Ausable, W. Branch, New York, US
|
|
2. Monument on Route 86 to High Falls (Wilmington Notch)
| Usual Difficulty |
III-IV+ (for normal flows) |
| Length |
3.5 Miles |
| Avg. Gradient |
65 fpm |
| Max Gradient |
100 fpm |
Gauge Information
River Description
Note: The minimum flow listed is a guess. We ran this reach at 3.0, and it seemed that the flow
could be less and still be runnable. If anyone with experience on this section would like to
comment on minimum and maximum recommended levels, please let me know.
Start at Monument Falls. First 2 miles has a number of distinct rapids, Class III or easier, with
easy sections in between.
As you approach 'the notch', the river constricts through a small opening with rock walls on either
side. Just past the notch, there is a sustained rapid of 0.3 miles with ledges and pour-over holes.
This entire section can be scouted from the road. There is disagreement over the difficulty of this
section, I have heard everything from Class III/IV to V from various reputable sources. Consensus
is IV+.
After this section, rapids continue to High Falls gorge, but nothing harder than II+ is
encountered.Take out when you see the footbridge over the river; this marks the start of High Falls
gorge.
Guidebook: Adirondack Canoe Waters, North Flow, by Paul Jamieson and Don Morris, published by the
Adirondack Mt. Club.
StreamTeam Status: Not Verified
Last Updated: 2009-05-30 19:39:29
No photos found. 
reach
User Comments
boaters parking on their property. An alternative take out is about a quarter mile upstream where
there is a small pull off. Unfortunately, you have to drag your boat a little ways... Edit
low volume boulder hopping with several boofs. Once you're in the section it is fun to run it by
boat scouting and trying to remember where you're at when (if) you scouted it from 86.