'Round the Mountain

About

‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race

It’s time to register for the 2025 ‘Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race! The ‘Round the Mountain is an Adirondack favorite, taking place annually on the second Saturday of May — the unofficial kickoff event of the Adirondack paddling season. This year’s RTM is set for Saturday, May 10.

Course Description

The race course begins at Ampersand Bay Resort. Paddlers head west on Lower Saranac Lake to the mouth of the Saranac River across from Bluff Island. The course continues down river, with a short carry around the lower locks, then to Oseetah Lake and ending at Lake Flower. Race distance is approximately 10.5 miles. All racers must use the carry; a safety count team will be there taking boat numbers. The carry is a designated walk zone due to trail conditions.

Click here to view/download/print the ‘Round the Mountain Course Map.

Schedule & Logistics

Check-in is 9-10:30 am, with a safety meeting to follow. The first heat will start at 11 am at the Ampersand Bay Resort, located at the foot of Ampersand Ave on Lower Saranac Lake. Parking will be limited. We encourage you to do a pre-race car shuttle to the finish line at the Riverfont Park on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake. Race organizers will not provide transportation.

Registration

Entry fee is $35 per person. Northern Forest Canoe Trail Members receive a 15% discount if they register in advance. Permanent numbers for NYPRA members will be honored. Temporary numbers will be issued to non-NYPRA members. Click here to register.

PFDs

Every racer must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD). This PFD must be worn at all times. Failure to comply will result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fee. Please note: Any coastguard approved inflatable PFD satisfies this requirement, ensuring that a PFD will not restrict performance.

Awards

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each class. Results will be posted to the NFCT website immediately following the event.