Ausable?

[redhawk]

According to the Adirondack Explorer, this is suposed to be a pretty good paddle (except for the runoff, which is now). Has some great views of Whiteface as well as Algonquin and the Sentinal range. About 4 miles, anyone done it?

Also the East Branch from just before Jay to Upper Jay which is also a 4 mile paddle.

[kwc]

been by there a bunch of times ... it looks very tempting. follows the road much of the time. i don't ever remember seeing any whitewater ...

[Kevin]

I'd be interested as part of a weekend in the high peaks thing. I wouldn't drive all the way up there just for a 4 mile paddle though. Maybe doing this in conjunction with something else would work to fill a long summer's day.

[redhawk]

I'd be interested as part of a weekend in the high peaks thing. I wouldn't drive all the way up there just for a 4 mile paddle though. Maybe doing this in conjunction with something else would work to fill a long summer's day.

Padle the four miles on the East branch, pull out, eat some lunch and then put in and padle the section on the West Branch. Thats a day, especially if you stop and explore.

[Kevin]

Padle the four miles on the East branch, pull out, eat some lunch and then put in and padle the section on the West Branch. Thats a day, especially if you stop and explore.

Yup, that sounds good... assuming the water is nearly flat. Any class 2 or higher white water and I can't do it. Period.

[redhawk]

Yup, that sounds good... assuming the water is nearly flat. Any class 2 or higher white water and I can't do it. Period.

Well, I'll have the 11.5' Yak here too. We'll see how it does in faster water this weekend. If I can find any takers I'll make the run from the dam to the campground with it this weekend (Maybe Sunday).

I figure that with the road running right along the river if I need to get out, I can do it about anywhere. Just need either company, or someone to shadow me on the road that couple of miles.

Air temp is supposed to be decent, water should be a couple of degrees warmer then last weekend so I/we should be fine. I may evn go play in the river between the dam and the bridge today or tomorrow.

As far as the water up there in the Ausable, pretty flat, except for the runoff period. Did I see an Adirondack Explorer on the back seat of your car? If it's the latest, the article is in there.

[serotonin]

I'd be interested as part of a weekend in the high peaks thing. I wouldn't drive all the way up there just for a 4 mile paddle though. Maybe doing this in conjunction with something else would work to fill a long summer's day.

Look into the Chubb river. That'll get you into some slow water, away from the road. I haven't done it but it sounds GOOD. That stretch of the West Branch is definitely slow water. Just make sure you get out before route 86.

[fvrwld]

I have long wanted to paddle the West branch Ausable. I also think it would be cool to take the side trip up the Chubb as Serotonin suggested(Thanks! ) I was under the impression that it is quite flat as far north as the monument in wilmington (just south of monument falls where the whitewater starts). There is a small parking area there. About a mile or so is also flat from the dam in Wilmington(by the route 9N bridge) and south. There is some good trout fishing in that area.

From what I've seen of the East Branch I don't think it is anything I want to do with my yak.

How about making a weekend of it and staying at Wilmington Notch Campgound? I also know of a primitive site on the West Branch by the flume.

One of the days i might sneak off and hike Whiteface and Esther...maybe while others are doing the East Branch.

[serotonin]

I was under the impression that it is quite flat as far north as the monument in wilmington (just south of monument falls where the whitewater starts).

I was thinking of a pool i had fished, shortly after the river passes 86. There's a small rocky plunge with current, that continues into more flat water. (It's usually a bear to wade across, but wouldn't even register on serious kayakers' meters). Beyond that i can't say. Not sure what kind of water you guys are comfortable with.

If strictly flat water is what you guys desire, you might want to pull out at 86. That's just what i've been told.

I've heard nice things about the Chubb, for an interesting leisurely paddle...

[fvrwld]

I was thinking of a pool i had fished, shortly after the river passes 86. There's a small rocky plunge with current, that continues into more flat water.

I was unaware of that. It must be where the river is away from the road. Thanks for that info.

I've heard nice things about the Chubb, for an interesting leisurely paddle...

How far can you paddle up the Chubb?

[redhawk]

How about making a weekend of it and staying at Wilmington Notch Campgound? I also know of a primitive site on the West Branch by the flume.

I'm game, depending on finances (if there is a campground fee), transportation and timing.

[kwc]

I'm game, depending on finances (if there is a campground fee), transportation and timing.

Wilmington Notch Campground opens May 6th ... $13 fee per campsite. Most of the other DEC campgrounds up that way open May 20th.

[kwc]

I have long wanted to paddle the West branch Ausable. I also think it would be cool to take the side trip up the Chubb as Serotonin suggested(Thanks! ) I was under the impression that it is quite flat as far north as the monument in wilmington (just south of monument falls where the whitewater starts). There is a small parking area there. About a mile or so is also flat from the dam in Wilmington(by the route 9N bridge) and south. There is some good trout fishing in that area.

From what I've seen of the East Branch I don't think it is anything I want to do with my yak.

How about making a weekend of it and staying at Wilmington Notch Campgound? I also know of a primitive site on the West Branch by the flume.

One of the days i might sneak off and hike Whiteface and Esther...maybe while others are doing the East Branch.

The ADK canoe guidebook says that the Chubb is pretty uninteresting down there ... they do have an interesting write-up about the Chubb above the N-LP trailhead on Averyville Road. The lower Chubb also goes by the LP sewage treatment plant ... don't think that would be very much of a trip highlight!!

[serotonin]

Exactly. You'd want to start further upstream. There is a portage, but it is short. Check out one of the canoe guides for all the details. The route involves a marsh, and supposedly some really great views.