The 17,000 acre Hudson Gorge Primitive Area is located in Essex and Hamilton Counties. It is located north of NY 28 between the hamlets of Indian Lake and North River, near the center of the Adirondack Park.

The steep-sided Hudson Gorge is one of the most spectacular reaches of the Hudson River. Whitewater rafting through the gorge is the most popular recreational activity in the primitive area. Currently there is limited foot trail access and the interior of the area offers great opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing as well as trapping in a wild setting.

Most visitors to the primitive area have been customers of whitewater rafting outfitters, who have led rafting trips between the Lake Abanakee dam on the Indian River to the hamlet of North River on the Hudson, 16 miles away.  The plan for the future North Country National Scenic Trail to pass through the primitive area will create more visitors to this remote section of the Adirondacks.