Mongaup River
Rio Powerhouse to Delaware River(Rio Reach)
| Difficulty | II+(III) |
| Length | 3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 53 fpm |
| Gauge | Mongaup River Near Mongaup Ny |
| Flow Rate as of 58 minutes | 644 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 8, 2025 |
River Description
This regional gem has regularly scheduled recreational releases, and frequent power releases from Rio Dam. For the release schedule, see Eagle Creek's Release Schedule.
Releases are 1 tube or barrel (about 500 cfs) and 2 tube (~1000 cfs). 1 tube requires more maneuvering but has less push making it easier for the less experienced. 2 covers a lot more of the rocks but gives holes and drops more power. According to an Eagle Creek employee, standard 2 tube policy is to start 1 tube at 10 a.m. and leave 1 tube running till 4 p.m.
As you'd expect with paddlers, opinions vary as to which is best or even easiest.
Unscheduled Releases
Power releases occur frequently on the Rio Reach.
As of June 2020, Eagle Creek, the dam operators, started posting a day or 2 ahead generation forecast at Rio on the Mongaup at https://www.eaglecreekre.com/facilities/operating-facilities/mongaup-river-hydroelectric-system/mongaup-river-system-lake-levels-and-rio-operation-forecast.
During extremely wet years all the upstream reseviors get filled and flows get much higher. Around 2k water starts to flow thru trees with force, greatly increasing the consequences of swims.
The only guidebook description is in Dennis Squires' 'New York Exposed: The Whitewater State, Volume 2,', which (on p 140) describes the rapids as 'pretty continuous class II and easy class III all the way down to the Delaware.' In general terms, while the gradient is fairly consistent on this reach, the rapids on the second half of the reach (below the lunch spot) are more sustained than on the upper portion. Save some energy for the rapids under t
...River Features
Powerhouse wave
Not a bad surfing wave at 2 barrels but pretty sticky and shallow at 1. Don't be embarrassed by the crowds...give it a try.
Somewhat challenging to get in. Tons of room to roll up.
Put In - Rio Powerhouse
Limited parking for popular release days so park nice and did we mention drive really slow on the dirt road.
Usually there's a porta potty paid for by the dam operators.
Don't go right
After some boogie water, river takes a slight right turn with most of the water and paddlers going left. Beginners may find right looks tempting with less flow and reasonable lines. But lots of rocks, guard rocks...best to stay to left of large mid river rocks. Especially fun is an inviting looking boof rock at 2 barrels. Left side is ok: right has a rock below the surface that knocks you sideways, possible pinning (not enough water to be dangerous), usually spinning...Just go left, ok.
Canoe Lunch Spot
On river left. Not sure why they stop here but they do.
Boof Rock Lunch Spot
2nd significant drop. River goes left over some low ledges and then drops right and pushes against low cliffs as it ends in a pool. At the right of the flow at is a protruding boof rock. With 2 barrels aim to hit straight on. Too far right lands you on rocks (at 1 barrel you scrape over).
Easiest line thru the rapids is just left of the boof rock (and right of the main flow) so you don't get pushed up against cliffs.
After the rapids great squirt lines off cliffs. Nice beach at right popular for a short break (and squirting or attaining can entertain those who don't like to stop).
Makeout Takeout (Upper)
Actually a nice takeout on right above bridge. Sign has been edited. Carry up a steep bank and there's parking for half a dozen vehicles right there.
Bridge waves rapid can be challenging for a beginner and if the Delaware is high boat and swimmer recovery is a pain as you can easily get carried well below any of the pullouts.
Takeout on the Delaware (Upstream)
The upstream takeout is at Zone 18 520250E 4585885N. It has an NPS sign, and is designed for the convenience of the many rafters on the Upper Delaware. It does, however, lead to the NYS DEC parking area, where most of us park.
Takeout on the Delaware (Downstream)
On the Delaware, the downstream take out is at the confluence on the east side, at about Zone 18 520493E 4586022N.
Beach Takeout
This is the same as the takeout for the Mongaup Wave on the Delaware.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a report2015 release schedule is here: http://www.eaglecreekre.com/facilities/northeast-region/mongaup-river-ny/whitewater-recreation
The under bridge construction at the Route 97 rapid appears to be completed.
All of the websites and numbers have been updated. Safe Paddling Everyone.
If you have natural flow, you can put in below the Dam. This section down to the release put-in is similar in difficulty to the normal release section.
Releases will commence, for the first time in nearly 3 years, on April 19!
DanO nailing the boof.
Penstock
Paddlers negotiate the rapid under the Route 97 Bridge.