Explore Saranac Lake's Serene Waters
Paddling
Explore Saranac Lake's Serene Waters
Paddling
Explore Saranac Lake's Serene Waters
Paddling
Explore Saranac Lake's Serene Waters
Paddling
Paddle the Adirondacks
On-water adventures
Saranac Lake offers some of the best paddling in the Adirondacks, with Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lake all connected by the Saranac River flowing through downtown. Kayaking in Saranac Lake, canoeing, and stand up paddle boarding are all popular ways to explore the area’s extensive paddling routes for every skill level. Local outfitters provide kayak and canoe rentals near Saranac Lake along with all the gear needed for day trips or longer adventures. Guided trips and multi-day outings also make it easy to experience canoe camping and explore remote shoreline sites. With calm waters, scenic views, and unforgettable sunsets, Saranac Lake is a premier destination for paddling in the Adirondacks.
Find your perfect place to paddle
Saranac Lake is surrounded by an incredible network of lakes, rivers, and ponds, offering paddling opportunities for every style and skill level. From easy downtown access to remote wilderness routes, there’s no shortage of places to explore by canoe, kayak, or SUP.
Saranac Lake Chain (Upper, Middle, Lower Saranac Lake): A connected waterway system offering miles of paddling routes, from calm stretches to wide-open lake views.
Saranac River (downtown put-in): Paddle downstream for a peaceful route with a backcountry feel close to town.
Lake Flower to Oseetah Lake: Launch downtown and head into wider waters with sweeping mountain views; continue on to Middle Saranac Lake for a longer trip.
Lake Colby: A relaxed paddle with calm water, a sandy beach, and some of the best sunset views in the area.
Church Pond, Osgood Pond, Moose Pond, Floodwood Pond: Quiet, scenic paddling spots just a short drive from town, ideal for a more secluded experience.
St. Regis Canoe Area: A true Adirondack classic with interconnected ponds, remote campsites, and iconic routes like the Seven Carries—perfect for full-day or multi-day adventures.
Paddle More, Celebrate More
Make the most of your time on the water by joining the Saranac Lake Paddling Challenge and planning your visit around Celebrate Paddling ADK. The challenge invites you to explore a variety of routes across the region, from quiet backwaters to interconnected lakes, while checking off destinations and building your own paddling story. Time your trip with Celebrate Paddling for a weekend of races, guided outings, and community gatherings that bring paddlers of all levels together on the water. Throughout the season, additional paddling events offer more ways to connect, learn, and experience Saranac Lake from a different perspective, one stroke at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paddle sports are a big part of life here, and they’re celebrated all season long. June kicks off Celebrate Paddling ADK, a month-long series of events, guided trips, and activities centered on getting out on the water. Highlights include the Adirondack Paddling Symposium, a four-day event focused on hands-on learning, skill-building, and time on the water for paddlers of all levels. The excitement continues into July with the Willard Hanmer Guideboat and Canoe Race on July 7, where classic Adirondack guideboats race across the lake. Saranac Lake is also the finish line for the 90-Miler Canoe Classic, the largest multi-day paddle sports event in the Northeast, which spans the “Highway of the Adirondacks” from Old Forge to Lake Flower Landing. Open to all levels and non-motorized boats, it’s part of the larger 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail stretching from New York to Maine, making Saranac Lake a key stop for both racers and long-distance adventurers alike.
Saranac Lake makes it easy to get out on the water, even if you’re traveling light. Local sporting goods shops and outfitters offer kayak, canoe, and stand up paddleboard rentals, along with paddles, life jackets, and other essential gear for a safe and enjoyable trip. Many also sell equipment if you’re looking to upgrade or take something home for future adventures. For a full list of places to rent or purchase paddling gear, visit our sporting goods page.
