Black River

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Ride the melt water from the Adirondack Mountains on a fast, fun whitewater rafting adventure down the Black River. The adrenaline rush will be second to none as you ride Class III-IV rapids with friends. Paddle hard or hold on and enjoy the ride while experienced guides navigate you through some amazing waves. Outfitters provide the gear you need including helmets, paddles, personal flotation devices and instruction. Some shops even provide lunch. The rafting season runs from spring through the fall.

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The Black River also offers kayakers areas to practice their moves and enjoy some great scenery. The city has hosted a stop on the World Cup Freestyle Kayak Championship, along with the Blackwater Challenge and North America Cup Freestyle Kayak Championships.

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Those preferring to keep their feet on dry land have prime riverside perches in city parks from which to watch these exciting events. Veterans' Memorial Walkway overlooks the popular whitewater feature, Hole Brothers, and offers a small, shaded green-space that follows the river and has picnic tables and grills for public use. The Black River Trail is a 3-plus-mile paved trail that runs along the river on the city's eastern edge, near Route 3. The trail is popular daylight to dusk and has picnic areas. Waterworks Park, Bicentennial Park, and Marble Street Park are all located along the powerful Black River as well.

 

The Black cascades its way out of Watertown through a cluster of welcoming communities with scores of public fishing access, boat launches, trails and observation areas before raging into Black River Bay and Lake Ontario.

 

With some much to offer, the Black is heading for another heyday, as a recreational paradise. Help rediscover New York’s Black River playground!

 

Go to BlackRiverNY.com to learn more about the Black River.