World-class paddling awaits

Did you know that the flat water paddling in Lake Placid is some of the best in the country? The Adirondacks are dotted with more than 3,000 lakes and ponds, so break out your canoe, your kayak, your SUP (stand up paddle board), your inflatable watercraft, or rent a kayak in Lake Placid, and enjoy what the Adirondack flatwater tour is all about.

Forget the 9 to 5 and the rush hour traffic; take in the fresh mountain air, pristine water, wildlife, and the sound of you paddle moving through the water. They are all things that are simply Adirondack. When you’re here it’s your time — how will you spend it?

  • A couple of hours paddling quietly on the glassy surface of Mirror Lake?
  • An afternoon of fishing or touring one of the area's many lakes, rivers, and ponds?
  • Exploring the shoreline of Lake Placid, a visit to an island lean-to for a picnic, an overnight retreat, or perhaps cliff diving with your friends at Pulpit Rock?

Kids and dogs are a great fit for flatwater

Easily entertain the family with a few hours in kayaks and canoes splashing around in front of your lakeside lodging. Children of all ages can be part of the family paddling adventure, and parents can share and guide this experience through the use of canoes and tandem kayaks. You’ll see dogs on these outings, too — it’s a great way to bring along the furriest of family members. 

When planning your paddle

It’s important to check the weather, know the water you are navigating, and take time to make sure you have the right flatwater paddling essentials for your trip. Many locations are accessed road side, and some require a carry of less than one-tenth of a mile. Other destinations require substantial portages, so take the time to research or ask an experienced guide before you go. Remember that with some flatwater comes motorboats, so a bit of careful planning is needed. Want a guided tour, camping excursion, or a paddling lesson? Check out a local guide service. If you are a thrill seeker or like a bit of speed in your water sports, you might want to look at our whitewater paddling section. 

What are you waiting for? Find that lake, pond, or river that's right for you and plan that perfect paddle in Lake Placid. And don't forget to visit our lodging page for great ideas on where to stay.

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.

 

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Get out on the water in Lake Placid

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Results for "Flatwater Paddles"

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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.

  
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.

  
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.

  
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.

  
Franklin Falls Flow
River Road, Wilmington
(518) 523-2445

Paddling Due to Paul Smiths' Dam this is the largest body of water in Saint Armand. Gorgeous views and the open sky will make your day of paddling memorable. Size: 437 Acres. Off Rte 3 on Co Rte 18, 5 miles east of Bloomingdale. Hand launch. Parking...

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

Helping people fall in love with wild places since 1984

  
Guide ADK
CO Route 50, Lake Clear
(585) 802-0671

At Guide ADK, we believe outdoor experiences should be available to visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. We offer hiking, camping, climbing, paddling, and a wide variety of winter sports to people of all ages and experience levels...

  
Matt Burnett Guiding
24 Jenkins Street, Saranac Lake
(518) 524-6441

A fully licensed and insured Adirondack Guide, Matt Burnett has spent his life in the central Adirondacks and is ready to share his experience with you! In addition to being a licensed NYS guide, Matt is also an Adirondack 46er. Matt specializes in...

  
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