Paddling In The Adirondacks: Where To Go

Find The Best Paddling Destinations In The Adirondacks!

Want to hit the waters, but not sure where to go? Paddling in the Adirondacks is bar none, and this guide will tell you where to go for the best paddling destinations in the Adirondacks!

With over 3,000 lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, finding your favorite paddling spot is simply a matter of narrowing it down. Below is a list of the most popular paddling destinations. For specific access points, use the DEC's interactive mapper or purchase Adirondack paddling guides.

Saint Regis Wilderness Canoe Area

The Saint Regis Wilderness Area, in the southern half of Franklin County, is home to more than 150 bodies of water. These lakes and ponds are the headwaters of three main rivers, the Saint Regis, the Saranac, and a bit from the Raquette River. The area was home to five or ten Adirondack beavers, who represented the entire population of the species until they were successfully reestablished throughout the Adirondack park around the turn of the century. In 1972 a portion of the area that is home to 58 bodies of water, was zoned as a Canoe Area. All motorboats and snowmobiles have been prohibited in the area since, as have permanent structures other than three-sided log lean-tos.

The Saint Regis Wilderness Canoe area holds many small ponds and portages to provide endless hours of use. Not one of the small ponds in the area is big enough to grow tired of, and there are many different routes that can be taken to explore the area. One of the oldest and most well-known routes through the Saint Regis Canoe Area is the Nine Carries Route (11.5 miles). This was a popular route for canoes and guide boats in the 1800s. The route can be accessed through a put in near the NYS Fish Hatchery at Little Clear Pond, off of Route 30. There are lean-tos located on the southern shore of Saint Regis Pond, and one on the north and one on the south shore of Fish Pond, as well as campsites littered about the area (view map).

Please NOTE: A number of trout waters located inside the Saint Regis Wilderness Canoe Area are maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation and hold specific fishing and camping restrictions.

View Map » East
View Map » West

Black River

Black River is a historic body of water that flows from the northwestern Adirondacks, through the Tughill Plateau, and into Lake Ontario. There are over ten dams and waterfalls on this lengthy river, so hikes, portages and camping will be necessary to navigate the river in its entirety. The river actually ranges from a small mountain creek to a sandy river, to whitewater rapids depending on the time of year. River rats can enjoy Class IV rapids and some even trickier. There are launch sites located at Lyons Falls, Burdick’s Crossing, Glenfield, Beach’s Landing, Castorland and Carthage. There is also a handicapped accessible fishing deck located on the river on Waters Road in Lowville.

• Upper Segment - North Lake to Lyons Falls (42.6 miles) - There is a boat launch located above the falls at Lyons Falls and provides access to the upper reaches of the river. This section of river meanders through the Southwestern Adirondack Park and the Tughill Plateau. This is a historic portion of the river, and many old Mills, Dams and Locks built along the river 100 years ago, making it easier for steamboats to navigate the waters, are still visible from the water.


• Middle Segment - Lyons Falls to Carthage (40 miles) - This portion of the river has a very moderate grade, and no dams. Spring flood waters turn this area into a lake as the winter snow melts. This stretch of river is widely used by fishermen, holds more than 35 species of fish, and is well known for walleye and smallmouth bass fishing. Occasionally, good sized brown trout can be taken, but the ice cold water and Lyons Falls make this water poorly suited for most trout. Otter Creek, Independence River, and Deer River are the three largest tributaries, and can also be canoed and fished.


• Lower Segment - Carthage to Lake Ontario (31 miles) - Access to this portion of the river can be found at Adirondack River Outfitters. The portion of the river between Watertown and Dexter offer some of the most exciting water in the area. This is the only location in New York State where you can find Class IV+ rapids for the entire canoeing season. It should be noted that this section of river holds several falls and ledges, and river goers must be prepared for these, or be prepared to get out and walk.

Please NOTE: When this river is flooded, it can become quite dangerous even to those will plenty of experience. Nobody should be on the river during flood season, regardless of experience level.

More info on Black River Paddling and Fishing

Moose River Plains Wild Forest

Moose River Wild Forest Area has a wide range of terrain from flat, grassy plains, to forested ridges and mountains. The Cedar Flow River Area is a beautiful 675 acres plot that was formerly used for timber transfer when the Adirondacks were being heavily logged and the only reasonable transportation routes from log yard to saw mill were waterways. Today, the area is known as a fantastic spot for cold water fishing, and car-top boat launches. This is a very nice area to go on any sort of outdoor adventure with more than a hundred campsites that somehow fit comfortably between developed campgrounds and primitive tent sites. Moose River Road, located off of Route 28 as it comes south around Raquette Lake and Cascade Mountain, is the best way to access these waters and provides quite a few canoe put ins.

Grass River

The Grass River, located in the northwest corner of the Adirondack Park (St. Lawrence County), is a tributary of the St. Lawrence River. The River consists of two main segments, the North Branch and the South Branch. The river, like many in the Adirondacks, once served as a water power source for several mills located in the towns that the river runs through. Evidence of this can be seen from the river, as stone foundations, old furnaces, and other ancient structures line its banks. Grass River is home to native brook trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass, and is stocked with more than 5,000 brown trout annually.

• North Branch (36 miles) – The North Branch of the Grass River flows from Canton to Massena and can be canoed with the use of various portages. Canoeists with limited skills can navigate this section of the river, as most portages are short and easy. The North Branch generally supports warm-water species of gamefish: walleye, bass, bullhead and panfish. Canoe access to this portion of the river can be found at road crossings, roads that run along the river, and state land in the area. There are also Municipal boat launch sites at Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Center, Madrid, Chamberlain Corners, and on Andrews St. in Massena.
• South Branch (49 miles) – The South Branch of the Grass River flows from Degrasse to Canton and generally supports cold-water gamefish. Native brook trout and stocked brown trout are the main draw for fishermen on this portion of the river. The South Branch is not a particularly popular canoeing destination, as there will be periods where the water is extraordinarily low. There are several rapids below Russell located in a fairly remote stretch of river, and is not recommended for novice canoeists. Rapids through Canton make it necessary to portage through the village and put in again just below the village.

Get More Information On Grass River

Indian River

Indian River (100+ miles) – The Indian River flows from Indian River Village to Black Lake, and offers excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities. 75 miles of the river are easily canoeable, and there is public access to 15 natural lakes along the way. The lakes range from shallow, productive lakes that support bass, crappie and perch, to deep, coldwater lakes that lake trout and Atlantic salmon call home.  These lakes are fit for a canoe as many of them have 10 Hp motor limits.

The River is reletiviely slow moving, and spans three counties (Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence) across the Adirondacks. There is a 25 mile stretch of river that runs along a restricted area of Fort Drum Military Reservation, and a permit is required for canoe or fishing access. Permits can be obtained (free of charge) from the Provost Marshallâ??s Office on Fort Drum.

Get more info on Indian River canoeing and access points

Raquette River

The Raquette River is located almost entirely in St. Lawrence County, with the last 2 miles or so flowing into Franklin County near Massena. The river is broken up into four segments, Upper River, Upper Impoundments, Middle River and Lower River, and offers a pleasurable excursion for paddlers of all experience levels. One of the best features of the Raquette River is that most of the river is easily accessible by motor vehicle, allowing paddlers to enjoy their favorite stretch of the river at any time. Camping and picnic areas are littered about, allowing for day trips, or overnighters.

• Upper River (18.5 miles) – A large impoundment formed by a hydro dam leads to a 17 mile stretch of challenging white water make up this segment of the Raquette River. Piercefield Flow, a nice lake-like area is great for canoeing, fishing and observing wildlife, as a number of hidden stumps has restricted the use of large motor boats. Downstream from Peircefield Flow, to Carry Falls Reservoir is easily the most challenging section of the Raquette River. This portion of this river is full of rapids, falls, and portages, all of which should be scouted and assessed prior to launch. This route should not be attempted by the novice canoeist, requiring expertise in white water canoeing and quite a bit of endurance. For experienced canoeists, this stretch runs best in the summer, with longer days and lower water levels.
• Upper Impoundments (27 miles) – The Raquette River becomes a series of reservoirs for the next 27 miles. Eight Reservoirs ranging in size from 122 to 3170 acres, provide a perfect setting for family vacations, canoeing & fishing adventures, and plenty of relaxation. Boat launches, campgrounds and swimming beaches make this area perfect for the whole family.
• Middle River (27 miles) – The middle section of the Raquette River is divided by dams into short, stunning stretches, littered with ponds and reservoirs. Camping areas are few and far between, however an excess of day parks and picnic areas make this a great place for day trips. This section of the river flows through, and remains close to civilization for those that don't want to go to deep into the wilderness.
• Lower River (15 miles) – This segment of the Raquette River is relatively uninterrupted by dams and waterfalls, winding gently towards Massena. There are some rapids through this section, which can easily be spotted and portaged around. The 15 mile Lower River can be paddled all at once, or in two short trips and is quite scenic.

NOTE: When paddling the Lower Raquette River, please consider that this part of the river is used to generate power, and water levels can change quite suddenly. You may not experience any rapids in one direction, but may encounter some on the way back (and vice-versa) as water is either released or withheld at the dam in Raymondville. Please notify somebody or your expected route and arrival time.

Find More Info On Raquette River Paddling

Don't forget!

While out paddling in the Adirondacks, wear a life preserver, clothing that dries quickly, and take along some sunscreen, sunglasses, a compass, snacks, drinks, bug spray and other items to make yourself more comfortable. Also, don't forget to waterproof the camera!

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