Hudson Gorge Primitive Area

Central Adirondack Trail, State Rt. 28, near Indian Lake in Hamilton County

The Hudson Gorge Primitive Area encompasses approximately 17,000 acres of State Forest Preserve in Essex and Hamilton Counties and is located north of State Route 28 between the hamlets of Indian Lake and North River, near the center of the Adirondack Park.

There are only two official trailheads in the Hudson Gorge Primitive Area. The only trail north of the Hudson River is the one leading from Northwoods Club Road at Huntley Pond to the Blue Ledge on the Hudson River. The only trailhead in the area south of the Hudson is located on Route 28. A marked trail leads to Ross, Whortleberry, and Big Bad Luck Ponds. Most visitors to the area enter on guided rafting expeditions down the Indian and Hudson Rivers. The steep-sided Hudson Gorge is one of the most spectacular reaches of the Hudson River. Whitewater rafting through the gorge is the most popular recreational activity in the primitive area. With limited foot trail access, the interior of the area offers great opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and trapping in a wild setting. Most visitors to the primitive area have been customers of whitewater rafting outfitters, who have led rafting trips between the Lake Abanakee dam on the Indian River to the hamlet of North River on the Hudson, 16 miles away. Though technically large enough to be classified wilderness, the unit was given a primitive classification in recognition of the two large parcels of private land that have significant frontage on the Indian and Hudson Rivers.

LODGING, DINING & OTHER INFORMATION:

• Hamilton County Tourism Information

• Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Adirondack Regional Tourism Council
• Central Adirondack Association