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Paddling in Saranac Lake
Endless waterways ready to be explored

It's in our name

We're called Saranac Lake for a reason; three reasons, actually! There are three Saranac lakes — Upper, Middle, and Lower — and they're all connected by the Saranac River, which flows right through downtown. 

Start downtown

There are two ways to get on the water from downtown Saranac Lake. For a paddle that boasts backcountry views without actually getting into the backcountry, put-in in the Saranac River and head downstream. If you prefer the feel of bigger water, you can start at the Lake Flower boat launch and head to Oseetah Lake, where views of mountains, including some of the Saranac Lake 6ers, dominate the horizon. From Oseetah, it’s possible to go all the way to Lower Saranac Lake. 

For a totally different feel take a lazy paddle on Lake Colby, then go for a swim at the lake’s sandy beach. Be sure to stick around for sunset — this is one of the best places to see it from.

More to explore

Saranac Lake is surrounded by lakes and ponds, and most of them are a short drive from town. If you love to paddle and want a true taste of the Adirondacks, don’t miss the magnificent St. Regis Canoe Area. The only designated canoe area in New York state, this 18,400-acre paradise has about 50 ponds and 70 campsites within its boundaries. 

Beyond the St. Regis Canoe Area, there are dozens of rivers, lakes, and ponds to explore. Pick up a paddler’s guide and head out today!

Outfitters and guides

If you are interested in a day trip and don’t have the gear—no worries! Outfitters in Saranac Lake will hook you up with the everything you need, from kayaks to canoes to SUPs. If you are interested in longer trips, a licensed guide can lead the way or help plan a multi-day outing. 

Festivals and events

Because paddle sports are so important to us, we celebrate it with a month-long festival! June brings Celebrate Paddling ADK, a month-long celebration of events, guided trips, and other activities centered around paddling.

Saranac Lake is the landing spot for the 90-Miler Canoe Classic, the largest multi-day paddle sports event in the Northeast. This weekend-long race takes paddlers across the “Highway of the Adirondacks” and throughout the Blue Line, from Old Forge to Lake Flower Landing in Saranac Lake. This race is open to all levels of paddlers and all types of boats — just no boats with engines. Along the route, paddlers experience the stunning diversity and beauty of the Adirondacks.

Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Saranac Lake is a stop along the epic 740-mile canoe trail that takes paddlers across the Northeastern United States and parts of Canada. The trail runs from Old Forge, New York to  Fort Kent, Maine.  Whether you plan to paddle the entire route or just a portion, Saranac Lake is a scenic stop along the way.

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK Pledge

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Love Your ADK Pledge

 

St. Regis Canoe Outfitters
We are ideally situated with two bases on the water:
Location:
73 Dorsey Street , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1838
Details
Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters
Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters is your one stop, full service paddling and outdoor shop. We have a complete rental and outfitting service available and 20 years of guiding and...
Location:
541 Lake Flower Ave , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-7450
Details
MACS Canoe Livery
MAC'S Canoe Livery is a family-owned and operated outdoor adventure business that provides canoe and kayak rentals, guided and self-guided treks, and specialty programming. The canoe livery is...
Location:
5859 State Route 30 , Lake Clear , 12945
Phone:
(518) 891-1176
Details
Moose Pond
Moose Pond is a popular 140-acre pond located near Bloomingdale. Fishing, paddling, swimming, camping, and hiking are all common activities. There is a hiking trail from state Route 3, and a...
Details
South Creek to Hungry Bay via Middle Saranac Lake
Paddling
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Follensby Clear Pond to Saginaw Bay
The lowdown
Location:
State Route 30 , Santa Clara , 12980
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Lake Clear to Lake Clear Outlet
The lowdown
Location:
Forest Home Road , Lake Clear , 12945
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Second Pond to Bluff Island on Lower Saranac Lake
Paddling
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Polliwog Pond to Little Polliwog Pond
The lowdown
Location:
Floodwood Road , Paul Smiths , 12970
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Lake Colby Boat Launch
Right outside Saranac Lake, Lake Colby is a great spot that doesn't require much travel to get to!
Location:
State Route 86 , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Lower Saranac Lake
The lowdown
Location:
Route 3 , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Middle Saranac Lake
The lowdown
Location:
Route 3 , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Lake Colby
Right in town and totally beautiful: that's Lake Colby. The lake is dense with plant growth in some areas, which is fun to explore if you are interested in water plants like water lilies and...
Location:
Route 86 , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Second Pond to the Lower Locks
The lowdown
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Northern Forest Canoe Trail
Considered the waterway equivalent of the Appalachian Trail, the NFCT is a 740 mile-long paddling route that starts in the Adirondacks. Paddlers from around the world start right here to begin a...
Location:
Riverside Park , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Little Clear Pond to Grass Pond
The lowdown
Location:
Fish Hatchery Road , Paul Smiths , 12970
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Long Pond to Little Pink Pond
The lowdown
Location:
Floodwood Rd , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Lake Flower
The lowdown
Location:
Route 86 , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Floodwood Pond to Little Square Pond
The lowdown
Location:
Floodwood Road , Paul Smiths , 12970
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Saranac River to Moose Pond Footbridge
The lowdown
Location:
1347 Pine St , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Ampersand Bay on Lower Saranac Lake to Fish Creek
The lowdown
Location:
Bayside Drive , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Upper Saranac Lake
Paddling
Location:
Route 3 , Saranac Lake , 12983
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details
Keese Mill Road Put-in to Paul Smith’s College
Hand Launch
Location:
581 Keese Mill Rd , Paul Smiths , 12970
Phone:
(518) 891-1990
Details

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Upcoming Events

Paul Smith's College VIC - What to Know
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
The nature trails at the Paul Smith's VIC are open dawn to dusk for hiking. Take advantage of great trails on our spectacular natural landscape! The VIC offers something for everyone, with...
COVID Vaccine Appointments Available
Tuesday, April 13th, 2021
Thousands of new appointments are becoming available at all of our state-run mass vaccination sites, including Potsdam and Plattsburgh. If you are aware of any folks who have been frustrated at the...
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Recent Blog Posts...

Treat Yourself, Spring ADK Edition
Friday, April 2nd, 2021
Self-care is earning a very good name for itself, and even when visiting the Adirondacks, no one is immune to the necessity of such a rich practice. Whether it be a yoga class, an outdoor adventure...
The Gift of the Maple Tree
Friday, February 26th, 2021
If you ask me, the maple tree is rather wonderful. In fall, the astonishing change of color from vivid green leaves to shades of yellow, red, and orange light up the Adirondacks to the awe of...
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Earn Your Patch There’s an adventurous spirit in all of us. In Saranac Lake, you can answer that call by becoming a Saranac Lake 6er.
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Unplug Outdoors The mountains, rivers, and lakes bordering Saranac Lake aren’t just for show, and those boots on everyone’s feet aren’t a bold new fashion statement.
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Enter to Win Sample Saranac Lake with this getaway package. Enter now!
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