Tubing the Sacandaga River

Tubing the Sacandaga River in Hadley is a quick and easy thrill. It provides a little bit of everything that you look for in a summer day. With a quick drive through town it is very well known that the rafting industry heavily exists here. The trick isn't knowing what company has the best deals, its knowing how to tube the Sacandaga on your own. You could ask the townies and I'm sure for a Mountain brew or two they may trade you some rafting information, but reading this post will be safer and more reliable.

First things first, find Hadley, NY. As small of a town this truly is, it has some great outdoor things to do, and tubing the Sacandaga is high on that list. When you get into town find Main Street, you'll have a choice of about two roads so choose wisely. Off of Main Street you will find Bridge Street, be sure to turn down this road. You'll cross over a bridge that the Hudson River flows under, off to the right will be Rockwell Falls, and directly underneath you will be the narrowest part of the entire Hudson River. If you look to the distant left, you will see the Sacandaga River flowing into the Hudson.

Stay on Bridge Street for a 1/2 mile and you will take a left onto Old Corinth Road. On this road you will cross a one lane bridge that the Sacandaga River flows under. Right after getting off the bridge on the left hand side you will see a dirt pull off spot. This will be where you will leave one of your vehicles so you won't be stranded after the river ride.

With the tubes in the other vehicle, you'll drive to the top of the river. Pull out of the parking lot heading back toward the bridge, and just before bare a left on the dirt road (Dean Mountain Road). Follow this to the end and bare right onto Antone Mt Road. About 3/4 mile down the road you'll bare right onto County Route 7. On this road, you'll drive over the dam that seperates the Great Sacandaga Lake (on the left) and the Sacandaga River (on the right). Continuing on this road shortly after you pass the river, you will see a sign on the right hand side and a small pull off. This pull off is strictly for dropping off tubes and people. The parking lot where you can leave your vehicle is just up the road on the right hand side.

Park the car, attach your keys to something secure, and grab the tubes. Its a short hike down to the river (on a very well marked and maintained trail). The start of the river has a nice set of rapids, the 2nd biggest set of the trip. Try your best to get out to the middle of the river, and let the current take you from there. Be careful if you get turned around, for the flat rocks like to flip you off your tube. Shortly after the nice set of rapids, the river chills out and becomes lazy. Its a good time to swim or just relax and kick back.

The lazy river will turn into rolling rapids shortly down river. This will add a little excitement to your trip and setting you up for the grand finale. The end set of rapids get as large as class III, providing the most excitement of the ride. You'll go under the bridge you previously drove over, and you will see a take out to the left (don't take that one, stay to the right). You will make your way into the Hudson River, staying close to the right hand side of the shore. After going around the bend of the river, you will see a beach on the right. This is the take out for the people that don't pay, also known as the smart ones.

After a short hike out on the dirt trail, you will see you car sitting nicely on the road. By the end, you'll most likely have spent a little over an hour on the water.

Tips for the Trip~

If I were you, I would wear a life-vest. The Sacandaga is a controlled river and every night between 4:30 and 6:00 they shut the water off, turning the river into a dry creek bed- be sure to plan ahead for this. Always go with two cars and watch the weather. There is nothing like being stuck on a riverbank as lightning strikes. Be smart and paddle on.