Enjoy new fall views from the water

Fall foliage is often associated with sweeping mountain views from high vistas or scenic drives on winding roads. While these are great ways to take in the colors, few things beat the scenery you’ll see on a crisp autumn paddle. Much like a bucolic field, lakes and ponds provide a wide-open space that allows you to gaze out onto the distant mountainsides. And like a windy country road, snaking rivers pass beneath colorful canopies of changing trees. Whether you opt for a canoe, kayak, or SUP, paddling is an excellent way to take in the beauty of fall while enjoying peace and tranquility unmatched anywhere other than on the water. 

While any fall paddle in the Saranac Lake region will be magnificent thanks to the surrounding mountains and pristine waterways, some paddles offer more color than others thanks to the mix of shoreline trees. If you’re looking to get the most leaf peeping out of your paddle, check out these three routes.

Saranac River - Saranac Lake to the Moose Pond Footbridge

Beautiful at any time of day, this paddle is particularly impressive on a cool fall morning when the mist is rising and the sun’s rays are reflecting off the placid surface. This is a one-way paddle, so you’ll need to stage a car at the Moose Pond Footbridge before making your way to the Dorsey Street parking lot. You can launch from the dock just off the parking lot or from the park at the corner of Pine Street and Bloomingdale Ave. 

At this point you will be just below the Lake Flower dam and the current will do most of the work for you as you float past the buildings and walkways of downtown Saranac Lake. The current will pick up to class one rapids in places, but these sections will be brief. Before you know it, the village will be behind you and you’ll be immersed in nature, bright red trees lining the shore. Despite following closely alongside the road at times, this is an excellent paddle for seeing wildlife. From birds to small mammals — I even saw a moose one time — this serenity of the Saranac River makes it an ideal home for critters of all shapes and sizes.

As the river widens, take a moment to look around and enjoy the scenery around you. At times, mountains will be visible in the distance, adding even more color to the spectacular palette around you. For miles the river will twist and wind until, at the five mile mark, you see the Moose Pond Footbridge. Take out immediately before the bridge on the left. At this point, you can call your leaf peeping done or hike the 1.3-mile trail to the shores of Moose Pond for a two-sport day and even more great views.

• Mileage: 5 miles one-way
• Water type: River

Second Pond to Lake Flower

This is my favorite paddle in any season, but especially in the fall when crisp air and colorful leaves add even more magic to this paddle-perfect route. Start at the Second Pond boat launch off Route 3, just outside Saranac Lake. The primary parking area for the Saranac Lake Islands Campground, this is a popular jumping-off point for many adventures on the Saranac chain of lakes. If paddled one way, you will need to stage a vehicle at the Lake Flower Boat Launch.

From the boat launch, head right and paddle directly toward mountain views as you make your way onto Second Pond. At the end of this small pond you’ll move from open water onto a narrow section of the Saranac River. While the views aren’t as expansive, the close branches bring the color directly to you. You’ll pass lean-tos tucked back into the woods, giant boulders rising from the water, and picturesque switchbacks where you’ll weave through tall grasses.

At approximately 2.25 miles you’ll come to the Lower Locks, a unique feature of the Saranac River. While you can pass through the locks, most paddlers opt for the brief portage around, located on the right hand side. When you put back in, you’ll be on Oseetah Lake. With several islands and excellent views of several High Peaks, this is one of the best spots for viewing large expanses of vibrant leaves. If you find yourself feeling jealous of those with lake houses overlooking this stunning scene, you are not alone!

At the far end of the lake, a channel leads into a lower section of Oseetah and then yet another channel flows into Lake Flower. Each section of open water provides a new colorful horizon to gawk at. Once on Lake Flower, enjoy the excellent and colorful views of the McKenzie range and Baker Mountain before you head straight for downtown Saranac Lake. Take out at the Lake Flower Boat Launch and then treat yourself to a well-earned meal or drink downtown.

• Mileage: 6.6 miles one-way
• Water type: Open water & river

Upper & Lower St. Regis Lakes

Luxury meets wilderness on Upper and Lower St. Regis Lakes. A unique combination of pristine protected wilderness and some of the most expensive homes and camps in the region, a paddle on the St. Regis Lakes is a great way to take in the fall views and experience the full dichotomy of the Adirondack Park. 

Start at the public boat launch next to the St. Regis Yacht Club off Route 30 in Lake Clear. This is a true meandering paddle. Explore Upper St. Regis first. Stick left past Ward Island into Spring Bay for views of St. Regis Mountain and its summit firetower. Explore even farther into North Bay or loop back and paddle around Penfold Bay before squeezing through the channel into Spitfire Lake and then Lower St. Regis Lake, where you’ll find Paul Smith’s College and several lean-tos dotting the shoreline.

The wide-open waters of the lakes offer great views of the surrounding red, yellow, and orange trees, as well as ample inspiration for your dream lake home. The rivers and streams that branch off the lakes provide miles of peaceful backcountry paddling that add a sense of true exploration to your trip — and increase your chances of spotting wildlife! There are many opportunities for extending this trip as well, linking up with other water bodies via connecting waterways and portages. 

This is a trip that could last all day if you bring a picnic or just a few short hours in the morning or evening when the golden light of fall alights the changing leaves just right.

• Mileage: Varies - this is an out-and-back paddle
• Water type: Open water & channel

While the stunning scenery promises to be distracting, it’s important to remember paddling safety. All passengers must have a personal floatation device (PFD) on or with them in the boat. Due to colder air and water temperatures, actually wearing the PFD is always preferable in case a turnover occurs and is required by law starting November 1. If you do get wet, get to land and get warm and dry as soon as possible. And, as always, remember to Love Your ADK while you’re enjoying the outdoors!

If you’ve never experienced the wonder of fall from the water, don’t let another autumn pass you by. Load up your boat, or rent one from a local outfitter, and hit the water while the leaves are nearing peak. If you’ve never paddled before, consider hiring a local guide to take you on one of these or another Adirondack adventure. And if it’s misty mornings or golden sunsets you seek, consider booking a stay close by to minimize your pre or post-paddle drive time.