Lower Saranac Lake, one of the lakes within the Saranac chain in the Adirondacks, can be accessed from a few other areas, such as Ampersand Bay, but the most popular launch and access area is located via First Pond off Route 3. Lower Saranac Lake is a large lake with access to dozens of miles of shoreline. Camping is abundant on this lake on the Saranac Islands; reservations through the DEC are required. Middle Saranac Lake can also be accessed via the Saranac River to the SW end of the lake. Hang out and explore the many narrows and bay this lake has to offer and come back plenty to see new and exciting new land features.
How to get there:
From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in Saranac Lake follow Route 3 toward Tupper Lake. Continue for just over 4-miles to the state boat launch site for second pond on your left.
Type of launch:
Concrete launch from the state access area
Type of water:
This is a very large lake with almost no protection from the elements or windy conditions. While on some days it can be very calm, other days it can whip up some decent sized whitecaps. The conditions are a bit more favorable around the islands and can be used a sheltered paddling as needed. Always be on the lookout for motorboats they can be abundant.