Hudson River Gorge
Essex / Hamilton Co. · 17 mi · Class III–IV
2,930CFS/ 5.04 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 2500–8000 CFS · USGS #01315500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Adirondack Park, New York State Wild Forest
Seventeen miles through a remote Adirondack gorge with no road access — the Hudson River Gorge is the wildest whitewater run in the northeastern United States. Class III–IV rapids through pristine wilderness that feels impossibly remote for a river that ends at the Statue of Liberty.
Trip sections
Indian River confluence to Harris Rift — Class III, warm-up
Harris Rift to Blue Ledge — Class III–IV, the gorge heart
Blue Ledge to North River — Class III, big-water runout
Notable Rapids
Harris RiftClass III+
First major rapid in the gorge. A long Class III+ that sets the tone for 17 miles of roadless wilderness.
Blue LedgeClass IV
The crux of the Hudson Gorge. A powerful, complex Class IV in the deepest part of the Adirondack gorge. No road access for miles in either direction.
Ord FallsClass IV
A steep, technical drop near the end of the gorge run. Scout from the right.
Outfitters
Hudson River Rafting Company
Hudson Gorge specialists, North Creek
Wild Waters Outdoor Center
Adirondack Hudson Gorge trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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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.