Black River "Big Water" Spring Season

Located in the aptly named Watertown NY is the start of late springs most anticipated event in whitewater.  It’s Big Water Black River with Adirondack River Outfitters!  While most adventure class rivers are winding down after snowmelt, the Black River is just getting cranked up.

The Black River Gorge is the last section of a 189 mile journey from it’s headwaters in the Adirondacks to Lake Ontario.  This gives New York’s second longest river a drainage area of almost 2000 sq. miles, so when it rains- it ROARS.

Big water is not for everyone, but if you crave excitement in the form of whitewater then here it is in black and white.  That’s right, black water frothed into a white river of waves, drops and adrenalin.  This 3-4 hour trip drops 180 feet, providing you with 8 miles of class III- IV ledge drops and standing waves.  There is very little flat water in the first half of the trip, and virtually none in “The Gorge”.

Black River

Great Whitewater All Summer Long! 

Sunshine, warm water and adrenalin inducing Class IV rapids; the combination was unknown in New York State until A.R.O. pioneered rafting trips in the Black River Gorge. Dam released water from high in the Adirondack Mountains surges into the gorge to form the best stretch of summer whitewater in the east.

You will be challenged by 14 major sets of class II-IV rapids including Hole Brothers, Knifes' Edge, Zig- Zag, and of course the Cruncher.

As you paddle through the beautiful Black River Gorge, waterfalls flow out of the towering cliffs between clinging trees and hanging vines.  You may think you're in a rainforest or even Jurassic Park (keep your eyes open for fossils they’re everywhere).  Is this really Northern New York?  It’s so green, it's so wild- it's SO cool!

After the whitewater section the river calms down and the rafts are hooked together and towed by our powerboat.

Cold beverages are provided to toast a successfull day meeting the Gorge’s challenge

 We now can relax and watch the Lower Gorge slip past. But don't get caught napping, you might miss the river stories and jokes that are almost as plentiful as the Great Blue Herons and Ospreys. After a short bus ride back to the outpost, a full homemade Barbeque and photo/ video show awaits you.

Your trip begins at the historic outpost where A.R.O. first pioneered whitewater rafting trips on the Black River way back in 1982.  After everyone has checked in and changed into wet suits (required), you will be fitted into a PFD and helmet.  When everyone is issued a paddle the Safety Talk will be held at riverside.  Among the things you will learn in the Safety Talk are how to paddle to stay in the raft, what to do if you fall out, and how to get back into the raft. At the conclusion of this brief and informative demonstration you will be assigned a NYS licensed guide who will instruct you and the rest of the crew and lead you through a practice session in the eddy.  Once you and your fellow paddlers are working together as teams the trip leader will give the signal to “let the adventure begin”.

Clubhouse Turn will be your first test of teamwork and courage as you enter the three practice rapids.  This series of rapids are a great way to get to know your guides’ commands and decide if this adventure is for you.  After the third rapid, named Hole Brothers, you will be given the choice to leave the trip if you think the trip is not for you. 

Just downriver from Hole Brothers is the most technical set on the Black River- Knifes’ Edge…  We’ll let you guide fill you in about the details, but let’s just say you’ll want to be a fully functioning team and listening to your guide to get this one right!

The beauty of the 30 foot Jim Woods (Glen Park) Falls form the perfect spot for a quick high energy snack and some fluids to prepare for the next section known as The Gorge.  The Gorge is often considered the highlight of the Black River.  In this section you and your crewmates will be expected to paddle aggressively through pounding haystack waves and large hungry holes.  The Gorge is narrow in places requiring technical maneuvers and quick reactions, unexpected swims and even over-turned rafts are not uncommon!  It’s precisely why the “Big Water Black” is known for its intensity not found on many other rivers, and why like the spring Hudson and Moose River trips we can say- it’s not for everybody. 

At the end of your trip there is a short bus ride back to the outpost where you will be able to change into your dry clothes and join your friends and family at the hot and hearty barbeque.  Remember to check out the photos and videos of your day on the river, and you may even want to purchase these high quality photos or videos to show everyone your amazing Big Water Black River with ARO Adventures.