ADKPP Guide to Kayaking in the Adirondacks

Adirondack outdoor recreation opportunities are world class and unparalleled. With plentiful lakes and waterways surrounded by gorgeous mountain backdrops, water sports are popular in the Adirondack Park. 3,000 lakes and ponds and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams provide the ultimate water lovers playground. Kayakers in particular will find no shortage of new adventures here with kayaking in the Adirondacks a very popular activity.

At ADKPP, we live and work in Adirondack communities, and also play here too. We specialize in helping people find homes that support their lifestyle in this landscape. If kayaking is part of your Adirondack dream (or a new budding interest), check out our guide below to get insider info on the best paddling spots, seasons and communities for kayaking adventures.

5 Essentials – ADKPP Guide to Kayaking in the Adirondacks

1. Kayaking Is An Adirondack Staple

Exploring the Adirondacks in a kayak provides unique perspective on what makes our area so special. Mornings on glassy lakes with mist lifting off the water, loons calling and sunset colors over the mountains are some of the moments kayakers enjoy here. With many waterways throughout the Adirondacks, paddlers don’t have to travel far for these experiences. Some of our clients even find perfect match homes with the deciding factor of being able to paddle just steps out the door.

Whether you are a beginner building skills or an experienced paddler chasing new adventures, kayaking in the Adirondacks delivers on every level.

2. Top Kayaking Spots We Love

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is a non-motorized lake in the heart of Lake Placid making it the ideal place for kayaking. Known to be a calm lake for paddling, kayakers don’t have to worry about wake or waves from motorized boats. Windy days are usually the only challenge encountered to make paddling slightly more difficult. There are also multiple access points around the lake to put in your boat. During summer, listen to Songs on Mirror Lake in Mid’s Park from your kayak just offshore.

Chain of Five Lakes in Saranac Lake

From the heart of Saranac Lake, access a chain of 5 lakes for a wonderful day of adventure paddling the waterways. This chain of lakes includes Lake Flower, Oseetah Lake, Kiwassa Lake, Lower Saranac Lake and Middle Saranac Lake. While these lakes allow motorized boats, paddling can still be enjoyable with gorgeous views of the region and plenty of sights to see, including the locks. During summer, enjoy music from your kayak on Lake Flower, and listen to sounds from the Music On The Green series at the park.

St. Regis Canoe Area

One of the most historic paddling areas in our region is St. Regis Canoe Area, the only designated canoe area in New York state. Paddlers can access waterways from Long Pond, Upper St. Regis Lake, Hoel Pond and Little Clear Pond. There are 50 ponds to paddle and explore, ranging in size from unnamed half acre ponds to St. Regis Pond, the largest in this protected area. The Saranac Lake website offers a great breakdown of the most popular Seven Carries canoe route.

Raquette River

The Raquette River offers the perfect opportunity for paddlers seeking experiences ranging from day trips to multi-day excursions. From the boat launch, find a flatwater section of the 146 mile river known for its twists, elbows and oxbows. This part also allows to you paddle upstream or downstream with ease.

Note that these are just a few of the spectacular Adirondack paddling locations beloved by locals and visitors alike. Don’t be afraid to explore various local water ways or talk to other kayakers about their favorite spots. Everyone has their own personal preference on where or how they enjoy kayaking in the Adirondacks.

3. When To Paddle

• Spring – This season may be best for a more experienced kayaker. Generally, waterways are higher from snow melt and have not fully warmed up to comfortable temperatures. Newer paddlers may want to focus on the calmest waterways until the warmer months arrive.
• Summer – Kayaking, canoeing and boating are in full swing over summer, especially on hotter days. It is easy to spend the whole day paddling, in the same waterway or across multiple locations, with breaks to hop in the clean Adirondack water to cool down.
• Fall – Depending on the weather, fall can be a great time to push even further on your paddling adventures. Weather starts to cool down while waterways still retain some summer warmth, and fiery leaves of fall brighten surrounding shorelines and mountains and are mirrored in reflections on the water.

Many people who visit or move here are often surprised at the length of the paddling season, especially on the larger lakes and ponds.

4. What To Know Before You Go

• Adirondack weather in every season can be interesting. The weather can change quickly throughout the Adirondacks with storms and rain moving in randomly. Be smart and keep an eye on the weather to have an idea of weather patterns to expect in your adventure locale. While it may be sunny and calm in one community or side of the mountain, you could easily paddle into a different weather pattern as you travel through different areas.
• Early mornings are often the calmest time on the waterway (weather dependent). As the day goes on, the number of people on the waterways increase, leading to more traffic and action on the water.
• Respect “Leave No Trace” principles. Minimum impact techniques are a major focus for kayaking in the Adirondacks to protect wildlife and the way of life. Minimizing recreational impacts allows all to enjoy nature and the beauty it brings us. By taking extra care to leave only footprints on shores or paddle eddies in the water, we take care of the resource for generations to come.
• Some of the best paddling routes require short carries. Lightweight kayaks can be your best friend.

5. Living The Kayak Lifestyle

Whether you are a seasoned paddler or someone looking to experience the joy of kayaking in the Adirondacks for the first time, visiting a local outfitter can provide a great starting point for our adventure. Kayaks can be expensive, so newer paddlers may want rent equipment and put off buying until confidence in paddling skills increases. There are also various types of kayaks on the market, so renting can provide the opportunity to try various styles to find your preference. Our region offers multiple locations to rent from including:

• St Regis Canoe Outfitters – 73 Dorsey Street Saranac Lake, NY – Across the street from the Saranac River
• Adirondack Lake And Trails Outfitters – 8 Church Street Saranac Lake, NY – Across the street from Lake Flower
• Brown Dog Adirondack Boat & Kayak – 1086 NY-86 Ray Brook, NY
• Downstairs Boat Rental – 2411 Main Street Lake Placid, NY – On Mirror Lake
• Raquette River Outfitters – 1754 State Route 30 Tupper Lake, NY

After a few times out on the waterways, see how easy it is to fall into the lifestyle of kayaking in the Adirondacks in the warmer months. From calm early morning paddles to night time sunsets filled with the sounds of peepers and loons, there is a paddling experience suited for all. Enjoy music from your kayak just offshore on Lake Placid or Lake Flower by dropping in to listen to the community weekly music series throughout the summer.

If the kayak lifestyle sounds like what you are looking for, there is no better time than now to start your search for a perfect home base in the Adirondacks. Whether you are looking to make a full time move or reside here seasonally, our experienced ADKPP agents can help you explore listings throughout the Adirondacks to find an ideal waterfront home or place with close by access. Contact our office at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Adirondack Premier Properties today to discuss your property dreams and start your search! Call 518-523-3333 to connect now.