The six million acre park is a unique combination of one-half public and one-half private land. There are several designated wilderness areas and many wild forest areas that are very attractive to the canoeist. Geologically this area is a dome-shaped region that tilts slightly to the west. This extension of the "Canadian Shield" into the U.S. gives rise to several rivers and is home to hundreds of lakes and ponds. The terrain is hilly and sometimes mountainous, yet the base is level enough to provide ideal canoeing waters. The scenery is superb, and mountain day hikes are possible from your paddling route.

These route suggestions will help you choose a route suited to your party's time and experience. The rivers are mostly flatwater and the numerous lakes and ponds are connected by portages or small streams that lend themselves to exploration. The waterways are a beautiful place to slow down and to enjoy. We recommend 3-4 days as a minimum. On longer trips it is nice to plan a layover day to hike a peak or just relax. You will want a map for the area you decide to visit and will find guidebooks helpful as well. There is a list of publications that will help you get started in the mail order and retail area.

Travel to the Area

Travel to the area can be made by car, air or bus.

By Car: We are about one hour and twenty minutes from I-87 Exit 30, and about two hours from I-81 Exit 48. See detailed directions by clikcing here. Approximate driving times to our base from:

By Air: The Saranac Lake-Adirondack Airport (SLK) is just eight miles from our Saranac River base and is serviced by Continental's Commuter Air. There are direct flights to and from Albany, NY with about 3 arrivals and 3 departures daily. On Saturdays and Sundays there are fewer flights. To make arrangements contact Commuter Air locally at (518) 891-2290 or Continental Airlines at (800) 523-3273.

By Bus: Saranac Lake is serviced by Adirondack Trailways (800) 858-8555. The bus leaves NYC (North Wing of the Port Authority) at 8:30am, with a few stops your estimated arrival to downtown Saranac Lake is 4:20pm in front of the Hotel Saranac. Leaving Saranac Lake around 11:30am you will be back in NYC around 9:05pm. This service runs 7 days a week. www.trailwaysny.com. Round trip in May 2007 was $139. Our base is 2 blocks downhill. Hotel Saranac is (518) 891-2200.

Weather

At Saranac Lake we have a two hour tour down-river trip that may be ice free year-round. At Floodwood, ice out is usually mid to late April and the ponds begin to freeze in early to mid November. Daily high and low temperatures vary as much as 20° above or below average