Raquette, New York, US

2) Piercefield to Parmenter Site

Lower Jamestown

Lower Jamestown
Photo by Ratt Boy (KHCC, FLOW) taken 07/17/09

Gauge Information

River Description

Assuming Class III is familiar to you, the first challenge is the Upper Sols and Lower Sols (around Sols Island). Go left around the island. Upper Sols increases in difficulty and the final part is class IV and can be scouted and carried on the Left. Then, flatwater and class II rapids alternate. The 5.7-mile Moosehead Stillwater follows, giving a relaxed time to enjoy turtles basking in the sun and other wildlife and flowers. Then Moosehead Rapids (class II-III) are 1.25 miles long with no portage trail. Next up, on a right turn, stay to the right of an island so you are ready to scout or portage Moody Falls, a class IV/V. The lower part is easier than the upper part. After Moody Falls, some carry out (or in and upstream to run Moody Falls) to NY 56. After less than a mile of flatwater, one encounters Jamestown Falls. Both Upper and Lower Jamestown Falls are impressive class V's. The national slalom team used the Falls as a training site in 1988 with flows controlled by the powerhouse.

The Parmenter site is a takeout. You can drive to the water when the campground is open or walk out to NY 56 on an asphalt road in the off season. Be aware that when there is a release at Piercefield, the beginning of the release will take several hours to travel the 14 miles to Moody Falls.

There is one release scheduled each year, as well as natural flow opportunities. The scheduled release is on the last Saturday of June and lasts 5 hours. Information on releases can be found at 800-452-1742, and using the code: 365130.
Submitted by Betty Lou Bailey of the Adirondack Mountain Club

Dennis Squires' book lists this as a good (and beautiful) overnighter, which typically runs until early June.