Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The paddling route
Launch at the state's Second Pond Boat Launch on NY 3, 3.5 miles west of the village of Saranac Lake, and paddle east across Second Pond into the Saranac River. The river winds through marsh and woods to the Lower Locks, where it drops into Oseetah Lake. Beyond the lock, cross the open water of Oseetah Lake, with McKenzie Mountain to the north, and follow the narrowing lake north into Lake Flower, past wooded shores and cottages to the state boat launch beside Route 86 in the village.
It is 6.9 miles (11.1 km) one way; allow about 2½ hours in a canoe or kayak and 3¼ on a paddleboard, including the lock. The grade is Moderate: the river is sheltered, but Oseetah Lake is open, and a north wind blows straight down it.
The Lower Locks are run by the state and are free. In season a lock tender is usually there; if not, follow the posted instructions to work the lock by hand, which takes about 15 minutes, or carry round on the short path beside it. The lock is not worked in winter. Motorboats use the whole route, so keep right in the river and wait your turn at the lock. New York law requires boats, canoes and kayaks to be cleaned and drained before launching. Wear a life jacket and check the conditions before you set off.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap waterways (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Down the Saranac River from Second Pond through the state's Lower Locks into Oseetah Lake
- Across Oseetah Lake under McKenzie Mountain and into Lake Flower at the village of Saranac Lake
- The lock is free; a lock tender works it in season, and there are posted instructions to work it yourself
- Motorboats use the whole chain of lakes
On the water
- Put in: Second Pond Boat Launch (slipway) 44.28736, -74.18462
- Take out: Lake Flower Boat Launch (slipway) 44.32333, -74.12613
- Lock: Saranac River · 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from the start · through the lock, or carry round
- Rules and licences: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Check whether you need a licence before you go: on many inland waters in England and Wales you do, and Paddle UK membership includes one for many of them.
- Suits canoes, kayaks, paddleboards.
Getting there
Start: Second Pond Boat Launch. 44.28736, -74.18462
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Tupper Lake: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Water levels, flow and the weather decide the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; wear a buoyancy aid, check the river levels and the forecast, keep well clear of weirs and powered boats, and don't go out in flood.