Hudson River Valley

Hudson River at a Glance

Price: $
River Rapid Class: II-IV+
Trip in Miles: 16
Trip Duration: 1 Day
Season: April-October
Raft Types: Paddle Raft
River Sections: Indian River and Hudson River Gorge
Nearby Towns: Indian Lake, NY; North River, NY
Gateway City: Indian Lake, NY
Driving Times: Albany, NY: 2 hours; Syracuse, NY: 3.5 hours

Photos: Top Ten U.S. Rivers for Rafting

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Whatever excitement exists in New York City, where the Hudson meets the sea, is more than matched by the excitement of the river near its source. You drive to Indian Lake, where a 2.5-mile stretch of the Indian River serves as access to the Hudson River Gorge. From there it's hold on to your britches. Daily releases for two hours each morning from the Abanakee Dam provide the top of the river with its bite, including 3.5 miles of near-continuous Class III whitewater as the Indian flows toward its confluence with the Hudson. Another 13 miles pulls you through the remote Hudson River Gorge, a narrow canyon consisting of some major Class III-IV rapids. The best action on the Hudson occurs in April and May when snowmelt from the Adirondacks and spring rains converge to create some Class IV+ challenges. Fall also provides some choice weekend whitewater (between Labor Day and Columbus Day), as the water gods draw down Indian Lake to make room for winter runoff. An added bonus here? Water temperatures won’t be as frigid later in the season.