New England Paddler
Hoosic River Reach 14
Schaghticoke Dam to Brookfield Power Substation
Hoosic River Reach 14
Schaghticoke Dam to Brookfield Power Substation
Schaghticoke Dam to Brookfield Power Substation
Last Updated: 4/2020
[2] Brookfield Power Substation Put-In - 5.3
Position: 42°53.93'N 73°36.00'W
Altitude: 112 feet
Boat Launch:
Park at the designated area at the Power Station. Take-Out for whitewater or Put-In to run down river.
Nearest Address:
47 Powerhouse Road, Schaghticoke, NY 1215
- Arrive at the end of Powerhouse Road at the Brookfield Power substation. There is a sign for parking. It's limited parking, 3 to 4 vehicles.
Above is the power station. The ride in can make you wonder if you are traveling correctly. Even if you are unsure on the gravel roads, cross the bridge and follow to the end at this station.
Use the break in the guard rail 200 yards before the station as your take-out site. There is a sign indicate daylight hours ownly.
[1] Whitewater Schaghticoke Put-In - Mile 7.2
Position: 42°53.75'N 73°35.30'W
Boat Launch:
There is no formal put-in. Park at the Presbyterian United Church parking lot. Find your way down the steep bank below the dam. Be ready for immediate Class 3 rapids and it will continue for 30 minutes.
Nearest Address:
165 Main Street, Schaghticoke, NY 12154
Description
This short aggressive reach is not for the faint of heart. In fact, we felt that no one actually traveled this section of the river. After meeting a kayaker that just ran the section (2 May 2018) we realized it deserved recognition.
This two miles of almost constant Class 3 rapids with small breaks should be navigated by a whitewater kayak. An open canoe bagged out may be possible by an expert paddler. We were warned that the rocks are very sharp in the rapids. A flipped boat can get stuck and the paddlers can get some cuts and bruises unexpectedly. We recommend you get some Class 3 plus experience before starting down this stretch.
DAM -
Altitude above dam: 266 feet
Altitude below dam: 224 feet
Altitude drop: 42 feet
Altitude below dam: 224 feet
Altitude drop: 42 feet
Whitewater drop: 112 feet over 1.9 miles
STATISTICS
Skill Level: Class 3
Estimated Time: 1 hours
7.2 - 5.3 = 1.9 miles
Reach Distance: 1.9 miles
USGS Map: Schaghticoke, NY
Warning:
The stretch of river below the Schaghticoke dam and through the Schaghticoke Gorge should be attempted only by experienced white-water kayakers, and only if conditions are right. For information on annual whitewater releases at the “Great Falls” in Schaghticoke, see www.americanwhitewater.org
Whitewater drop: 112 feet over 1.9 miles
