Paddle the Adirondacks

Pristine Adirondack water feeds miles of accessible rivers and crystal clear lakes, making Lake Placid and the High Peaks Region a favorite paddling destination. Whether canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, or paddle boarding (SUP), we have thousands of reasons, not to mention 6-million acres, why this is a trip for your bucket list. The Adirondacks have more than 2,300 ponds and lakes, 1,500 miles of rivers, and well over 30,000 miles of streams and brooks. Needless to say, you'll have plenty of options to choose from for your next paddling trip.

Reasons we love paddling in Lake Placid

  • The serene view into the lives of all species of wildlife, from schools of fish to the birds that feed on them, and from small, almost unnoticeable mink or fox to the great moose that have been relocating to the region.
  • Witnessing a sunset or sunrise from an open body of water. 
  • Unforgettable special events from a concert at the bandshell on Mirror Lake, to the Fourth of July fireworks. Mirror Lake and Lake Placid both give stellar views.
  • The array of waterside lodging options, where you can stay and paddle the Adirondacks right from the property.
  • Access to island lean-tos,  picnic, and camping spots.
  • All of the places to explore and the many, many places that are only discoverable by boat.
  • The thrill of whitewater. Rushing through the Adirondacks, taking on the fastest and most challenging rivers.

a woman paddles at dusk on the lake.

Whitewater paddling

Springtime brings the best whitewater experience; as seasons change, you'll start to see more boats on the water and atop cars across the region. But even if you can’t make it to Lake Placid in the spring, don’t think you’ve missed out, the Adirondacks offer year-round paddling experiences. 

Whitewater kayaking requires specific experience, gear, and boats, and shouldn't be taken lightly. With that being said, there are great whitewater kayaking runs in and around Lake Placid! If you're just getting started, or looking for a guided trip, whitewater rafting is an option, and can be a safe and exhilarating way to see if you love the sport.

Overnight trips in the Adirondacks

Overnight paddling trips in the Adirondacks are easy and accessible, and many folks choose to start their travels right here in Lake Placid. Within the Adirondacks your options are seemingly endless. Kayak or canoe camping opens up more options, allowing for longer trips to more remote locations. Picnic for lunch on one island and then camp overnight on another — with all of these lakes, ponds, rivers, and lean-to camping options you can create a perfect paddling vacation all your own. Take the pain out of planning by organizing your trip with the help of one the area's many skilled gear shops and guides.

Tips for a paddling outing

  • Pack accordingly, and think of your boat like your backpack. It needs to be packed with stability and weight in mind.
  • Check the weather.
  • Pick the right boat for the trip, and know the type of water you'll be navigating.
  • Keep in mind that what you bring in needs to come out.
  • If you do plan on camping please do so in designated areas. Check the local requirements and regulations before you head out.
  • Take a lesson and/or enlist the help of a guide.

Fishing while canoeing or kayaking

Fishing and paddling have always been a great combination. Canoes and kayaks offer access to endless fishing opportunities. Enjoy a quiet day on the water reeling in your catch from our clean, clear, spring-fed lakes, ponds, and rivers. Cook up that catch at any number of public fire pits and lean-tos.

Be sure to check local regulations before heading out. Some regulations are specific to bodies of water. Pick up a fisherman's guide of fishing regulations at any local New York State Department of Environmental Conservation office and learn about fishing in Lake Placid.

Paddling rentals and lessons

If you have never paddled before, a local guide service can help! Many guides offer a two-hour introductory course for a very reasonable price and will help get you ready for exploring the Adirondacks by boat.

Don’t have your own boat, or are not sure you want to transport it to the Adirondacks? No worries, we have several gear shops throughout the park that rent and sell everything you'll need for that perfect paddle.  

Paddle from your room

Many area lodging properties offer waterfront access, and some even offer boats and boat rentals right on the property for guests to use. With so many options to choose from, indulge yourself by planning that perfect paddling vacation!

a woman paddles at dusk on the lake.
Close up of a canoe paddle in the water
Love Your ADK Paddling 101

Before you leave shore, be sure to freshen up on your Leave No Trace principles. Reviewing Love Your ADK Paddling 101 is a great place to start.

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A man paddling a canoe through the water.
Gear Tips and Checklists

Be prepared for your next flatwater paddling adventure with these tips on gear, what to wear, and safety equipment!

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Results for "Paddling"

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Where
Long Pond
Connery Pond, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This pond can only be reached by boat and carry from Connery Pond.

  
Tom Peck Pond
Route 86, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This is a bit of a longer carry than most ponds in the Adirondacks, but the reward is a quaint, quiet, and peaceful experience.

  
Connery Pond
State Route 86Lake Placid, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

A portage trail leads to the shore of the pond, where there is an amazing vista across the water that includes Whiteface Mountain.

  
Ausable - West - ADK Loj to Rt 73
Heart Lake, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This has stunning High Peaks scenery without being too far out of town.

  
Mirror Lake
49 Parkside Drive, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Lake Placid is a village in the mountains, and few things make that more evident than Mirror Lake, with unlimited ways to enjoy this beautiful body of water.

  
Lake Placid Lake
Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

Lake Placid is a beauty, with plenty of room to explore and fantastic views. Access is via the state-owned boat launch on Mirror Lake Drive in the village of Lake Placid.

  
Chubb River
Averyville Road, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

A river runs through the heart of Lake Placid, from the side of Street and Nye Ridge down along Route 73 to its confluence with the Ausable near the ski jumps. Paddle through mostly wilderness. Nine miles round trip. Carries depends on the water level.

  
Ausable - West - Monument to High Falls
Route 86, Lake Placid
(518) 523-2445

This stretch has many drops... even a near vertical!

  
Owen, Copperas, and Winch Ponds
Route 86, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

These three ponds are located in the Sentinel Range and offer excellent loop opportunities. There are two trails that lead into the area and either can be used to create a loop to the three ponds.

  
Ausable - East - Hulls Falls to Keene
State Highway 9N, Keene
(518) 523-2445

The famous Hulls Falls bridge offers a "sneak peek" at the ride below.

  
Upper and Lower Cascade Lake
Route 73, Keene
(518) 523-2445

Double your pleasure with a visit to Upper and Lower Cascade lakes, two long, narrow lakes that are framed by the sheer cliffs in Cascade Pass.

  
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters
73 Dorsey Street, Saranac Lake
(518) 891-1838

Helping people fall in love with wild places since 1984

  
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