Jorge Espinoza-Gonzalez ’26
Staff Writer
The Deerfield River in Massachusetts is a popular destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts of all skill levels, including your very own Trinity Quest. Its beautiful scenery, varied rapids, and well-trained guides make it a top choice for those seeking a thrilling outdoor adventure. Let’s take a closer look at what a whitewater rafting excursion on the Deerfield River has to offer.
The Deerfield River is located in the picturesque Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. It runs for 76 miles through forested hills, valleys, and historic towns before emptying into the Connecticut River. The river’s Upper and Lower sections offer rafters different levels of rapids and scenery.
The Upper Deerfield is where the most challenging rapids are found. Class III and IV rapids such as Zoar Gap and Dragon’s Tooth require technical paddling skills and offer an exciting ride. The Lower Deerfield, on the other hand, has mostly Class II rapids with a few Class III rapids, making it a great option for families and beginners, like last weekend’s group.
There are several outfitters in the area that offer guided whitewater rafting trips on the Deerfield River. One such outfitter is Zoar Outdoor, the one that the group took, located in Charlemont, Massachusetts. They offer trips on both the Upper and Lower sections of the river, as well as overnight trips that include camping and meals.
Before embarking on a whitewater rafting trip, participants are given safety instructions and provided with all necessary safety gear, including helmets and life jackets. Guides are highly trained and experienced, and they ensure that everyone in the group is safe and having fun. They also teach participants paddling techniques and how to work together as a team to navigate the rapids.
Trinity College, alongside a few families and students from Wesleyan University, took on some of the most thrilling rapids in the area. Zoar Gap is a Class III rapid that required precise paddling to navigate through the narrow, rocky channel; thanks to the helpful guides, our excursion successfully endured it. The waves at the bottom of the gap are often quite large, providing a thrilling ride and surely giving the most novices of the group a second of self-reflection. The excitement of these rapids is balanced by the calm stretches of water in between, allowing participants to take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests while playing fun rafting games or swimming.
One of the unique features of a whitewater rafting trip on the Deerfield River is the option for an overnight trip. Zoar Outdoor offers a two-day trip that includes rafting on the Upper section of the river, camping overnight, and rafting on the Lower section the next day. The camping experience includes delicious meals, campfires, and the opportunity to sleep under the stars. This is a great option for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the outdoor adventure and disconnect from the stresses of daily life.
A whitewater rafting excursion on the Deerfield River in Massachusetts is an exciting and unforgettable adventure that offers something for everyone. From thrilling rapids to stunning scenery, participants will experience the beauty of nature in a unique way. With experienced guides and top-notch safety measures, participants can feel confident and safe as they navigate the rapids and work together as a team. Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight adventure, a whitewater rafting excursion on the Deerfield River is an experience not to be missed. To not miss another rafting excursion or any other fun activity, you can follow Trinity’s Quest on Instagram@trinitycollquest or visit their website for more information https://www.trincoll.edu/quest/.
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