Adirondack Whitewater Kayaking
With mountains surrounding the entirety of Lake Placid, streams and rivers are constantly being fed water from higher elevations, making for magnificently powerful whitewater runs ranging all classes (I to VI) in and around the town. This activity is only for those with experience, and further research should be done if you're planning on putting in at any of these sections of running water. Here are some stretches of water at various classes within a short drive of Lake Placid!
Franklin Falls Flow is a dammed portion of the Saranac River, and paddling the lake-like waters before the dam is a fantastic outing by itself, being a popular spot amongst locals. If you're looking to combine the gently flowing portion of Franklin Falls Flow with a more challenging endeavor, a whitewater section called the Permanent Rapids upstream from Franklin Falls is a class II-III option. Earlier in the season it is more class III, but during the summer the rapids transitions closer to class II.
A stretch of whitewater right in town runs from the last bridge on Adirondack Loj Road to the base of the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. This class III section, not for beginner kayakers, runs for 6.5 miles and ends in a stunning head-on view of the towering ski jumps.
Only for experienced whitewater paddlers, a varying stretch of water runs from the bottom of Monument Falls to before the start of High Falls Gorge. This section starts with a couple miles of class III or easier rapids, then approaches Wilmington Notch where it turns into a class V+ rapid. After this, the river mellows to below class III, and you'll take out when you see the footbridge over the river.
Whitewater kayaking can be intimidating, both in planning and executing a trip! Consider hiring a guide to go whitewater rafting for some experience on the higher classes of rapids, learning from the best of the best in our region.
