Black

Location: Upstate New York, between Watertown and Lake Ontario (about 250 miles northwest of New York City; about 170 miles northeast of Buffalo; about 160 miles southwest of Montreal).

Length of trip: Seven or eight miles in four hours.

Season: Weekends in May, June, September, and October; daily in July and August. The water flow usually peaks in May, but dam releases maintain a constant flow all year.

Weather: Spring and fall can be very cool, with temperatures ranging from 45° to 65°F (windbreakers and long underwear are recommended; you’ll need a wet suit in spring). Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 65° to 90°.

Lodging: Campgrounds nearby, as well as hotels and motels in Watertown.

Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class III, IV, and V in spring; Class III in summer. The cool water warms up in summer.

Special features:

  • Float through a deep gorge, past old dam sites and paper mills.
  • Good hiking along the river.
  • Wildflowers.
  • Swimming in summer.
  • Lovely autumn foliage.
  • White-tailed deer, great blue herons, ducks, hawks.
  • Great fishing (salmon, steelhead, walleye).
  • Suitable for novice, intermediate, and experienced river runners, depending on the water level.

Nearby excursions:

  • Fort Drum in Watertown.
  • Thousand Islands.
  • Lake Ontario.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • New York State Division of Tourism, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, New York 12245; +1 518 474 4116 or 800 225 5697, fax +1 518 486 6416. Try to book at least two weeks in advance.

 
 
River Finder - Eastern U.S.

 
 
 
© 1996 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.

www.nationalgeographic.com