Rebuilt Louisville bridge provides a new paddling route

LOUISVILLE -- The new bridge that carries County Route 39 over the Grasse River in Louisville was rebuilt in 2010 to improve the route for car and truck traffic.

As an added benefit, the project created a new car-top boat launch – one that a group of paddlers took advantage of in a summer outing sponsored by the Laurentian Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

The parking area at the launch site is on the south bank of the river just downstream from the bridge.

Their journey took them about 7.5 miles downstream, including two brief rapids near that start. The remainder of the trip is flat-water all the way into Massena with the take-out at the Massena Fire Station. The riverbank is largely tree-lined all the way to the State Rt. 37 bridge, where Massena residences become prominent. A group of paddlers led by Carol LaDue and Brian Baston from the Laurentian Chapter took this trip. The following is an account of the trip:

A few vehicles were left in the parking lot just above the Massena Fire Station to enable paddlers to get back to Louisville to pick up the vehicles left there during the launch.

Paddlers launched their kayaks on a mid-morning in June, when the river flow was down from the high spring rates. The paddle began on the flat rocks at the boat launch next to the Louisville Bridge. The group navigated to the left side of the river through a shallow rocky area at the very beginning and also a swifter area not far into the paddle where the water was shallow.

When the paddlers reached the swifter water they hugged the shoreline on the left to get ready for the start through the faster moving water. This section appeared to be a Class I level rapid with the water conditions that day. During low water conditions, no doubt kayaks and canoes could be carried over the exposed riverbed.

Just below Louisville, the river broadens slightly with tree lining both shores. Paddlers drifted for some time accompanied by the varying songs of many birds. At one point, an osprey was spotted soaring above.

At 3.9 miles, the group landed at the Massena Rod and Gun Club on the left hand shore. Several paddlers were members of the Club so the group was able to stop at their dock, and went up to the clubhouse for an enjoyable lunch.

After lunch, paddlers continued the downstream paddle through the woods, with the river ever widening. After rounding a broad curve in the river the State Route 37 bridge could be seen in the distance.

Approaching the bridge, several houses came into view in wooded surroundings. There were several fishermen in boats on this stretch of the river, including one who landed a nice bass as we went by. Soon after passing under the bridge, the woods gave way to the town, and many private residences dotted the shoreline leading to the downtown park located next to the Massena Fire Station.

Paddlers went just beyond the park to the fire department on the right where the gentle shoreline makes for an easy take out. This was just above the rapids exposed when the dam breached some years ago.

This paddle took just a bit over 4 hours at a relaxed pace that was enjoyed by all. The route is highly recommended to any group willing to set up the car arrangements necessary to start at one point and end at another, and also that is comfortable with easy moving water.

The ADK Laurentian Chapter runs outdoor trips most weekends year-round. These include canoeing and kayaking trips, hikes, bicycle trips, and ski and snowshoe outings, all depending on the season. The public is invited to participate. For information you can check the chapter’s web site, www.adklaurentian.org or call outings coordinator Bill Mueller at 262-2952.