Safety & What to Bring
The Black River is a beautiful paddle — and like any river, it deserves your respect. Please come prepared.
Required for all participants:
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) / life jacket — must be worn at all times on the water. This includes children.
- Properly fitted helmet recommended for less experienced paddlers
What to bring:
- Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in good condition
- Paddle and a backup if you have one
- Dry bag for phone, keys, and valuables
- Water and snacks — it's an 8.6-mile paddle
- Sunscreen and sun protection
- Weather-appropriate clothing — check the forecast the night before
Good to know before you go:
- This is a self-guided event. No staff or safety personnel will be on the river.
- Paddle at your own risk. Check river conditions ahead of time and know your skill level.
- The full route is 8.6 miles. If you're newer to paddling, consider exiting at Burdick's Crossing at mile 4.1.
- Secure all valuables in your vehicle before boarding the shuttle — there is no supervision of belongings at the Lyons Falls launch.
- In the event of an emergency, Route 12 runs parallel to the river and serves as the primary emergency access corridor. Access points are located at Lyons Falls, Burdick's Crossing, and Glenfield.
