Day Trips
Class V Whitewater Rafting

Thrilling Rapids on the Housatonic!

What better way to kick off spring than an exciting day of whitewater fun? This is the most intense whitewater to be found locally—and it is only open for rafting in the month of April.

Our licensed whitewater guides will take you on an eight-mile, three-hour ride down class IV and V rapids. We will stop for a snack, then end the day with a three-course lunch at the lodge! Price includes all equipment (wetsuits and helmets), round-trip transportation, snack and hearty three-course lunch. There’s also plenty of beer on tap.

What are you waiting for? Jump in!

What to Expect

Whitewater rafting the spring runoff through Bulls Bridge Gorge is not for the apprehensive. For most of the year, the Gorge is left dry due to a two-mile bypass canal. But normal spring runoff flows into the gorge, creating Class V white water rapids, among the most difficult in New England. In 1984, our outfitter became the first to pioneer these rapids.

We’ll change into full wetsuits, lifejackets, helmets and booties then have a 30-minute safety lesson and orientation. With a short walk across the street, your eight-mile adrenaline rush begins in scenery nothing short of spectacular—boiling whitewater, an old covered bridge, cascading waterfalls and the riverside Appalachian Trail. After a brief shuttle ride back to the base at the well-known Bulls Bridge Inn, you will sit down to a wonderful three-course dinner, reflecting on the day’s excitement with your fellow rafters.

Event Details

• Wear Non-cotton athletic clothing and a swimsuit underneath; dry change of clothes for afterward. River shoes (Tevas or old tennis shoes—no flip-flops!) Please read the Rafting FAQs.
• Bring 1 – 2 liters water. Anything you plan to bring on the raft needs to be in a drybag (available at sporting good stores).
• Depart 7:40 AM; check-in at 7:30 AM
• Departure/Return Location Our passenger vans depart from the NE corner of 73rd Street and Broadway. (Subways to 72nd Street: 1, 2, 3).
• Return Around 6:00 PM
• Reservations are extremely limited—no refunds or transfers for this event.

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Everything You Need to Know Before You Go!

Do I have to know how to swim?

Not at all. If you go for a “swim,” your life jacket does all the work. You just sit back and work with the rescuer.

What should I wear?

No cotton! When cotton gets wet, it makes you colder. We suggest some type of polypropylene, polyester, silk or synthetic long johns as a base layer to wear beneath your wetsuit.

What do I need to bring?

A warm change of clothes, rain gear, swimming shorts, swim suit, sunglasses (with crokies), sunscreen, an waterproof camera, and some shoes you can get wet. We suggest either tennis shoes or a river sandal (Tevas, Chacos). We have a shop on base if you need to need to purchase any of these things!

What do you provide?

We provide the rafts, a guide, wetsuit, life jacket, paddle, helmet, safety equipment, shuttle, riverside snack and meal. Video and photos are available at the end of the trip.

Should we bring our own food?

No, we provide a snack on the river and a big riverside meal after the trip. You’re a vegetarian? No problem. Our BBQ includes steak, boneless marinated chicken, salmon fillet or a veggie burger, along with salads, river rice, rolls and beans.

I’ve never done this before.

You’re not alone. Many people haven’t. There’s a licensed guide with you at all times. We have a detailed Safety & Orientation Talk before you even get on the bus. As long as you’re willing to work with others, participate and have fun, you’ll be fine!

What is CFS?

Cubic feet per second is a measurement of volume and speed of river water as it leaves the dam or natural starting point. Imagine 1 CFS to be about 1 basketball. Generally, this number indicates whether there will be “Big Water” or if you should expect a “Technical” ride. At peak flow, the Housatonic is considered a “Big Water” ride with over 4,800 CFS: imagine being on top of 4,800 basketballs while cruising down the river!

What does Class I – V mean?

River rapids are rated on a scale of I through V, with V being the most difficult.

Do we tip our guide?

If you had a great day, certainly! It is not expected, but greatly appreciated.

What should I bring?

• Full change of clothes and towel, to be left in the van and to be changed into after the trip. A hairdryer is not a bad idea either.
• Bathing suit, secure shoes and warm base layer to wear under your wetsuit. Nylon (not cotton) bathing suit. Old sneakers or Tevas — no hiking boots. Base layer: top and bottoms made of polypropylene, polyester, SmartWool, nylon, silk … anything but cotton.
• Rain gear, in case of rain/snow, to be worn before/after trip. Weather can vary extremely in spring.
• Hat, gloves, socks—wool, poly, or fleece. Remember, no cotton. A skullcap/runner’s hat works great under your helmet for warmth.
• No cotton. Cotton stays wet and lowers body temperature.
• Personal medications (bring two sets). Inhaler, insulin, epi-pen, needed medications must accompany you on the trip.
• A plastic bag, to store your wet bathing suit or clothes on the way home.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

River Information

River Housatonic River, Bulls Bridge Gorge, Kent, Connecticut
Difficulty Class IV – V
Length 8 miles, 2.5 – 3 hrs
Location Kent, Connecticut
Season Spring
Minimum Age 16
Rafts From 6 – 8, plus experienced river rafting guide
Meal Snack and choice of dinner menu
Note Belongings will be locked in the van during the excursion

Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.

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