Three days of Adirondack paddling
The Adirondack Canoe Classic (otherwise known as "The 90 Miler") is an amazing paddling race (which welcomes canoes, war canoes, kayaks, and guideboats) held on the historic "Highway of the Adirondacks" on the weekend after Labor Day. This three-day, 90-mile Adirondack canoe race concludes at the DEC boat launch on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake, welcoming triumphant finishers and concluding with a ceremonial dinner.
While participants have the advantage of lighter boats, pit crews, and trailering from the finish to start lines each day, they are paddling, carrying, and camping along the same chain of lakes, rivers, and carries taken by early European settlers and local Adirondack guides.
This is a continuous route from Old Forge, via the Moose River through the Fulton Chain Lakes, to Raquette Lake, then via the Raquette River to Forked Lake, Long Lake and finally via the Stony Creek Ponds and the Indian Carry to Upper Saranac Lake. The route then proceeds via Bartletts Carry to Middle Saranac Lake and Lower Saranac Lake, and finally, Lake Flower in Saranac Lake, the village. As extensive as this route appears, it is only the first leg of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which stretches all the way to Maine.
The 90 Miler is open to all age groups and classes, from professional to family recreational there is a group for everyone, and has welcomed participants from all over the world.
For up-to-date information including how to register and the best places for spectators to see the canoe racing action, check out the official 90-Miler Race page on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail website.
We have plenty of paddling and camping and lodging in and around Saranac Lake for your own exploration experience. You don't have to go 90 miles in your canoe, but you can still have a great time!