Woodhull Creek
Horton Rd. to Meekerville Rd Bridges
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 2.5 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Black River Near Boonville Ny |
| Flow Rate as of 52 minutes | 5.09 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | February 15, 2026 |
River Description
This is a mellow, scenic Adirondack run that makes an excellent beginner instruction river, especially when other nearby rivers are running too high. About 90% of the trip is flatwater, providing plenty of room for new paddlers to focus on boat control and confidence-building without feeling rushed.
The remaining 10% consists of short Class II drop-and-pool rapids, with most of the moving water concentrated near the take-out. The whitewater features are well-defined, with sizable eddies that give beginners comfortable places to stop, regroup, and practice skills. This stretch is also well-suited for drills like attaining, ferrying, and even setting up a natural rock slalom-style course to develop essential moving-water technique.
There are a few small play opportunities as well, with minor waves and holes that can be fun for trying introductory surfing. The setting feels quiet and removed, with classic Adirondack scenery and only occasional signs of development. As with many low-volume runs, some rapids can collect wood, so paddlers should stay vigilant.
Click here for a complete VIDEO GUIDE for this run
Access Logistics:
From Utica, take 12 North, junction w/ 28. Take 28 in Alder Creek towards Old Forge. Cross the bridge in Forestport and exit onto Woodhull Rd. Take a right on Woodhull towards the Buffalo Head Restaurant. Cross the bridge, go about 1/2 mile. Just past the Buffalo Head, take a left onto Meekerville Rd (Dead End). Take first left across the RR tracks. Park at the gate before the closed bridges which is the take-out.
To the put-in, go back out to Woodhull Rd. Take a left onto Woodhull. Take another left onto Kincaid. Take a left onto Horton. Park at bridge where Woodhull Creek crosses. This is about a 5 mile ride from Take Out.
Please respect the local land owners. Local paddlers have worked hard to keep good relations with them and we want them to welcome kayakers
...River Features
Horton Road Bridge Put-In
Take Out Meekerville Bridges
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportWhen everything else in the area is too high in the area, this run makes a great beginner instruction river. Quite remote and beautiful, well-defined features, and sizable eddies for beginners to feel comfortable when practicing and drilling skills. Some nice features for attaining and setting up a natural/rock slalom course to work on essential moving water skills too. There is also some small play features for to try surfing small waves or holes. Some rapids can collect wood so be vigilant.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The put-in and take-out pins on the 'Map' tap are incorrect. They actually show the class III Little Woodhull Section. Even more confusing is that Google Maps incorrectly labels the actual Woodhull Creek as the Little Woodhull Creek. You will notice that above the confluence both streams are labeled 'Little Woodhull Creek:. As the section title describes this section if from Horton Road to Meekerville Bridges.
The Map and Directions tabs show the wrong put-in and takeout -- both are shown as being on the Little Woodhull instead of the main Woodhull. Read the verbal description on the RiverMain tab for the correct put-in.