Paddling
Paddling in the Adirondacks
The combination of water and mountains might be what makes the Adirondacks so special. Taking your canoe or kayak out onto a wide-open lake, scenic backcountry pond, or winding river will let you experience these mountains in a way only the Adirondacks can deliver. All of our different communities and regions, like Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and Hamilton County, offer easy access to the over 3,000 lakes and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams within the 6-million-acre park.
Paddle These Regions
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is one of the best places in the Adirondacks to dip your paddle in the water. Calm, meandering waterways like Lake Flower, the Saranac River, and Lower Saranac Lake are easily accessible and offer beautiful views, abundant wildlife, and convenient spots to stop for a snack or a swim. The Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge is a fun way to explore five classic routes at your own pace, with a patch to celebrate your accomplishment. Oh, and Saranac Lake is also home to the Saint Regis Canoe Area, the only designated canoe area in the state.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is full of easy-to-reach paddling spots perfect for families, new paddlers, and anyone looking for a peaceful float. The Raquette River, Simon Pond, and Stony Creek Ponds are just a few favorites, offering gentle currents, unique views, and plenty of wildlife along the way. Try the Tupper Lake Paddling Triad, a beginner-friendly challenge of three scenic routes that’s ideal for a weekend or a few summer outings.
Experience Our Adirondacks
Hamilton County is a dream come true for paddlers of all skill levels, especially those just starting to dip their paddles into the world of Adirondack waters. With peaceful routes on lakes that give many towns their names, like Long Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, and Raquette Lake, access is convenient and views are exceptional. For a more immersive backcountry feel, short portages lead to quiet, tucked-away gems like South Pond and Rock Lake, perfect for spotting loons, relaxing in nature, and building confidence on the water.
Adirondack paddling events and challenges
Find Your Place
The Adirondacks are big, really big. But that just means there are more lakes, ponds, and rivers to explore, and more regions to do it in. From riverside villages to lakeshore communities, each region has its own personality, pace, and waters. One region might offer slow, meandering rivers, while another offers fun and engaging whitewater. With unique histories, cultures, and waterways, these communities aren’t just places to paddle, they’re experiences all their own. Discover each region's paddling opportunities below, get a feel for each one, and find the regions that speak the most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Late spring through early fall. Be careful setting off on the water in early spring or late fall, when the water is chilly and dangerous. Be prepared when paddling in cold water with many layers and waterproof gear.
Locations like St. Regis Canoe Outfitters and Adirondack Lakes & Trails in Saranac Lake, along with Raquette River Outfitters in Tupper Lake, can have you in a canoe or kayak rental in no time. They also offer guided trips!
Yes! Saranac Lake and the surrounding regions host Celebrate Paddling, a month-long festival that includes paddling-focused educational events, group paddles, and music.
You can find trips that take you right from the town you rent your canoe in to multi-day trips that involve overnight camping and portages in the Saint Regis Canoe Area.
Yes! The Adirondack Canoe Classic (the 90 Miler) takes you through multiple regions over three days, while shorter races like the Willard Hanmer and ‘Round the Mountain in Saranac Lake are shorter and take less than an hour or two. The Three P race in Saranac Lake includes paddling, but also combines other recreation activities.