Black River
Lewis / Jefferson Co. · 40 mi · Class II–V
10,300CFS/ 6.93 ft
Flood
↓Falling slowly (-100 cfs/hr)· -200 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 800–4000 CFS · USGS #04260500
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
40 mi
Length
Class II–V
Difficulty
800–4000 cfs
Optimal
2,100 cfs
Avg Flow
1,900 cfs
Hist. Median
#04260500
USGS Gauge
Adirondack Park, Black River Wild Forest

Western Adirondacks powerhouse — the Black River delivers continuous Class III–IV whitewater through gorge sections near Watertown. Dam-controlled flows provide reliable paddling from spring through fall.

Trip sections
Forestport to Lyons Falls — Class II–III, Adirondack foothills
Lyons Falls Gorge — Class IV–V, the marquee section
Watertown Section — Class III–IV, dam-controlled urban gorge
Outfitters
Adirondack River Outfitters
Black River whitewater trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
Loading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
See 10 years of flow patterns for this river — historical analysis is a Pro feature.Upgrade to Pro →
Your Optimal Range
Set your personal optimal CFS window per river — custom ranges are a Pro feature.Upgrade to Pro →
Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.