Adirondacks State Park

Photos: Top Ten U.S. Rivers for Rafting

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Oswegatchie River
This area is known for the virgin white pines that tower over the waterway above High Falls. Starting at Inlet, you must first paddle upstream on this scenic winding river. Stopping at one of the campsites along the way may be more enjoyable than staying in the High Falls area, which is often filled to capacity. Above the falls you leave the crowds behind as you lift over beaver dams, paddling deeper into a remote wilderness.

This 40-mile round-trip paddle takes a minimum of three days: two days up and one day down. The many hiking trails winding though the area are accessible at several points along the river.

Lows Lake/Bog River Flow
Just getting into Lows Lake is an adventure. From the lower dam this 11-mile paddle, with one short carry at the upper dam, traverses a beautiful narrow waterway. The wide expanse of Lows Lake then opens up with marshes to the south and a backdrop of rugged mountains to the north. Islands and bays provide refuge when it's windy. There are 39 designated campsites.

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For the ambitious, a three-mile carry at the west end of the lake leads to the Upper Oswegatchie River. Your reward is huge white pines, vast wilderness and an 18-mile downstream cruise to Inlet.

Bog River
The lower Bog has seven miles of technical Class III water, which includes unrunnable drops at 6' Split Rock Falls and 30' Pa's Falls. High water levels and expert level skills are required.

Lake Lila
This beautiful lake has 17 designated campsites and is surrounded by state land. There are seven islands, tall white pines and sandy beaches. A 0.3-mile carry leads from the parking area to the sandy launch site. For a great view, take a 1.6-mile hike up to a cliff 500 feet above the lake.

Raquette Lake
The many bays of this large lake will provide hours of exploration. Along the way you're sure to spot a Great Camp. Take the time to paddle the two-mile channel of South Inlet. To the west, Browns Tract Inlet winds through a march to a one-mile carry that connects to Eighth Lake on the Fulton Chain. From the northeast outlet bay a half-mile carry leads to Forked Lake.
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Forked Lake
The shores of this lake are mostly privately owned and undeveloped. State land borders the southeast shore and the east and west end of this beautiful seven-mile lake. To continue down the Raquette, you must carry 1.5 miles. This is followed by a combination of short carries, flatwater and Class II rapids to Long Lake.

Big Brook
This 4.7-mile cruise passes through a scenic corridor lined with white pine, red spruce and balsam fir. It is a route best done at high water in the spring.

Blue Mountain Lake
Paddle among the many small islands on this mountain-ringed lake before heading west to the outlet and into narrow Eagle and Utowana lakes. A half-mile carry at the west end of the lakes follows the route of a former railroad. The Marion River, canoeable in either direction, winds its way through meadow and marsh to Raquette Lake.

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