Upper Saranac Lake

Upper Saranac Lake is the longest of the Saranac Lakes. The paddling route offers spectacular views.  You will have an opportunity to observe birds including Common Loons, eagles, Osprey, gulls, and other wildlife. There are several campsites that are ideal to stop for a picnic or a swim, including site 18 on the eastern shore, site 8 on Buck Island, site 1 on Butternut Point, and site 2 on Green Island.

Getting there

From downtown Saranac Lake, it's possible to launch a canoe, kayak, or SUP from the Indian Carry hand-launch off Route 3 or at the Upper Saranac DEC boat launch located in Saranac Inn at the north end of the lake. Public parking is available at both locations.

Paddling

Put in at Indian Carry landing and paddle the entire length of Upper Saranac Lake to the Saranac Inn. It is good to stay close to shore and out of the way of personal watercraft and motorboats, which can be especially active on weekends. You will pass numerous islands, many of which are privately owned. Chapel Island offers ecumenical church services on Sundays. Doctor’s Island was originally owned (1904) by Stanley Mortimer, a distant relative of the Roosevelt family. Eagle Island is historically significant as a Girl Scout Camp (1938-2008). Indian Carry is significant historically because the Mohawks and the Algonquin Native Americans established it as a base camp. Indian Carry was long used as a portage from Upper Saranac Lake into Stony Creek, which connects to the Raquette River. The Native Americans who occupied the Adirondacks seasonally for 10,000 years, referred to Upper Saranac Lake as the “Lake of the Silver Sky.”

Camping

Upper Saranac Lake camping is not your typical camping experience. Accessible by boat, the sites are primitive and available to the public on a first come, first serve basis. While you won't be greeted with running water and electricity, these sites offer paddlers a truly unique experience not easily recreated. From campsites featuring panoramas of the Adirondack sunrises, to sleeping in a lean-to or on your very own island, visitors often have trouble deciding between telling their friends or keeping the knowledge of these sites to themselves. For those looking for adventures during the day with more modern amenities after the sun sets, there are also plenty of Upper Saranac Lake vacation rentals with equally beautiful waterfront settings.

Fact check

• Total distance: about 8 miles
• No portages
• Flatwater
• One-way
• Motorboat access is available at the Saranac Inn Boat Launch
• Approximately 10 primitive first come, first served camping sites available

Recommended Resources: Adirondack Paddler’s Map: The Saranac Lakes