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NFT: Whitewater rafting recommendations for NY, PA, or CT

NYGmen58 : 7/6/2018 8:18 am
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?
I went to Zoar Outdoor in Massachusetts.  
robbieballs2003 : 7/6/2018 8:21 am : link
They have rock climbing, zip lining, and white water rafting.
Go a little further......West Virginia  
George from PA : 7/6/2018 8:33 am : link
Gauley River is one of best in country
The river below the dam of the  
Post Time : 7/6/2018 8:33 am : link
Great Sacandaga Lake, Lake Luzern I think is the name of the town. Raft or get inflatable kayaks.
Not sure if it's 3 hours  
pjcas18 : 7/6/2018 8:37 am : link
from Westchester exactly, but I went for my first white water rafting trip to the lower Youghiogheny in Ohiopyle, PA.

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.
we did the kiddie version at Jim Thorpe  
ron mexico : 7/6/2018 9:01 am : link
which was kinda lame and the water fights got real old real fast.

Maybe the more adult tours would be what you are looking for. Nice town though.

Poconos  
BigBlue89 : 7/6/2018 9:02 am : link
I've used this group a few times with no issue

https://www.poconowhitewater.com/family-style-whitewater-rafting/
Near Lake Gerge  
give66 : 7/6/2018 9:40 am : link
http://www.beaverbrook.net/

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.
RE: Near Lake Gerge  
give66 : 7/6/2018 9:40 am : link
In comment 14007333 give66 said:
Quote:
http://www.beaverbrook.net/

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 )
Check for water levels  
prh : 7/6/2018 9:41 am : link
Not sure of other areas but, where I live in the southeast Adirondacks. Water levels are very low.
The Lehigh river  
Gregorio : 7/6/2018 9:43 am : link
in Western PA has moderate level trips. Great for groups.

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 did Pocono Whitewater too  
Csonka : 7/6/2018 9:52 am : link
Go on a dam release day. Unless you're all experts, it's plenty exciting. Heck, I had to get "rescued" after getting thrown from our raft. Lots of fun.

We combined it with paintball and had a fun, exhausting day.
Lehigh River  
RIZZBIZZ : 7/6/2018 10:42 am : link
Out of Jim Thorpe. Great trip. Mostly float but a few class 2s thrown in. Plenty of fun. Nice bbq lunch provided at the halfway mark along the river in a beautiful campsite. River is clean and cool and the scenery’s spectacular. Quick bus trip back to your car. We’ve don’t this a few times and never disappointed.
second the Lehigh  
AnnapolisMike : 7/6/2018 11:50 am : link
Did that with my Son's boy scout troop 4 years ago.

If you can stretch the drive....New River in WV is excellent.
Gauley and Penobscot  
ColHowPepper : 7/6/2018 8:52 pm : link
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