{"id":14056,"date":"2017-10-03T14:00:58","date_gmt":"2017-10-03T21:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/community.nrs.com\/?p=14056"},"modified":"2022-01-06T06:53:38","modified_gmt":"2022-01-06T14:53:38","slug":"moose-fest-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2017\/10\/03\/moose-fest-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"Moose Fest: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every year, on the second weekend of October the northeast whitewater community descends upon the Moose River. Nestled in the western edge of the great Adirondack Park, the Moose River is a classic that provides whitewater for numerous skill levels, and amazing scenery.<\/p>\n

This year, the festival takes place on the weekend of October 13-15, with most paddlers arriving Friday evening and hitting the town in Old Forge. With Old Man Winter knocking at the doorstep, most experienced festival-goers will cram a few friends into a hotel room, but camping is available at the Fowlerville put in, or closer to the party in Old Forge.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Geoff Calhoun paddles Crystal Rapid on the Bottom Moose. Photo: Justin Beckwith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following an early morning at your diner of choice, it\u2019s time to decide what to paddle. The Middle Moose, bursting with fall foliage, is a heavy beginner trip that\u2019s sure to please. As you near the Lower Moose, things start to pick up. Long class 2-3 stretches are punctuated by a handful of larger rapids guaranteed to get the adrenaline flowing. Don\u2019t worry, there are paths to scout and portage. This section is an excellent introduction to creek boating, but don\u2019t spent too much time scouting or it will be a long day.<\/p>\n

The real show happens on the Bottom Moose. This classic run entices paddlers to make annual pilgrimages for big slides, pushy waterfalls, and beautiful scenery. Launch through the trees into the river off the on ramp and drop into the impressive\u2014and intimidating\u2014Fowlerville Falls. The Bottom Moose waterfalls may seem big, but they end in large flat pools, making it an excellent training ground, and a social experience. Don\u2019t be surprised if you see big-name paddlers sharing eddies with paddlers who are just breaking into Class 4-5.<\/p>\n

Agers Falls marks the beginning of the Bottom Bottom section of the Moose. This section starts with a 16-foot auto-boof and continues to grow more technical down to the largest rapid, Crystal. Whether you choose to run it, or join the crowd cheering paddlers on, Crystal is absolutely beautiful. In typical Moose River fashion Crystal offers three distinctly different lines. If you aren\u2019t feeling up to the falling staircase called Alpine Line, there is the multi-stage triple boof Main Line and a few sneak options. Not done? Go check out Magilla and her little sister Matilda at the takeout.<\/p>\n