UPDATE from HRR trip leader Brian Sloss, 9/6/24: Though the river is very low, I took a scout trip down the Hoosic River from Ashton Rd to Lauren's Launch, and frankly, the river conditions were not too bad. It was a beautiful float. I had 6 short partages, with the two longest ones being 30 yards. The rest were about 10 yards. That said, each riffle that you can paddle through had one narrow line where you could make it through. In many of the riffles you can navigate, you will bump along the rocks. Therefore, we would need to go one at a time through the riffles and everyone should be comfortable steering through tight shallow areas and be fit enough to get out and drag their boat to better water if they miss their line. If you are ok with these conditions, like I am, I say we go for it!
If you are not going to float, you are still welcome to join us at Tourists at 6 pm.
I am looking forward to seeing the hardy souls willing to join me on Sunday!
Brian Sloss, Hoosic River Revival
——————————————————————
As summer winds down and before autumn takes hold, doesn’t a trip down the Hoosic River in your favorite canoe or kayak sound like a great way to spend a Sunday? On Sunday, September 8 join Hoosic River Revival for just that! HRR is working hard to help create a river that is usable and functional, while increasing essential flood mitigation needed for the safety of the community far into the future. What better way to envision what the Hoosic River could be in the heart of North Adams, than to paddle the naturalized section down to Williamstown? Please come and join Hoosic River Revival for a fun afternoon of paddling, nature and good company on the river and at Tourists! Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for these events but not required.
Schedule
Meet at 1:30 pm at Ashton Ave Bridge river access in North Adams. Cars will then be shuttled to the takeout at Lauren’s Launch in Williamstown. Once shuttlers have returned to Ashton Ave, the float trip will begin! Please note that Hoosic River Revival is not liable for any injury or property damage; liability waivers will be provided to all floaters/paddlers at Ashton Ave and must be signed in order to participate. All minors must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult.
The float trip takes approximately 2-3 hours, but we plan to take our time and pick up trash, stop at gravel bars, and generally enjoy nature. We expect to arrive at Lauren’s Launch around 5:30 pm, at which point paddlers will be shuttled back to their cars at Ashton Ave.
The Post-Float Gathering at Tourists (915 State Road, North Adams) will run from 6:00-8:00 pm. The folks at Tourists are expecting kayakers, so don’t feel you have to go home to clean up! Our event will end just in time for Tourists “SING FOR YOUR SLUMBER” concert series - feel free to stick around and enjoy the free concert!
Important Information
There is no fee to join the float or the after party! Food and drink will be available for purchase at the Post-Float Gathering at Tourists. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for these events but not required.
You must provide your own canoe or kayak (please, no tubes), as well as life jacket. A life jacket is required to be present on all watercrafts by Massachusetts state law. Please pack yourself any food and drink that you will require on the water.
No boat or not able to paddle? No problem! Just join us at Tourists for the Post-Float Gathering instead! The festivities at Tourists will run from 6:00-8:00 pm. There will be food and drink available for purchase. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for both the floating and the gathering to help us (and Tourists!) with headcount.
Hoosic River Revival is not liable for any injury or property damage; liability waivers will be provided to all paddlers/floaters at Ashton Ave and must be signed in order to participate.
This is a family-friendly event but please note the following:
all minors must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult;
if river levels are lower, you (and everyone in your party) may need to get out of your vessel from time to time; therefore, everyone in your party needs to be fit enough to handle a few short portages; and,
though not the most difficult section of the Hoosic River, everyone in your party should be comfortable with paddling a river.
In the event of inclement weather, or if the river’s water levels are too low or too high, the float portion of event will be canceled, but the Post-Float Gathering will persist. All pre-registrants will be notified by email of cancellation and made aware of a rain date for the float; the Post-Float Gathering at Tourists will carry on from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Some HRR Board members will be present on the float trip and at the after party at Tourists and would be happy to talk to you about making the Hoosic River a better resource for the community, and to listen to your thoughts and concerns.
Questions? Contact HRR Board member (and Float Captain!) Brian Sloss, or email the HRR office at info@hoosicriverrevival.org.