The Hudson Gorge Wilderness Area totals 24,477 acres of State Forest Preserve, and is located in the town of Minerva, Newcomb, and Indian Lake. While the main attraction is the Hudson River Gorge for its famous whitewater, and for its hiking trails, hunters will also find a variety of terrain and wildlife if they are willing to bushwhack a bit.
Hiking
There are a handful of trails leading to views of the Hudson River, tall waterfalls, and backcountry ponds in the Wilderness Area.
- OK Slip Falls - One of the tallest waterfalls in the Adirondacks
- Ross, Whortleberry, and Big Bad Luck ponds - Same trailhead as OK Slip Falls
- Blue Ledges - Scenic rock ledges on the edge of the Hudson River
Whitewater rafting
The Hudson River has the longest stretch of whitewater in New York, and the Hudson Gorge Wilderness Area and Indian Lake are at the epicenter of whitewater rafting in the Adirondacks.
Hunting
All lands designated as Wilderness are open to hunting. The Chain Lakes Road South seasonal access parking area is located north of the Old Gooley Club parking area. This can be driven to during the big game season. Also during big game season, there is motorized access to three designated primitive tent sites along the Chain Lakes Road South and four sites along the Camp 6 Road.
