Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer


Choosing a Trip

The Hudson River Whitewater Rafting Trip

When choosing a trip, it’s important to consider the location of the river, the intensity of the whitewater, and the season of the year.

The Hudson is located in the Adirondack Mountains in North River, NY. There are outstanding hiking, boating, biking, camping and relaxing opportunities nearby. Our Vacation Planning menu will link you to activities and accommodations in the Gore MountainIndian LakeLake GeorgeOld Forge and Lake Placid regions.

Spring – Outside Magazine rated this “one of the top 10 spring rafting trips in the country.” The Hudson in April and May is what we recommend to our friends and family who want the most waves and excitement in a day. Minimum age is 18 in April, 12 in May.

Summer – A great adventure for families, or anyone wanting some excitement while traveling through 17 miles of wilderness, on a warm day. A quality whitewater trip is assured by a release of water from a dam on rafting days; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. If there are a few days of rain, the river can reach springtime levels. Minimum age after Memorial Day is 7.

The Black River Whitewater Rafting Trip

The Black River is located in Watertown, NY and is only thirty minutes from the 1000 Islands vacation area, and twenty minutes from Sackets Harbor, on the shores of Lake Ontario. Many of our guest also stay in the Old Forge area in the Adirondacks and drive over (about 80 minutes) for the day or go rafting on their way to or from the Adirondacks.

Spring – In May and early June, the Black River is roaring due to runoff from the Adirondacks. A great high-water adventure. Minimum Age in May is 16, early June is 14.

Summer – Due to water released from a dam in the Adirondacks, the Black River maintains adventure class whitewater all summer long. The minimum age in the summer (after June 20) is 12, river level permitting. Reservations for guests under 14 can not be made online. For guests under 14, you must speak to our rafting experts who will explain effects of river level on your reservation.

The Adirondack Adventure Center: Our Hudson River Base now includes a hillside Adirondack Adventure Center with a challenging aerial ropes course, canoe rentals, and paintball. Great family adventure!