple hunting clubs in the area, which may not always be super friendly.

Access: Head north out of Degrasse on Claire Rd. and continue a couple of miles past the South Grasse take out. Turn right on Dean Rd. just after crossing the Middle Grasse and park in the shoulder on the right side of the road or continue up the road for about 1.75 miles to the bridge crossing over the river, on the right there will be a parking lot with a DEC information billboard. Taking out at the bridge will miss 1 rapid but also a long flatwater section.

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