LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk | Water Spring Paddling! by: Matt Young W hen most people think of New York, they think of Manhattan, The Statue of Liberty, big city lights, and Broadway. Beautiful mountains, pristine rivers, steep cascades, waterfalls, rapids, and a large wilderness area may be far from most travelers' first thoughts, but they are here. All of those things can be found a five-hour drive directly north of the "Big Apple" within the borders of The Adirondack Park. The old, weathered mountain range within the park has had water pouring over, around, and through it for billions of years. This geological activity has sculpted smooth ledges and steep rapids that experienced whitewater paddlers travel far and wide to enjoy. At times the opportunities for exploration and new experiences seem endless. Whether a paddler is searching for a seldom-paddled section of wilderness river or, to have their own first experience with an old classic, one thing is certain; they can find it here. While paddling in the Adirondacks is also possible in summer and fall, it is the spring when the rivers really come alive and invite the most adventurous whitewater paddlers. Cold, snowy winters usually yield to melting snow and moderate temperatures by the first week or two of April. In a "normal" year there can be anywhere from a handful to a lifetime full of rivers waiting to be paddled. Even In a low-snow year, such as the winter of 2012, there are plenty of paddling choices to be made. An abundance of resources exist to help navigate through the many options available within the "Blue Line." American Whitewater's internet based guide can be an excellent resource for flows and information (www.AmericanWhitewater.org …and don't forget to become a member while you're there). Both Dennis Squires' book, "New York Exposed: Volume 1," and Alden Bird's "Let It Rain" can offer more in-depth information on the area. Paddling in The Adirondack Mountains can be divided into 4 separate regions. The Northwest corner contains rapids with the greatest vertical drop and biggest impression made on most paddlers. The Old Forge area contains the most well known rivers in the park and plays host to the infamous Moose River Festival annually. The High Peaks region is home to the steepest creeks in the Park. Rivers in this area are the most Nick Kulina enjoying the wilderness on the West Branch of the Sacandaga. Photo by: Matt Young

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