The Moose River Scouting Report

The Moose River Background:

The Moose River is one of the most spectacular rivers on the East Coast. Located in Upstate, NY just outside of Old Forge, The Moose has something to offer whitewater paddlers of all skill levels. The Bottom Moose is by far the main attraction for kayakers, canoeists and spectators alike. The entire river is accessible by foot, which makes this a favorite among spectators and family members alike.

The scenery, especially in the fall, would be reason enough to make the journey to this natural beauty. But let's not kid ourselves. People flock to The Bottom Moose to canoe and kayak it's classic class v whitewater. Pool-drop in nature, The Bottom Moose boasts a 40 foot long by 60 foot high slide, an 18 foot high waterfall, and some of the most technical rapids in the Northeast.

The Moose River Paddling Information:

• Section: The Bottom Moose
• Trip Length: 5 miles
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Classification: Class V
• Gauge: McKeever Gauge
• Levels: 2 feet to 5 feet
• Register: Hydro Office across from Crystal Falls

Shuttle Information:

• Take Out: Lyons Falls
  
• Put In: Above Fowlerville Falls
  
• Shuttle Map: View this map for more detail.
  
• Directions: From the West

The Bottom Moose River Scouting and Rapids:

1. Fowlerville Falls:
   If you're the type of kayaker that likes to do some practice rolls before hitting the big stuff, you'd better get your fill at the put-in. After short paddle across some flatwater you'll come to Fowlerville Falls. Scout this 40 foot slide from River left. Follow the main flow of water down the left side and prepare for impact! You will probably want to keep your paddle over your head on the way down as more than one kayaker has broken their nose as they plunged into the water at the base. Be sure to paddle hard out of the hole at the bottom. If you get stuck in it and must pull, don't expect to get your boat back until the next summer.

2. Diamond Splitter:
   Aptly named, scout this one on river right. If you have elbow pads now would be a good time to put them on. Run down the right channel being sure to angle toward the right through the diagonal. There is a boof move that can be run on the left side but be careful. The hole below is very sticky.

3. Knife's Edge:
   There is always an ominous aura that surrounds this pot hole filled drop as it has claimed at least one boater's life. Scout from river right and notice the sneak route just beyond the nasty stuff. To run the rapid, start off on river right and turn left over the drop. Then make a hard right along the smooth rock face. Some boaters will boof the far right ledge although I don't advise it since it is really easy to slide off sideways en route to the boof.

4. Double Falls:
   This rapid is easy to spot as you'll see a horizon line with a bridge and dam off in the distance. There are many routes through this wide rapid. Scout from river right and pay close attention to where the holes are as you don't want to be stuck in them.

5. Agers Falls:
   There is a small dam above Agers falls that is easily noticed as the first horizon line after Double Falls. Scout Agers from river right. Run it down the middle. It is a pretty docile drop as far as 18 footers go. You'll land just above a class iv ledge. You can take out at river right, climb up with your boat, and do it again if you like. This drop makes for some really cool photos if taken from the right vantage point.

6. Surform:
   Named after a surform file, this is a long, shallow, and gnarly rapid. It contains 2 channels that must be scouted. There is no shame in portaging this rapid. The long walk will be well worth it and at least you'll get to keep your skin.

7. Powerline:
   When you see a set of power lines running overhead, brace yourself for quite a ride. Scout this rapid from the boulders on river left. If the awkward waves don't flip you the holes will surely try.

8. Crystal Falls:
   Oh Boy! Crystal Falls is the Cadillac of The Bottom Moose River. It is a complicated rapid over a series of ledges that climaxes over a 15 foot drop at the end. Quick and sure recovery is required after each drop and the holes are sticky. Scout from river right. Plan your line over each of the drops so that you are lined up for the next one. At the final approach be sure to take a hard left that will line you up for the final drop to the far left. Plunging over the final drop is akin to being flushed down a toilet. There are some "hero" routes through this rapid but I'd rather leave them to your imagination. This whole section makes for some spectacular pictures worthy of framing.

9. Lyons Falls:
   The vast majority of boaters don't do this final drop as the takeout is above it, the lines through this finger-link arrangement are not very friendly, and there is often not enough water.