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

Three Mind-blowing Facts About St. Regis Canoe Area

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
Pamela Merritt
March 13, 2019

Longing for an extraordinary nature experience? Consider the Saranac Lake region's St. Regis Canoe Area, where you can sample most of the outdoor activities the Adirondacks has to offer. It's basically a giant buffet of absolutely gorgeous woods and water experiences.

The best part is you have options — you can go full Adirondacks and camp here, or you can make the short drive back to town to enjoy all the amenities of civilization at the end of a full and lovely day. Still not convinced? Here are three mind-blowing facts to get you here!

The biggest

Amazing fact #1: The St. Regis Canoe Area is the largest wilderness canoe area in the northeastern United States

That's right, this special paddling spot is the biggest of its kind in the Adirondacks, in New York state, and in adjoining states. Essentially, if you are looking for this particular kind of environment, in a pristine state, while still being set up for easy and enjoyable exploration, then this is your dream destination. If such a place had an Olympic competition, the nearly 30 square miles of St. Regis Canoe Area would win a gold medal.

Part of what keeps this place special is how it is closed to motor vehicles, motorboats, and aircraft, so the only sounds are those of nature. And what sounds they are! Bird calls dominate the day, while the songs of frogs and loons can be heard at night.

Little Clear Pond is not actually within the Canoe Area, but it is the gateway into this wonderfully wild place. It is home to a popular boat launch, but does not allow fishing since it is where the Adirondack Fish Hatchery releases their stock. And thanks to that, it is a popular place for Common Loons since there is plenty to eat. On a recent paddle I counted eight of the iconic Adirondack birds! Set out at dawn, or plan to return near dusk, and get the maximum amount of loon calls.

Another great feature is the abundance of waterfront lean-tos and primitive campsites, 70 in all. As you can imagine, most of them can only be reached via a canoe or kayak and offer a true waterfront view. Privacy is highly likely. Look for a yellow "Camp Here" disc.

The broadest

Amazing fact #2: Anything nature-oriented to do in the Adirondacks can be done in the St. Regis Canoe Area

If you want to explore nature in the Adirondacks, look no further. It's like the difference between buying gourmet cookies from a bake shop instead of a grocery store. This special, protected tract will connect you to the essence of the Adirondacks.

There's paddling, of course, among the 58 ponds and lakes, some of which are quite large. Short and (relatively) easy carries along well marked paths connect most ponds and lakes.

One amazing thing about this area is the ponds often have distinctly different shorelines, wildlife, plants, and water colors. I've seen deep greens, bright blues, and even turquoise among the ponds, where depths, mineral composition, and times of day change how the water bounces the light.

There are 26-miles of easy, mostly flat, and well-defined hiking trails. For summiting, try a Saranac Lake 6er, like the well-marked trail to St. Regis Mountain's summit, which has a firetower and abundant views of the surrounding lakes and distant peaks.

The Fish Pond Truck Trail offers some easy pond access for fun and photos. The main trail is 4.7 miles, and there are two miles of spur trails, with only 200 feet of ascent from the trailhead to the high point.

Horses are allowed on the Fish Pond Truck Trail and the St. Regis Pond Truck Trail. Mountain bikes are also allowed on these trails. Since this is such a remote area, the fishing is superb and uncrowded. In the winter, these are favorite backcountry trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The boldest

Amazing fact #3: St. Regis Canoe Area has been a world-famous favorite since the Adirondacks became a visitor destination

New York City's high society took to the Adirondacks in the late 19th century. They vacated the hot city, giving us the word vacation. They moved their social circles, via steamship, stagecoach, and then railroad, to their elegant camps, where they entertained the powerful and celebrated of their day. When John Jacob Astor IV chose a name for his Beaux-Arts hotel that would communicate its status as the new high point of style and luxury, he called it the St. Regis.

This timeless paddling paradise was also the hometown of the hospitality industry that would draw visitors from all walks of life. When Paul Smith built his famous hotel in 1859, it was on the shores of Lower St. Regis Lake. His success inspired many others in the same area, and sparked a special St. Regis ritual: the Seven Carries route.

The waters were so abundant here, and the terrain so easy to negotiate, that visitors would paddle and "carry" between seven ponds and three lakes via short, flat, hiking paths known as carries. It used to connect Paul Smith's Hotel, now Paul Smith's College, and the Saranac Inn, of which only a fine golf course remains. It is still a wonderful way to spend a day on the water. Expand into a three night, four day trip with the Nine Carries route.

 


 

Whatever your paddling expectations, it is likely the St. Regis Canoe Area can meet them.

Stay nearby at classic lodging, which includes a historic stagecoach inn, a classic Adirondack resort complex, or an actual Great Camp. Dine on-site at local favorites, or in nearby Saranac Lake. Consult our Adirondack guides to get the most from your trip.

Related Stories

Get Ready: The Tom Boothe Whitewater Park is Coming to Saranac Lake
On Peaceful Waters
5 Reasons to go Birding in Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake Local Spotlight: Meet Jason Smith
A Father and Son Tradition
Sunrise Paddling, Saranac Lake Style
10 Cool Reasons to Paddle Saranac Lake
Earth Day Paddling Tips
Paddle the Saranac River
Lake Kushaqua, A Beautiful Place to Rest
Perfect Paddling at the VIC
A Day of Yoga and Paddling
Paddle Lower Saranac Lake to Fish Creek
Paddling Middle to Lower Saranac Lake
Rain Won't Keep Us Away: Paddling the St. Regis Canoe Area
Paddle Into Spring
Paddling on Lower Saranac Lake
A Beautiful Paddle: Hoel to Long Pond via Pink Pond
Must Haves for a Cool Paddling Town
Three Mind-blowing Facts About St. Regis Canoe Area
Boating, Birding, and Boisterousness on the Saranac Chain of Lakes
Fall Paddling in the Adirondacks is Amazing!
A Jones Pond Paddle
A Paddle (and Birding!) on Lake Clear Outlet
Beat the Heat!
Connect with the Saranac Chain
Exploring Dexter Marsh and Santa Clara Flow
Rebuilding a Whitewater Park
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration!
First Paddle of the Season down the Saranac River
'Round the Mountain Canoe Race - An Event For All Paddlers
Three of Saranac Lake's Best Paddling Routes
Family Paddling Day: Planned for You
Paddling Jones Pond in the Fall
An Evening Paddle on Lake Clear Outlet
A Fall Paddle on Little Green Pond
A Fall Paddle on the Floodwood Loop
Crystal Clear Waters!
St Regis Mountain: Paddle and Hike
4 Go-To Paddling Destinations for Fall Foliage
Fall Seasons Cold Water Paddling
An Evening Paddle on Middle Pond
Be there at the finish!
Paddling and Birding along Quebec Brook
Slow paddle to Oseetah
A Fall Paddle On Lake Clear Outlet
Don't be afraid of the kayak
Don't miss the summer's coolest events
Brighton: Dusk 'til Dawn
Dog Days of Summer aka Beach Time!
Martha Reben: Staring down the Great White Plague
Paddling and Birding Around Jones Pond
Paddling Middle Pond
Paddling in the Adirondacks for the First Time!
In Defense of Mud Season
Four Seasons of High Points
Fall Paddling; Being Ready for the Cold
Doing the Doggie Paddle: Paddling the Adirondacks with your pet!
Learning to Identify Fall Leaves
Paddling and Snorkeling Little Green Pond
A Red Phalarope at Little Clear Pond!
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
An Evening Paddle on Moose Pond
Adirondack Paddling - Choosing The Right Boat
Adirondack Paddling, Choosing the Right Paddle
“One Particular Island” all to ourselves
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
Cold Water Paddling, Preparation & Fun
Top 10 Spots for Paddling in Adirondacks
Muskrats!
You Don't Paddle Into the Wind
Panther Trifecta
A Fall Paddle on Jones Pond
Sparrows Along Lake Colby
Going to Church
Stomping out the Saranac 6 – Week 2 – St. Regis Mountain
Lows Lower Dam to Lows Ridge, A surf and Turf Adventure
The Osgood's
A peaceful afternoon on Jones Pond
Entertaining events will keep you hopping this weekend
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"
Long Pond to Pink Pond's
Little Clear Pond and Grass Pond, a Canoeing experience
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