What better way to see the beauty of the epic wilderness in the Adirondack Hub than a day of paddling? Whether you prefer to kayak or canoe, grab your paddles, and explore numerous waterways, including the Essex Chain Lakes, the Boreas Ponds Tract, and the Opalescent River. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife — loons, muskrats, and deer are just a few of the animals you might spot on your journey. Looking for something more mellow and family-friendly? Try Courtney Pond or Lake Harris, or even a quiet corner of Paradox Lake.

To add an extra splash of fun to your paddling adventures, take on the Schroon Paddle Challenge! Three paddles — on both lake and river — help you explore this amazing area from a new perspective. Plus, you get a patch for completing the paddles!

Want to tag along with an expert? Visit a local guide to help choose your water adventure.

The Opalescent River offers stunning scenery and tranquility.
A man and woman paddle stand-up paddleboards on a bright lake on a sunny day.
Schroon Lake offers plenty of on the water fun!
An aerial view of a single canoe floating on a blue lake surrounded by lush green boreal forest.
Picture yourself here! So much wilderness, so few crowds.
A woman carries a canoe over her head in a thick green forest.
Paddling adventures will take you to wonderful new places in the Hub.
Two teenage girls paddle kayaks on a sunny day with forest in the background.
Our waterways are family-friendly!

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

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. 

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace

 

Schroon Paddle Challenge
Summer
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courtney-pond
Courtney and Shingletree Ponds
Route 9, North Hudson
This end-to-end hike, only 1.1 miles one way, runs from from Courtney Pond to Shingletree Pond along a clear, well-maintained trail with minor elevation changes. It is full of lovely terrain, with the exception of a tunnel that runs under the Northway.
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Clear Pond is a beautiful pond in a wilderness setting.
Clear Pond
763 Putts Pond Road, North Hudson
(518) 532-7675
Clear Pond is as quiet a pond as you will find anywhere, and although many hikers use the trails surrounding the pond, very few access it by boat. Use the area trails to extend your adventure, and even consider a second carry to Rock Pond to the north.
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Lower Schroon River
(518) 532-7675
The Lower Schroon from Schroon Lake to the Hudson (27 miles) is a mixture of long flatwater stretches punctuated by whitewater. Adjacent roads provide easy access at points along the way, but go unnoticed while on the tree-lined, secluded river.
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Opalescent River
Newcomb
(518) 532-7675
While the Adirondacks are rife with lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, few are as wild as the Opalescent River.
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This is a great destination for hiking, paddling, fishing, and its also a winter trail.
Crane Pond
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga
(518) 532-7675
Crane Pond is a beautiful gem in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. 
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The view of Pharaoh Mountain from Spectacle Pond.
Spectacle Pond
East Shore Road, Schroon Lake
(518) 532-7675
This wonderful hike and area not to be missed!
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Brant Lake
Route 8, Schroon Lake
(518) 532-7675
Once on the water it actually is a very attractive lake. Head right downstream through the narrows for an interesting look at the community.
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The lakes are made for paddling.
Essex Chain Lakes
Pine Tree Road, Newcomb
(518) 532-7675
The Essex Chain Lakes, comprised of twelve lakes and ponds, opened to the public in the summer of 2014. This lovely, remote area of the Adirondacks is a wonderful new addition for paddlers, campers, hikers, hunters, and fisherpersons.
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