Home to world-renowned whitewater play areas, the Jefferson County portion of the Black River is the most populated. From Carthage to the mouth of Black River Bay and Lake Ontario, the river drops almost 500 feet in this 30-mile stretch. The rapid flow creates whitewater runs and play areas that have attracted four rafting companies and kayaking outfitters.
Watertown is the urban hub and home to restaurants, shopping and an array of accommodations. The city has created riverwalk parks and observation areas to view kayakers and rafting parties. Watertown has hosted the North American Freestyle Kayak Championships and has been the first stop on the Kayaking World Cup multiple times.
Also stationed along the Whitewater area is more than a half dozen small communities with boat launches, public fishing decks and parks.
