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
Guide Services
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Challis Pond Trail
Ensign Pond Road, North Hudson
There is a slight incline to this hike but it's very pretty and a relaxing hike. The pond gets its name from an early pioneer named Timothy Challis. 
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Adirondac Rafting Company - Whitewater Adventures
6440 NY 30, Indian Lake
(518) 523-1635
BOOK NOW Adirondac Rafting Company invites you to run the wild and scenic Hudson River Gorge. The gorge run is a 16 mile, 4-5 hour adventure trip with plenty of whitewater fun. Adirondac Rafting Company provides highly skilled, licensed, and fun river...
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Boreas River
Blue Ridge Road, Newcomb
(518) 532-7675
This is a whitewater route!
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Huntley Pond
Northwoods Club Rd, Minerva
(518) 532-7675
Directions to Access Points: From intersection of Route 9 and Hoffman Road in Schroon Lake follow (CR24) Hoffman Road. Continue on CR24 and it eventually turns into Irishtown Road. Take a right onto O'Neill Road in just over 11-miles from Route 9 and...
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oliver-pond-canoe
Oliver Pond
Schroon Lake
Oliver Pond is a quiet body of water where the fish are plentiful and the wildlife is abundant! How to get there South of Schroon Lake on Route 9, turn right onto Hoffman Road (County Road 24). Follow this for 8-miles to parking on the right. Paddling...
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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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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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Putnam Pond Campground is a doorway to outdoor adventure.
Putnam Pond State Campground
763 Putts Pond Road, Ticonderoga
(518) 532-7675
Putnam Pond Campground is perfect for every camping need. It's location near a wilderness area is prime for exploration, but the maintained facilities take away some of the backcountry stress.
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