"Silver Staircase"
This seven mile run of early continuous whitewater requires advanced skills to maneuver through long and complex rapids rated up to Class IV. Scouting not always possible.

St. Regis Falls Flow
A quiet flatwater extends upstream for 6.4 miles above the dam. When the water is high there are 2.3 miles of canoeable rapids further upstream.

Santa Clara Flow
Another broad backwater, this flow extends 5.5 miles upstream into a heavily wooded evergreen forest.

The Chateaugay Lakes
These two large lakes, connected by a wide channel, are 10.5 miles long. This area has long been a popular summer resort.

Check out Bluff Point with its adjacent shallow reef or paddle three miles up South Inlet. Below the outlet, the river drops rapidly with several falls, including the spectacular 120-foot High Falls.

Deer River Flow
You'll enjoy great mountain views and see lots of birds on this 2.7 mile backwater. Bald eagles and moose are known to frequent this area.

Hatch Brook
Canoeable all summer, a swift current propels you down this nine mile flatwater cruise through a marsh and varied scenery to a take-out above Chasm Falls. At the junction with the Salmon, a half mile upstream paddle is possible. Scenic side trips include Indian Lake, Mountain View Lake and its inlet, which is canoeable for about three miles. High Falls is a short hike from the road.

Saranac River
The Saranac River starts put as slow moving flatwater with one section of up to Class III water at Permanent Rapids just before Franklin Falls Pond. The adjacent road provides access to the river before these rapids. A 0.4 mile carry connects you to larger Union Falls Pond.

Don't overlook hiking around Saranac.

(Saranac Area Map)

Lake Kushaqua to Osgood Pond
A 12 mile trip from Lake Kushaqua to Osgood Pond traverses an interesting group of lakes, channels and one 0.75 mile carry. Take time to explore the remote three mile stillwater outlet of Osgood. A unique canal connects Osgood to Church Pond at Paul Smiths. Some of the channels are shallow and wading may be necessary at lower water levels. You can extend this trip by carrying to Lower St. Regis Lake. From here myriad lakes and routes await the adventurous paddler.

East Branch Ausable River
The not so tranquil East Branch has some great spring paddling with Class II water and a tricky Class III boulder patch. You'll pass quickly through a scenic valley lined with high peaks and meadows. In the summer, when the water is too shallow for paddling, you'll see mostly angers on a deceptively quiet river.

West Branch Ausable River
These eight miles of tranquil water flowing amidst densely wooded banks have some Class I riffles and one carry. Spring water levels are best. Don't miss your take out just prior to Monument Falls. An unrunnable boulder-filled gorge follows which is better viewed from Route 86.

Chubb River
This little river may surprise you with a memorable wilderness cruise through a winding channel into a remote mountain-ringed marsh. The nine mile round trip has one short carry midway. Numerous beaver dams slow travel at tower water levels.

Saranac Lakes Chain
From the top of Upper Saranac to the east end of Lower Saranac is a 17.5 mile waterway with only one half mile carry. There are several lean-tos and many campsites along the shore and on islands. A fee is charged for campsites on Lower and Middle Saranac Lakes. This popular route continues through Oseetah Lake into the Village of Saranac Lake where the Saranac River begins. (More on the Saranac Section)

Lower Osgood River
This small river meanders beside a forested esker and through a wide marsh on its 8.5 mile journey to Meacham Lake. Four small ponds, hidden by the esker, are worth a side trip. Two of the ponds have navigable outlet channels.

St. Regis Wilderness Area
This is a pond-hopper's paradise. Many of the carries are short and most routes can be done as an unencumbered day trip. The classic is the "Seven Carries Route," a nine mile trek from Little Clear Pond to Paul Smiths, traversing ten lakes and ponds. Various loop-trips start from Follensby Clear, Floodwood and Fish Creek ponds. Short carries connect this popular series of small ponds and channels. You can expand these loops by including the traverse between Long and Hoel ponds. A loop around the St. Regis Lakes which requires a .6 mile carry, offers the opportunity to view several Great Camps and take a side trip into Black Pond.

You may need more time and a lightweight canoe for the Nine Carries Route. A cluster of ponds and a unique esker awaits you at Fish Pond after a demanding 1.5 mile carry.

Tupper Lake
A shallow delta and marsh connect Tupper Lake, Simon and Raquette ponds. State land on Tupper Lake's undeveloped western shore has a lean-to and campsites. A short trail leads into Bridge Brook Pond. A tour of Tupper Lake isn't complete without paddling by the sheer 100 foot cliff of Devil's Pulpit on Bluff Island or viewing 30-foot Bog River Falls as it cascades into the lake beneath a historic stone arch bridge. Carry to the top of the falls and you'll enjoy a stillwater paddle upstream for two miles. More on Tupper Lake

Raquette River
From Long Lake to Tupper Lake (30 miles) the Raquette meanders between sandy wooded banks. Traveling with the current, this leisurely paddle allows time for bird watching and fishing. Campsites and lean-tos appear at intervals along the way. A 1.3 mile carry is necessary at Raquette Falls. By paddling up the outlet of Stony Creek Ponds you Can access Upper Saranac Lake and routes to the north.