Day trips, multi-day adventures, and everything in between

Fall is one of the best times to paddle in Saranac Lake. Cooler temperatures, still waters to cut through with the blade of your paddle, and shorelines dotted with fall foliage make it ideal for exploring the region’s lakes and rivers. Autumn transforms the Adirondacks into a patchwork of color, and paddling puts you right in the middle of it.

Every lake, river bend, and quiet cove offers a front-row view of the season, along with mountain backdrops and mirror-like waters that make fall paddling especially rewarding. Paddlers can choose from short day trips or plan multi-day excursions, with plenty of opportunities to camp along the water.

Follensby Clear Pond Loop

The Follensby Clear Pond Loop is a classic fall paddle that takes roughly 5–6 hours to complete. The route winds through Follensby Clear, Polliwog, and Little Polliwog Ponds, involving a few short carries. Some sections may require negotiating beaver dams or shallow water, adding a bit of adventure to the journey.

Campsites dot the shorelines for paddlers who want to extend the trip into an overnight adventure. For a day paddle, start early and catch a foggy fall sunrise over the water—thermos in hand—and enjoy the loop before afternoon light fades.

Floodwood Loop

For paddlers looking to venture a bit deeper into the Adirondack wilderness, the Floodwood Loop offers a longer, slightly more remote experience than the Follensby Clear Pond Loop. A full trip can take 2–3 days and connects numerous ponds via portages, including Turtle, Slang, Long, Hoel, and Floodwood Ponds. The route also passes through the busier Fish Creek Ponds campground area, providing convenient access points if needed.

With about six portages, some longer, this loop rewards effort with a true sense of immersion in the forested landscape. Campsites are plentiful along the way, making it easy to tailor the trip to your pace. Highly customizable, the loop also allows for layover days to explore nearby features, like a hike up Long Pond Mountain, adding extra adventure and unforgettable views to your fall paddling trip.

Day paddles near the village

Looking for a day paddle close to the village? Lake Flower is an easy and accessible option, perfect for a short morning or afternoon outing. Paddlers can enjoy a leisurely loop around the lake, or extend the trip into nearby Oseetah Lake for a longer adventure. 

For those who prefer a river route, the Saranac River offers a scenic paddle from Saranac Lake to Bloomingdale, following the waterway through calm stretches and tree-lined banks. Continue farther and the river leads to Moose Pond, a quiet spot framed by stunning fall views. From here, paddlers can access a hiking trail to the pond’s shore, making it a perfect place to stretch your legs mid-paddle.

Both routes offer crisp autumn air, colorful foliage, and the peaceful rhythm of paddling, all starting right from the village of Saranac Lake.

The Saranac Lake Chain

The Saranac Lake Chain is one of the most iconic paddling routes in the Adirondacks, offering options for both ambitious multi-day trips and rewarding day paddles.

Experienced paddlers can take on the full chain, connecting Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lakes in a journey that delivers a true Adirondack wilderness experience. This segment of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail includes a portage between Upper and Middle Saranac, while the hand-operated locks provide passage between Middle and Lower. Primitive campsites, accessible only by boat, are scattered across the islands of Middle and Lower Saranac through the Saranac Lake Islands Campground. The full traverse can be customized to last several days, with plenty of opportunities to explore and camp along the way.

Those looking for a half-day adventure can focus on one lake at a time. A paddle on Middle Saranac Lake pairs beautifully with an excursion into Weller Pond, a quiet and scenic detour. On Lower Saranac Lake, a trip into Second Pond offers a rewarding outing close to town with the same colorful shoreline views that make fall paddling so special.

The Seven Carries

The Seven Carries is a moderate and historic route, once favored by Gilded Age visitors seeking a wilderness escape. Stretching about 8–9 miles, it can be completed in a single long day, though many paddlers opt for a more relaxed overnight. The name is something of a misnomer; while the route once required seven carries, today it typically involves six, depending on access and water levels.

This scenic journey skirts the edge of the St. Regis Canoe Area and connects a series of ponds and lakes. Along the way, paddlers travel through Little Clear Pond, St. Regis Pond, Green Pond, and Bear Pond before finishing on Lower St. Regis Lake. The larger lakes, including Upper and Lower St. Regis, sometimes allow motorboats, but much of the route remains quiet and remote, offering the perfect blend of history, scenery, and Adirondack atmosphere.

The Nine Carries

For paddlers seeking a more challenging and remote experience than the Seven Carries, the Nine Carries is a strenuous trip that ventures deep into the St. Regis Canoe Area’s wilderness. Covering 12 to 15 miles as a one-way journey, or extendable into a longer loop, this route features more numerous, longer, and rugged portages, with trails that can be muddy or obstructed by blowdown. Lightweight boats are essential for navigating the terrain.

This trip is best suited for experienced paddlers looking for a true backcountry adventure. The route typically requires at least one overnight stay and passes through ponds including Fish, St. Regis, Ochre, and Long, with the option to hike Long Pond Mountain. Along the way, paddlers can enjoy increased solitude, pristine wilderness, and excellent brook trout fishing, making the Nine Carries a rewarding challenge for those prepared to tackle it.

St. Regis Ponds Loop

The St. Regis Ponds Loop is a strenuous, remote trip that ventures deep into the wilderness, perfect for experienced paddlers seeking a true backcountry adventure. The route can be started from several different access points and connects Upper Saranac Lake, Hatchery Brook, St. Regis Pond, Fish Pond, and Floodwood Pond. Paddling clockwise with the flow of Hatchery Brook is recommended, and while the route includes some smaller streams, it primarily traverses numerous ponds.

This initial section covers 35 to 40 miles and includes 10 to 14 portages through ponds and small streams. The journey typically takes 4–5 days, offering increased solitude, scenic beauty, and the kind of wilderness immersion that defines paddling in the Adirondacks.

Bonus paddle: Osgood Pond & Osgood River

For a late-fall paddling adventure, consider Osgood Pond and the Osgood River. This route is best after peak foliage has passed, as it offers a rare chance to see tamarack trees in their brilliant golden colors, typically peaking in mid-October. Paddlers are treated to an up-close view of these unique trees as they line the river, creating a striking contrast against the quieter late-season landscape.

The route includes a lean-to along the river as well as a handful of primitive campsites, making it ideal for an overnight. Osgood Pond and the connecting river provide a peaceful, secluded experience, perfect for paddlers looking to extend their fall adventures and enjoy one of the Adirondacks’ more hidden autumn highlights.

Prepare for your next adventure

As you plan your next paddling adventure in the Saranac Lake region, preparation is key, especially in the cooler late-fall months. Local outfitters can provide maps, gear rentals, and expert advice to help you make the most of your trip. Always follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the wilderness you’re exploring.

Plan carefully for shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and the risks of cold-water paddling. Layered clothing, dry bags, and knowledge of portages and access points can make all the difference. With thoughtful planning, you can safely enjoy the crisp air, vibrant foliage, and serene waterways that make fall paddling in Saranac Lake such a rewarding experience.