Skip to main content
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
  • See & Do
    • See & Do
    • See all
      • See all
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
      • Accessibility
      • Arts
      • Attractions
      • Downtown
      • Health & Wellness
      • History
      • Live Music
      • Parks
      • Shopping
      • Stories
      • Weddings
  • Outdoors
    • Outdoors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Hiking
        • See all
        • Nature Walks
      • ADK Guides & Tours
      • Birding
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Cross-Country Skiing
      • Cycling
      • Downhill Skiing
      • Fishing
      • Golfing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Mountain Biking
      • Paddling
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
    • Eat & Drink
    • See all
    • Cafés & Coffee Shops
    • Craft Beer & Cocktails
    • Restaurants
  • Events
    • Events
    • See all
    • Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
    • ArtWorks ArtMarkets
    • Can-Am Rugby Tournament
    • Celebrate Paddling ADK
    • First Night Saranac Lake
    • Plein Air Festival
    • Winter Carnival
    • 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
    • Stay
    • See all
    • Cabins & Cottages
    • Camping
    • Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts, Hotels, Motels
    • Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
    • First Time Visitors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Accessibility
      • Downtown
      • Getting Here
      • Greater Region
      • Stories
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
  • Local
    • Local title-header
      • Live Here
        • See all
        • Meet the Locals
        • Real Estate
        • Town of Harrietstown
        • Town of North Elba
        • Town of St. Armand
        • Village of Saranac Lake
      • Do Business Here
        • See all
        • Chamber Job Board
        • Essex County IDA
        • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
        • Professional Services
        • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
      • Community Initiatives
        • See all
        • Arts & Culture Master Plan
        • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
        • Saranac Lake Brand
        • Village Community Development Department
What can we help you find?
  • See & Do
      1. See & Do
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
        3. Accessibility
        4. Arts
        5. Attractions
        6. Downtown
        7. Health & Wellness
        8. History
        9. Live Music
        10. Parks
        11. Shopping
        12. Stories
        13. Weddings
  • Outdoors
      1. Outdoors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Hiking
          • See all
          • Nature Walks
        3. ADK Guides & Tours
        4. Birding
        5. Boating
        6. Camping
        7. Cross-Country Skiing
        8. Cycling
        9. Downhill Skiing
        10. Fishing
        11. Golfing
        12. Ice Fishing
        13. Mountain Biking
        14. Paddling
        15. Snowmobiling
        16. Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
      1. Eat & Drink
      2. See all
      3. Cafés & Coffee Shops
      4. Craft Beer & Cocktails
      5. Restaurants
  • Events
      1. Events
      2. See all
      3. Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
      4. ArtWorks ArtMarkets
      5. Can-Am Rugby Tournament
      6. Celebrate Paddling ADK
      7. First Night Saranac Lake
      8. Plein Air Festival
      9. Winter Carnival
      10. 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
      1. Stay
      2. See all
      3. Cabins & Cottages
      4. Camping
      5. Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
      6. Resorts, Hotels, Motels
      7. Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
      1. First Time Visitors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Accessibility
        3. Downtown
        4. Getting Here
        5. Greater Region
        6. Stories
        7. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
  • Local
      1. Local
        1. Live Here
          • See all
          • Meet the Locals
          • Real Estate
          • Town of Harrietstown
          • Town of North Elba
          • Town of St. Armand
          • Village of Saranac Lake
        2. Do Business Here
          • See all
          • Chamber Job Board
          • Essex County IDA
          • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
          • Professional Services
          • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
        3. Community Initiatives
          • See all
          • Arts & Culture Master Plan
          • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
          • Saranac Lake Brand
          • Village Community Development Department

Be there at the finish!

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
Pamela Merritt
August 28, 2017

The "Highway of the Adirondacks" began a long time before our present two-lane roads. It was much easier to paddle a birchbark canoe through a waterway, which offers fewer barriers than a dense forest.

These were the abundant river and lake routes that were joined by varying length of carries, also known as portaging, or as I think of it, the option of "carrying a canoe on your head."

Every fall, paddlers from all walks of life converge on the route known as the 90 Miler, the Adirondack Canoe Classic. Three days, almost 300 boats, three different classes of canoes, kayaks, and guide boats. (War canoes are allowed, too, but there has to be enough paddlers!) There's a big finish at the Saranac Lake docks on the shores of Lake Flower.

You want to be there.

Weekend after Labor Day

Labor Day is not the end of our paddling season, by any means. Especially since the following weekend is when the race takes place.

Fall paddling is a wonderful time to enjoy our waters, which are still warm. Especially toward the end of September, when the glorious fall colors are in full swing.

The idea is to follow the routes made famous by the region’s early settlers and Adirondack guides, who explored the region in the days when these highways were the only ones. They had been shaped by the area's very first settlers, the Native Americans of the Six Nations.

This Old Forge to Saranac Lake portion is also the beginning of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. This is a chain of water routes and hiking paths that continues all the way to Fort Kent, Maine, extending over 740 miles.

Long or short, three days or all the way, it's a paddling dream.

Old and new

For the competitors, this is an intriguing blend of history and high tech. They are following paths used for hundreds of years, but with the latest in paddling and camping gear — sturdy and lighweight.

What do they win? A fantastic experience, mainly. They get bragging rights, a T-shirt, mileage pins, awards, snacks, and boat shuttles from their accommodations to the put-ins and put-outs. While I love paddling myself, I am all about poking along as the spirit moves me, not keeping a pace or portaging the over 5 miles of carries involved.

There's a choice of camping along the route or arranging waterside lodging in the communities along the way. But camping is more likely to land you in the middle of a lot of like-minded companions to share stories and beverages with.

There's an 8 a.m. start from Bissels Field in Long Lake on the Friday of the event, everyone is in Long Lake on Saturday morning, and everyone converges on Saranac Lake on Sunday afternoon.

They range from near-professionals who love to paddle and do it a lot, to people who just don't want to come in last.

It seems to be a human impulse to add a competitive element to things they enjoy doing anyway. Something about having boats ahead and behind you adds to the already delightful thrills of Adirondack paddling and camping.

Everyone remarks on the instant friends and camaraderie the race comes with, and that keeps them coming back year after year.

Party at the dock

The great thing is that people can put their toes in the water by waiting at the finish line.

Bring chairs and coolers, browse the vendor tents, and listen to the stories of who all these folks are waiting for. Friends and relatives are waiting for someone special and appreciate any help in cheering them to shore.

Maybe one day you will have a group waiting in the park and another group paddling their way there. But don't delay! The applications have to be in by July every year. Slots are limited — for questions and help, contact MACS Canoe Livery. They are involved in support and logistics.

Once the event concludes, everyone heads for relaxation and sharing in downtown, just steps away. (The campers are particularly ready to have some food that hasn't been cooked over a campfire.) Our gathering places fill with good feelings and the thrill of victory. Everyone feels that way, no matter what ranking they wind up with at the end of the three days.

And they are right about that.

Whether you are a participant or a festive bystander, come on over and join the party.

Choose your favorite kind of lodging. Fuel up with our dining. Practice on our paddling routes.

Related Stories

Decidedly Different Entertainment
Fall Flavors
On Peaceful Waters
Saranac Lake is Fall-tastic for Kids!
Best Off The Beaten Path Fall Foliage Finds
A Father and Son Tradition
Sunrise Paddling, Saranac Lake Style
10 Cool Reasons to Paddle Saranac Lake
Earth Day Paddling Tips
'Tis the Season
Saranac Lake Adventure Travel
Three Fantastic Fall Hikes in Saranac Lake
A Fall Vacation with Hot Sara
Norman Ridge Ride
Fall Fishing in the Adirondacks
Lost Among the Rows
Paddle the Saranac River
A Decidedly Different Fall Day in Saranac Lake
Fall Events
Lake Kushaqua, A Beautiful Place to Rest
Fall Fun in Saranac Lake
Perfect Paddling at the VIC
Decidedly Different Saranac Lake
A Day of Yoga and Paddling
Paddle Lower Saranac Lake to Fish Creek
Cycling Loops in Saranac Lake
Paddling Middle to Lower Saranac Lake
Rain Won't Keep Us Away: Paddling the St. Regis Canoe Area
Hot Town, Summer in the Village
Paddle Into Spring
Paddling on Lower Saranac Lake
Must Haves for a Cool Paddling Town
A Beautiful Paddle: Hoel to Long Pond via Pink Pond
Boating, Birding, and Boisterousness on the Saranac Chain of Lakes
Three Mind-blowing Facts About St. Regis Canoe Area
Walking the Walk: ArtWalks in Saranac Lake
Finding Winter Finches — and other Cold-Weather Species
6 Must See Winter Carnival Events
The VIC's Black Pond Loop
A Day on McKenzie Mountain
A Fall Hike up St. Regis Mountain
Fall Paddling in the Adirondacks is Amazing!
A Jones Pond Paddle
A Paddle (and Birding!) on Lake Clear Outlet
Beat the Heat!
Saranac Lake Trail Running
Fall for Saranac Lake
Connect with the Saranac Chain
Exploring Dexter Marsh and Santa Clara Flow
Hiking and Birding in Bloomingdale Bog
Rebuilding a Whitewater Park
The VIC: it's luxury hiking!
Walking the Walk: 20 years of ArtWalks in Saranac Lake
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration!
'Round the Mountain Canoe Race - An Event For All Paddlers
Three of Saranac Lake's Best Paddling Routes
First Paddle of the Season down the Saranac River
Family Paddling Day: Planned for You
Canoodlers and Lawn Chair Ladies
Getting First Night Ready
Paddling Jones Pond in the Fall
A Fall Hike Up Mount Baker
An Evening Paddle on Lake Clear Outlet
Azure Mountain Adventure
The Great Adirondack Corn Maze
A Fall Paddle on Little Green Pond
A Fall Paddle on the Floodwood Loop
Top Three Loops for Foliage
Five Fab Fall Viewpoints
Crystal Clear Waters!
Fall Migration is in High Gear!
St Regis Mountain: Paddle and Hike
Fall Seasons Cold Water Paddling
4 Go-To Paddling Destinations for Fall Foliage
Gorgeous leaves, all access
Be there at the finish!
An Evening Paddle on Middle Pond
Crossbills and Boreal Birds
Paddling and Birding along Quebec Brook
McKenzie Road Bouldering
Not just a walk in the park
Rugby — A Gentleman’s Sport
Vroom! Daffest Derby creator shares memories
Slow paddle to Oseetah
Maple, sweetener of the future!
The coolest St. Paddy's Day
Winter Carnival Invention: Arctic Golf
2016 Most Popular Blogs
Get it together — First Night Saranac Lake
Cross Country Skiing in Lake Clear
Enjoying Late Fall Cold Fronts And Their Migrants
A tree for the whole family
Great Fall Birding!
Dia de Muertos at Pine Ridge
A Fall Paddle On Lake Clear Outlet
Don't be afraid of the kayak
The Possibilities Of Fall Birding
A Fall Hike on Baker Mountain
Fall Events: a blaze of glory!
Zooming Around in the Fall
A Rainy Day Birding Trip in Madawaska
Planting seeds
A Ride That Takes You Off The Beaten Path
Don't miss the summer's coolest events
An "event-full" spring
Wonderful Weddings in Cool Places
All things maple, in one weekend!
Yeah, we're cool - no matter what we're wearing!
Gray Jays!
Fun with Ice: Saranac Lake Creativity
2015 Most Popular Blogs
First thing's first: An insider's guide to First Night Saranac Lake
Winter Events You Won't Want To Miss
Trotting for Turkeys
Shopping without the stress
John Brown's Other Bodies
Excellent October Birding!
Five top tips for cooking the hunt
Brighton: Dusk 'til Dawn
Unleash Your Inner Picasso
Paddling and Hiking Around Little Green Pond
Camping in the Cold (Disclaimer: This is NOT a How-To Guide)
A Cool Adirondack Adventure
Daddy Longlegs Love Burlap
Fall Warblers and Other Migrants!
Upcoming Fall Events
Enjoying Late Summer Wildflowers!
Dog Days of Summer aka Beach Time!
Martha Reben: Staring down the Great White Plague
How to have fun at the Art Opening
Paddling and Birding Around Jones Pond
Paddling Middle Pond
Paddling in the Adirondacks for the First Time!
Hiking with the Crew up Baker Mountain
A Wonderful Wellness Weekend
July is when things heat up!
Coming Home to Saranac Lake
Cycle Adirondacks: Pedal On Over
Saranac Inn, golf with a taste of Scotland
Learning to Love Every Season
In Defense of Mud Season
Adirondack Cure for Cabin Fever
February Fun and Games in Saranac Lake
Wedding planning with the pros
Two sides of the Trifecta
Get ready to jam at Winter Carnival
Adirondack Traditions, then and now
Wellness Resolutions: Easy does it!
Four Seasons of High Points
Fly our Adirondack skies
A night on the town in Saranac Lake
Where to find hot beverages
The First Ski of the Season!
Healthy Holidays, Adirondack Style
A picture's worth a thousand words - epic winter events
Birding Along Lake Colby
Saranac Lake Remembers the Great War
A Guide to the Great Indoors
Fall Paddling; Being Ready for the Cold
New fun at Titus Mountain Ski Area
Doing the Doggie Paddle: Paddling the Adirondacks with your pet!
The Blind Owl Band: A true Adirondack band
Norman Bethune, the hero, the artist
The biggest Cure Tour of them all
History Comes Alive in Saranac Lake
Learning to Identify Fall Leaves
The Horse Knows The Way
Paddling and Snorkeling Little Green Pond
A Red Phalarope at Little Clear Pond!
Searching for Fall Warblers and Other Songbirds
Boat Trip Massages: Two Roads to Wellness
Forks, Fests, and Flatwater: 3 Featured Fall events
Paddling Little Clear Pond
3 Short Paddles found in the St. Regis Canoe Area
Paddling Lake Clear Outlet
See artists at work in the mountains
Hiking and Exploring Azure Mountain
An Evening Paddle on Moose Pond
A Great Place to Break Down
A cure cottage tour, a step back in time
The Art Walk is a path to art, music, and fun!
Mid-summer events in Saranac Lake
Adirondack Paddling, Choosing the Right Paddle
Adirondack Paddling - Choosing The Right Boat
Frankenstein Lives! In the old laboratory in the village
“One Particular Island” all to ourselves
Events roundup for Saranac Lake
Roughing it in style: a tour of White Pine Great Camp
Spring Paddling on Lake Colby
One Magic Canoe: The Seven Carries Canoe Route
Roadside Gems, Paddling the Saranac Lake Region
5 Hidden Gems for Hiking, Paddling & Trail Running
Art Event or Fun Party? BluSeed blurs the line
Daffest is just around the corner
Our lakes were born for boating
Cold Water Paddling, Preparation & Fun
Top 10 Spots for Paddling in Adirondacks
Waterhole Wednesdays Feature Free Music
BluSeed Studios planning for busy spring
Spoken Word: Poetry on Stage
Mid-Winter Events 2014
Winter Carnival means live music
Building the Ice Palace
New Years Eve Saranac Lake NY
Winter Family Events
Something to Gobble About
Less than two weeks to Sparkle Village Craft Fair!
Saranac Lake Art Attraction Nov 22 - Dec 28, 2013
Ducks and Otters at Lake Colby
Muskrats!
Hiking during Hunting Season
Goodman Mountain
Ducks on the Pond
Snow up high on McKenzie
You Don't Paddle Into the Wind
Five things you can do in Saranac Lake on Halloween week
Hiking St. Regis Mountain
Fall at the VIC
Panther Trifecta
A Fall Paddle on Jones Pond
A Fall Hike Up Baker Mountain
Sparrows Along Lake Colby
Going to Church
Visitors in My Yard
Painted Landscapes, Clay Demonstrations, and Chickens...all a part of the Artist at Work Studio Tour
A Hike Up Panther Mountain
Where the leaves are on fire with color
Artist at Work Studio Tour this week
The Colors of Late Summer
Fun family events for fall foliage season
Scarface Mountain Adventure
Bloomingdale Bog Birds
Fifth Annual Hobofest: Music, Food and Fun on the Tracks
Late Summer Yard Birds
Stomping out the Saranac 6 – Week 2 – St. Regis Mountain
Hobofest tops the calendar this weekend
FlavorFest at The Wild Center
Farm 2 Fork: Slow Food, Long Life
Hobofest Returns to Saranac Lake
Lows Lower Dam to Lows Ridge, A surf and Turf Adventure
The Osgood's
Pianist Eugene Sirotkine performs August 6th concert to benefit Bartok Cabin
A peaceful afternoon on Jones Pond
Entertaining events will keep you hopping this weekend
Top 5 Family Friendly Activities in the Saranac Lake Area
Hoel Pond to Slang Pond for Lunch
Camping in the rain - better known as "damping"
Paddling and Fishing the Colby’s
Follensby Clear Pond to "Round Pond"
Paper Making with a Purpose at BluSeed Studios
Long Pond to Pink Pond's
From carousels to magic lamps - events to tickle your Spring fancy
Little Clear Pond and Grass Pond, a Canoeing experience
A Taste of Provence at Saranac Lake's Left Bank Cafe
What can we help you find?
Sign up to receive more information.
Enter Email
Do•Stay•Eat•Shop•Events
Work Here•Contact Us•DEI•Media Kit•Privacy Policy
39 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Powered by the Regional Office of
Sustainable Tourism
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE
We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING! Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! Tell us more about what interests you, and we can help you plan your next trip.
MANAGE YOUR PREFERENCES