Things to do / Travel Guide
Northern New York provides an excellent setting for those interested in sea kayaking and canoeing; with its seemingly endless waterways there are nearly endless options. Numerous companies around northern New York offer kayaks and canoes for rent and for sale, and they'll also shuttle your car between endpoints. If you're new to kayaking, local companies offer lessons for beginners and children, as well as private instruction and guided tours. Paddling trips in northern New York range from morning trips to one-day to week-long and beyond. The “Adirondack Canoe Map” is a valuable resource available at most outdoor equipment stores in northern New York. Free information on routes and tips can be found by contacting the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing on Lake Placid and Mirror Lake
These two stunning lakes, north and south of Lake Placid village, respectively, provide clear waters for fun kayaking and canoeing adventures, surrounded by gorgeous and serene scenery. Lake Placid itself covers approximately 2,170 acres, with an average depth of about 50 feet. Mirror Lake covers 128 acres, averages 14 feet deep, with a maximum depth of 60 feet, and is ideal for paddling as motorboats are forbidden on its waters. Canoes and other boats are available for rent and guided trips are offered as well.
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing around Saranac Lake
The St. Regis Canoe Area is a 20,000-acre area that includes 58 lakes and ponds, making it a fantastic spot for paddling around Saranac Lake. With its many ponds and bays, it is a serenely quiet area, thanks in part to its being reserved strictly for non-motorized boats. Its marshes and wetlands are home to numerous species of mammals, birds, insects, and trees. Be prepared, however, to carry your boats through many portages in the area. St. Regis Canoe Outfitters and Adirondack Outfitters in Saranac Lake are large operations offering rentals, sales, tours, instruction, and advice.
For those looking for longer-distance paddling (more than one day), have a guide (from one of the local outfitters) lead you along the route from Upper Saranac Lake to Lake Flower, a 20-mile trip that can make for a challenging and rewarding journey. This is a one-way trip, so it is recommended to leave or shuttle a car at the State Boat Launch on Lake Flower in downtown Saranac Lake. While making your way through the area, you'll likely spot common loons, bald eagles, and osprey, as well as a view of Whiteface Mountain. The canoe journey takes you through gorgeous wetlands that are home to numerous flora and fauna.
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing in Lake George
The 32-mile long Lake George is a wonderful location for paddling with its clear waters and a multitude of islands and small bays to navigate in and around. The lake is surrounded entirely by the impressive peaks and thick forests of the Adirondacks, affording paddlers excellent views all along the way. With the expansiveness of Lake George, sea kayaking is best for those interested in serious exploring. Lake George Kayak Company in Bolton Landing rents kayaks, canoes, and equipment, as well as providing guided tours and lessons. Various boats can also be rented in Lake George Village.
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing around the Thousand Islands
The St. Lawrence River is several miles wide, making it a spectacular location in northern New York for sea kayaking and canoeing, particularly around Alexandria Bay. The St. Lawrence River is one of the United States' busiest shipping lanes, so it is advised that paddlers go with a guide. Also, with up to 1,800 islands dotted around the river, it is easy to get lost among them. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you paddle past Grass Point Marsh. In the French Creek Wildlife Preserve many birds can be spotted as well. T.I. Adventures in Clayton offers instruction, tours, and rentals around the Thousand Island waterways.
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing around the Fulton Chain of Lakes
The Fulton Chain of Lakes (which begins east of Old Forge) is a popular and heavily-trafficked waterway. It encompasses eight lakes that stretch over 16 miles, surrounding by the impressive wilderness of the Adirondacks. You'll have to carry your boat to reach the Sixth through Eighth lakes, which are less developed than the First through Fifth lakes. A popular canoe trip begins in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, then heads north to Raquette Lake, Long Lake, and the Raquette River. From there, paddlers can head to Saranac Lake or Tupper Lake. The entire route will take a number of days and involves several miles of portage. To canoe the 18-mile Fulton Chain of Lakes from Old Forge to the Eighth Lake Campground takes a full day and includes almost two miles of portage. Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company rents equipment in both Inlet and Old Forge. Rivett's Boat Livery and Tickner's Moose River Canoe Trips also provide rentals, sales, guided trips, and instruction for both canoes and kayaks.
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing in Long Lake
A great canoe or sea kayak trip in the Adirondacks starts at the Long Lake launch and ventures north along Raquette River, into the High Peaks area. From there, paddlers can either continue on Raquette River to Tupper Lake, or carry their canoes and make their way to Upper Saranac Lake. In either scenario the trip spans approximately 40 miles and will take several days. Throughout this stretch visitors will pass many sandy dunes, islands, and boulders, as well as Raquette Falls.
Sea Kayaking and Canoeing around Blue Mountain Lake
Another popular kayaking or canoeing trip in northern New York begins at Blue Mountain Lake and travels west through Eagle Lake and Utowana Lake, arriving at Basset Carry. From there, the Marion River flows into Raquette Lake, and eventually into the Fulton Chain of Lakes. This paddling trip can take between one and five days, depending how far and fast you go about it. Blue Mountain Lake Boat Livery is a family-run business renting canoes and offering sightseeing tours. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented at Blue Mountain Outfitters, which runs guided canoe trips as well.
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