Adirondack Paddling

Canoe and kayak the Adirondacks

Dip a paddle into our extensive waterways

Paddling the Adirondacks

The Adirondacks have miles and miles of open water and for maximum on the water fun, a peaceful day in the comfort of your boat can't be beat. Hamilton County has plenty of water to explore: small ponds to explore, miles and miles of rivers, and some of the largest lakes in the park.

Adirondack facts and figures

The Adirondack Park is over 6 million acres in size, broken up between public (state) and private land. Within those 6 million acres are over 2,300 ponds and lakes, 1,500 miles of rivers, and well over 30,000 miles of streams and brooks; the Central Adirondack region is home to many of them.

Large lakes

Lake Pleasant, Raquette Lake, Indian Lake, Long Lake, and Blue Mountain Lake — sure, they are the names of towns, but they are also the names of the lakes that represent these towns. There's also the Fulton Chain of Lakes, a string of eight lakes located on the western edge of the county. If you want a bit of a different outing, you can head to smaller lakes like Limekiln, Utowana, Eagle, Durant, or Abanakee. No matter your choice or destination, you will have an unforgettable paddling experience in the Adirondacks.

Backcountry ponds

Backcountry ponds are the gems of Hamilton County. They break up the landscape of our fabulous mountains and rolling hills. While some of our backcountry ponds are found along a scenic dirt road, many need to be walked to. Portaging is a familiar activity for flatwater paddlers who want to get out and away from motorboats and crowds. Portaging can be an exhausting activity, but it's worth every step. A lighter boat is a simple solution, but so is a cart for your canoe or kayak. Start with a short portage like South Pond, then make a longer trek to Rock Lake or Sprague Pond. If you want to really want to adventurous, stretch yourself and try something like Upper Sargent Pond. You can also work with a guide or outfitter to help make your adventure even better, and easier! The choices are only limited by your imagination!

Meandering rivers

Miles and miles of slow-moving rivers, outlets, inlets, streams, and waterways await your visit. Nothing offers more beauty than our rivers. The narrow waterways of the Marion River, Kunjamuk River, Browns Tract Inlet, and the Raquette River are just a few examples of beautiful waters where you can clear your mind. Our rivers are lined with wildflowers and birding opportunities. Witness a belted king fisher coasting along the shore in search of food for its young, or an otter playing hide and seek with you in an eddy of the Raquette River. Experience the curiosity of what's around that next oxbow and feel the satisfaction of finally seeing it. Our rivers are our waterways to adventure, splendor, scenery, seclusion, and relaxation.

When your daily routine needs to be forgotten, visit the Adirondacks, float in a lake with loons, coast through a marsh with a great blue heron, or just bask in the quiet of a slow-moving river and let the smells and colors of the wild flowers take you away.

Leave No Trace

The magic of the Adirondacks is the result of previous generations taking a long view and protecting the mountains, lakes, and rivers within the Blue Line. That tradition continues today as we support and encourage everyone to practice Leave No Trace ethics, which help protect the lands and waters of the Adirondacks.

Learn the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

 

 

Adirondac Rafting Company invites you to run...
6440 NY 30
Indian Lake
12842
  
Complete canoe and kayak outfitter offering...
1754 State Route 30
Tupper Lake
12986
  
Lake Lila is located in the William C....
Lake Lila Access Road
Long Lake
12847
  
The William C. Whitney Wilderness Area is a...
901C Sabattis Rd
Long Lake
12847
  
A great secluded lake with an easy approach ...
Chain Lake Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
This short and easy trail offers a short...
State Route 8/30
Indian Lake
12842
  
From Long Lake, drive 12 miles north on Route...
Route 421
Long Lake
12847
  
This “pull off and fish by the roadside” pond...
South Shore Road
Inlet
13360
  
Long Lake is simply a widening of the...
Route 30
on the east shore of Long Lake
Long Lake
12847
  
There are three state campgrounds on the lake...
Old Piseco Road
Piseco
12139
  
This is the largest natural lake in the...
Route 28
Raquette Lake
13436
  
Cedar River Flow is tucked in the mountains...
Cedar River Road
Inlet
13360
  
Loons, mink, pine marten, otter, moose,...
Route 28N
Newcomb
12852
  
The Fulton Chain of Lakes is a historic,...
Inlet
13360
  
Paddling A nice side trip while in the...
Route 30
Mason Lake
Speculator
12164
  
Forked Lake is one of the more popular lakes...
Forked Lake Road
Long Lake
12847
  
The Kunjamuk River is one of the most...
Route 8
Beach Launch
Speculator
12164
  
From North River to North Creek (five miles)...
Indian Lake
12842
  
Jennings Park Pond gets few paddlers due to...
Main Street
Long Lake
12847
  
This slow moving, "perfect Adirondack...
Rock Dam Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
Only accessible by water via Big Moose Lake,...
Higby Road
Inlet
13360
  
Once on the inlet you will be paddling...
Village Center
Raquette Lake
13436
  
The view from this pond could make anyone...
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet
13360
  
The only way to explore Round Lake is by...
Sabattis Circle Road
Long Lake
12847
  
Utowana is a beautiful lake that is about as...
Route 28
Raquette Lake
13436
  
With a shoreline of just over 2 miles, this...
580-526 Gilmantown Rd
Speculator
12164
  
This is a pretty pond with a trail all the...
Cedar River Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
These two ponds are a fun, wilderness...
County Route 19
Durant Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
McRorie Lake is a very large lake with...
Kickerville Road
Long Lake
12847
  
There are three bridges to cross and an...
Indian River Road
Inlet
13360
  
Lake Eaton is known for fine fishing all year...
Route 30
Long Lake
12847
  
Large open waters with great views of the...
Route 28
Inlet
13360
  
The Essex Chain Lakes, comprised of twelve...
Pine Tree Road
Newcomb
12852
  
Be sure to paddle the bays and narrows of the...
Higby Road
Inlet
13360
  
It's all about secluded fishing here! Drop a...
Route 28N
Long Lake
12847
  
Considered the waterway equivalent of the...
1353 State Route 28
Inlet
13360
  
Note: Access to Lows Lower Dam will be closed...
Route 421
Piercefield
12973
  
Little Tupper Lake is a local favorite, a...
William C. Whitney Road
Long Lake
12847
  
Follow this short, gentle path through the...
Route 10
Lake Pleasant
12108
  
This large, gorgeous lake makes for a great...
Cedar River Road
Inlet
13360
  
The easily accessible Lost Ponds are some of...
Moose River Plains Wild Forest
Inlet
13360
  
Moss Lake is a beautiful place for a picnic,...
327 Big Moose Rd
Inlet
13360
  
Part of the stunning Northern Forest Canoe...
Route 28
Inlet
13360
  
This is a beautiful spot for a scenic paddle...
Sixth Lake Road
Inlet
13360
  
Lake Adirondack is also known as Adirondack...
Route 28
Indian Lake
12842
  
Lake Abanakee spans both sides of Route 30,...
Big Brook Road
Indian Lake
12842
  
Eagle Lake is a gem hidden between two lakes...
Route 28
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Don't let an intimidating name fool you. This...
Moose River Plains
Inlet
13360
  
You can fish from any of the lakefront sites...
Limekiln Road
Inlet
13360
  
With sandy beaches and incredible rolling...
1365 County Route 24
Piseco
12139
  
A fully accessible wilderness area located...
Route 30
Long Lake
12847
  
Enjoy extensive hiking and biking trails, or...
Route 28
Inlet
13360
  
You'll find peaceful paddling on the Brown...
Inlet
13360
  
This remote pond is probably one of the best...
Inlet
13360
  
This is the North Branch of the Moose River....
40 Antlers Road
Inlet
13360
  
Big Bay is a widening of the Piseco Outlet....
Piseco
12139
  
This spectacular branch of the Oswegatchie...
Sabattis
12847
  
Long Lake is more than just pretty scenery:...
Long Lake
12847
  
The best launch areas are from the secondary...
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
The pond itself is well sheltered and calm....
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
You know it's good paddling when you have to...
Long Lake
12847
  
Oxbow Lake is a very attractive lake whose...
Piseco
12139
  
South Pond is a slightly hidden pond whose...
Long Lake
12847
  
This Class I flatwater can be paddled in...
Arietta
‎12139
  
This lake is a wonderful nature experience,...
Indian Lake
12842
  
Note: Access to Lows Lower Dam will be closed...
Long Lake
12847
  
Blue Mountain Lake is a very large lake, with...
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Cascade and Stephens ponds are two beautiful...
Blue Mountain Lake
12812
  
Explore the outcroppings of the famous...
Long Lake
12847
  
This thrilling trip is fit for the most...
Wells
12190
  
If you're looking for a quiet paddle that's...
Indian Lake
12842
  
From Sacandaga Lake you can paddle up to Mud...
  
The Lower Schroon from Schroon Lake to the...
  
Expert whitewater skills are required for...
  
A unique paddling experience The 15-mile...
  
This eight-mile section has a gentle drop...
Wells
12190
  

Frisky Otter Tours

148 Route 28
Inlet
13360
(315) 357-3444
  

Adventure Sports Rafting Company

6127 Route 28
Indian Lake
12842
(800) 441-7238
  

Wild Waters Outdoor Center

1123 State Route 28
Warrensburg
12885
(518) 744-9430
  

Adirondack River Outfitters

4511 NYS Route 28
North River
12856
(800) 525-7238
  

Whitewater Challengers

4511 State Rte 28
North Creek
12853
(518) 251-3746
  

Speculator SUP LLC

(631) 275-1624
  

North Creek Rafting Company

9 Ordway Lane
North Creek
12853
(800) 989-7238
  

Newsletter Sign Up