LOCALadk Magazine

Local ADK Fall 2018

LOCALadk Magazine

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Fall 2018 LOCALadk Magazine 53 LOCALadk Perhaps it's the killer end-of-season deals at Mountain- man Outdoor Supply Company, or the promise of one more get-together with friends before the long winter sets in; whatever the reason, Moosefest always draws a huge crowd. The longstanding whitewater festival has always been based in Old Forge, coinciding with the annual drawdown of the Fulton Chain of Lakes on the second weekend of October. Old Forge is a perfect location. Not only is there a surplus of bars and warm motel rooms available during the shoulder season, but the Moose River offers 20 -plus miles of nearly uninterrupted whitewater, ranging from beginner-friendly Class II-III on the Middle to hair-raising Class V on the Bot- tom. This is where the magic happens. Out on the water peo- ple face fears they didn't know they had, develop bonds with each other closer than some families, and immerse them- selves in nature – often literally. There's no doubt the Moose is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the state. During Moosefest, brightly colored kayaks and canoes drift down the river much the same as fallen leaves after a windstorm. The Singing Waters section offers a scenic float with plenty of catch-on-the-fly surf waves and one Class IV test piece called Nelson's Falls. The Singing Waters section constitutes a full day on the wa- ter, winding five miles through a gorgeous forest, only cross- ing under a handful of bridges. The next section, the Middle Moose is much shorter, but condenses the action into a series of short pools with Class II-III rapids in between, giving beginners a chance to catch their breath (or gear). Both of these sections are popular with beginner-intermediates, teaching them important skills of how to read water and catch eddies. As the river continues downstream, the rapids build in intensity throughout the Lower Moose, a nine-mile section filled with Class IV ledges and sticky hydraulics with names like Froth Hole and Mixmaster. As a paddler, it can be diffi- cult to determine which is scarier: the stories about the river or the rapids themselves. Below the Lower lies the Class V playground known as the Bottom Moose. The Bottom takes ever y element of the Low- er and magnifies it. The drops are taller, the holes are stick- ier, and the pools, well, they might as well be called ponds. Despite the significant stretches of flatwater, the Bottom is undoubtedly the most popular section for those who have the skill. The run starts with a 40 -foot natural waterslide, traveling through slots and over vertical waterfalls until it reaches Cr ystal, a huge cascade with a complex web of lines for the experienced paddler to follow. Two bonus rapids, Magilla and Spine Compressor, require specific water levels but offer thrills for even the best paddlers. Perhaps the greatest aspect of the Bottom is its accessibil- ity. Several rapids are easily reached by a short walk through the woods. Fowlersville Falls is a popular viewing area right near the start of the run, easily located by following the Fowlersville Road to the bridge over the river. From there, just follow the river to the falls for a seemingly endless pa- rade of paddlers. Double Drop and Knife's Edge are also easy

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