LAKE GEORGE AREA IN NEW YORK’S ADIRONDACKS

03-05-2008

CLASS IV AND V RAPIDS MAKE SPRING GETAWAYS UNFORGETTABLE

WARREN COUNTY, NY  (March 3, 2008) – For those looking for top-notch whitewater excitement in the East, the Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks is the place to head during April. That’s when the snow melt from the mountains, spring rains, dam releases and an aquifer combine to create nearly continuous Class IV and Class V rapids on parts of the Hudson and Moose rivers.

 

And, as a bonus, Warren County Tourism Department is promoting a “3 for 2” special where three friends raft for the price of two at participating outfitters.  (See www.VisitLakeGeorge.com for details on the special promotion as well as information on a contest to win a Getaway Adventure for two.)

 

The Upper Hudson River Gorge, a 17-mile stretch from Indian Lake to North Creek, is rated one of the top 10 whitewater rafting sites in the United States and is considered one of the greatest single-day rafting trips in America. Beginning at the dam-controlled Indian River, it drops 150 vertical feet in 3.5 miles before reaching the confluence of the Hudson. Further on, a 20-foot waterfall adds its ice-cold splash to the river, followed by 10 miles of continuous rapids spotted with welcome calms for resting. This wildwater trip drops approximately 650 vertical feet in total, as it rushes through deep gorges.

 

The Moose River from McKeever to Port Leyden, with its numerous Class V rapids, is one of the toughest stretches of whitewater in the United States during spring, and is recommended for experienced rafters only. Aside from the challenge of its explosive waters, it travels through one of the most pristine areas of the Adirondack Park.

 

Minimum age limits (14 and over) apply for the most difficult whitewater, but families looking for a less extreme rafting trip can just wait a few weeks when the rivers simmer down to Class I to III between May and October. Flatwater paddle trips are also available at a family friendly pace on the Sacandaga River from mid-May through Labor Day.

 

All whitewater rafting outfitters employ licensed guides who have been trained on the rivers where they guide groups. When the river waters are chilliest, they provide wet suits. Trips range from two hours to three days, with some providing camping and meals along the way.

 

In addition to rafting, river tubing and kayaking are part of the spring scene on the less rugged stretches of the rivers and on area lakes after the spring “ice-out” (the date when the ice thaws on the lakes, usually during April).

 

Whitewater competitions abound at the Hudson River Whitewater Derby, which will take place May 3-4, 2008. This will be the 51^st annual event and will feature canoes and kayaks; downriver, novice and giant slalom races. For more information, see www.whitewaterderby.com.

 

For adventurous visitors who want to get out of the water for a while, spring in the Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks is also the time for biking and hiking to take in the majestic scenery and crisp mountain air, spelunking and an exceptional extreme adventure high ropes course with five tree-top courses, 79 obstacles, zip lines, Tarzan jumps and suspended bridges.

 

The Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks is an easy-to-reach, affordable, year round vacation destination for the whole family. There is a wide range of lodging, camping and dining options, with easy access off I-87. If you would like to visit the Lake George Area in New York's Adirondacks to experience the best whitewater in the east and to write about spring adventure vacations – or another topic – please contact me at 518-462-0318. Familiarization (FAM) tours are available. Many properties, attractions and dining establishments provide comps for writers with media credentials who are interested in visiting and writing about the area. For free information on lodging, camping, dining, events and activities, visit www.VisitLakeGeorge.com.

 

 

[Back to Press Releases Main]