We begin our tour after a thorough trip briefing, pedaling north on the old National Lead freight line tracks following the rapids of the Hudson and crossing the old trestle bridge at the confluence of the Hudson and Boreas Rivers. We stop to rest, explore and take it all in while enjoying our first view of the Boreas River.

The second leg of the tour continues up to Northwoods Club Road, where we navigate our bikes through a sizable rock slide and proceed to the outlet where Hot Water Pond Brook pours into the Boreas. We take a break while the more adventurous riders can hike up along the brook (approximately .2 miles) to John Burroughs Cave system.

It’s back to the bikes for our third pedal along the Boreas rapids! We encounter the John Burroughs Rapids, also known as “The Straits” and along the Upper Northwoods rapids. In springtime, this is considered the longest stretch of Class IV whitewater in the Adirondack Park. After the rapids, we proceed along the Stillwater section of the Boreas to our turnaround where all are invited to rest at our picnic area, dip your toes in the sparkling waters of the Boreas, explore, and take in the wonder.

Once all are rested and refreshed, it’s back on the rail bikes for a pleasant descent all the way back down-river to our original launch point.