I am looking to organize a whitewater rafting trip for some friends and family for one day this summer and would appreciate some suggestions on best places/rivers within a 3 hour drive of Westchester County.
It doesn't have to be super challenging or have expert-level rapid but we certainly aren't interested in a "lazy river" like the Delaware, where people are just floating a long, drinking beers, and goofing around.
I want somewhere where the water is clean, clear, and has beautiful views of nature. Any advice on specific destinations, companies, or locations we should look into?
It's mostly class III with some class IV, so it's a lot of fun.
If you want something more adventurous after that we did the upper Gauley and lower Gauley just over the border in West Virginia. holy shit, that was tough. Summer might be easier, not sure.
Also did the new river which is right near the Gauley. the Gauley is the hardest one I've done, I think it was the upper that was the hardest, can't recall exactly.
we camped so cool scenery, fun time. There was also a local fair the weekend I did the lower yough and we went to that and I saw my first live demolition derby, which was incredible.
If you want o go north, Maine has the Penobscott, the dead and kenebec river all near each other and all with varying levels. We camped there too and did all - those are tamer, wider, and less rocky (at least the penobscott is) but also fun. My 8-year old daughter was able to go om the penobscott. Some of the PA/WV rivers you have to be 16.
Maybe the more adult tours would be what you are looking for. Nice town though.
https://www.poconowhitewater.com/family-style-whitewater-rafting/
Did the dam release rafting trip a couple of times with my family. There is a small six flags with an indoor water park/hotel kind of near there if you have young kids.
Did the dam release rafting trip a couple of times with my family. There is a small six flags with an indoor water park/hotel kind of near there if you have young kids.
Link - ( New Window )
Someone mentioned Zoar in Mass above. I've done that too. Deerfield river. More challenging than the Lehigh, also the water is controlled by dam releases. Lots of fun.
Also, beware that rivers during summer generally has lower water levels than the spring, so the thrill factor goes down.
We combined it with paintball and had a fun, exhausting day.
If you can stretch the drive....New River in WV is excellent.